Thorofare, N.J. – November 29, 2007 – Checkpoint Systems, Inc. (NYSE:CKP), which has been providing a range of award-winning security and productivity products to the library profession since 1967, has entered into a global strategic sales and marketing alliance with 3M (NYSE:MMM) that enables Checkpoint to implement a bold new strategy for serving the library marketplace on two fronts.
Checkpoint initiated discussions with 3M about a possible alliance earlier this year, laying out a proposal for how the two organizations could work together to deliver improved value and service to their customers. Under terms of the recently announced agreement, 3M will become the exclusive worldwide sales and service provider of Checkpoint’s line of library security and productivity products. This important strategic sales and marketing alliance now positions Checkpoint to deploy a two-pronged strategy for expanding its services to the library community.
The Checkpoint products that will be exclusively distributed to libraries by 3M, effective January 1, 2008, include electromagnetic (EM) and radio frequency security systems and accessories, self-service solutions, RFID systems, media storage solutions, personal computer management software and other library products. In addition, in 2008, 3M will introduce to the library marketplace The Library Advocate, a new Web-based library productivity software solution from Checkpoint.
Checkpoint will continue to own its brands and maintain the company’s 40 year-old commitment to ongoing research and development for the library community.
According to Jermyn, Checkpoint’s groundbreaking patron services offering -- "Youniquely 4 U" (Y4U) -- enables libraries to offer their current programs and information in a more relevant way to patrons, based on their unique interests and needs. Y4U is an innovative library programming service that provides libraries with the mechanism to help their patrons self-direct certain activities within the library that support their unique information and entertainment needs, in large public library systems from coast to coast. The service is free to patrons and registration consists of merely completing a brief online questionnaire that is uploaded to the Y4U Web site.
"To effectively serve the breadth of community needs on a one by one patron basis, today’s libraries demand a growing array of products, services and partnerships that are more focused on patrons as consumers, growing beyond their historical role of supplying books and information to the public," said Jermyn. "We’re very encouraged by the early response to Y4U and are optimistic about its long-term potential as we roll out the service to libraries in every state and county nationwide," said Jermyn.
About 3M – A Global, Diversified Technology Company
Every day, 3M people find new ways to make amazing things happen. Wherever they are, whatever they do, the company’s customers know they can rely on 3M to help make their lives better. 3M's brands include Scotch, Post-it, Scotchgard, Thinsulate, Scotch-Brite, Filtrete, Command and Vikuiti. Serving customers around the world, the people of 3M use their expertise, technologies and global strength to lead in major markets, including consumer and office; display and graphics; electronics and telecommunications; safety, security and protection services; health care; industrial and transportation. For more information, including the latest product and technology news, visit www.3M.com.
About Checkpoint Systems
Checkpoint’s Patron Services division is the leading provider of technology-driven patron services for libraries in North America and is leading the library profession into a new era of professional marketing to its customers. Checkpoint Systems is a leading manufacturer and marketer of identification, tracking, security and merchandising solutions for the retail industry and its supply chain. Checkpoint’s services are aimed at increasing sales and protecting the profits of its customers. Listed on the NYSE (NYSE:CKP), Checkpoint operates in every geographic market and employs 3,200 people worldwide. For more information, please go to www.checkpointsystems.com.
