Richard O. Warther founded Vanguard ID Systems in Downingtown in 1987 after inventing the barcoded key tag, establishing a company known for nearly four decades of specialized U.S. manufacturing. Now under the ownership of Jack and Ariel Lewis, Vanguard carries that print heritage into custom RFID products and variable-data cards made in-house for organizations that rely on identification and tracking programs.
Identity Systems, IncFounded by Judy and Pat Anderson in 1987, Columbus-based Identity Systems manufactures custom name badges and other printed identification and branding products. The woman-owned, family-operated company serves high-volume corporate rollouts from a 40,000-square-foot American manufacturing facility and has supplied Walmart for more than three decades. Its distinctive badge add-ons are an original offering designed to give employee name tags extra shape, color and visibility.COLUMBUS, OH
HI-TECH Business Systems, Inc. dba HI-TECH RFIDIncorporated in Maryland in 1987, HI-TECH Business Systems—doing business as HI-TECH RFID—builds and integrates RFID inventory and asset-tracking systems for military, government, healthcare, and university operations. Its distinctive specialty is secure RFID for sensitive environments, including custom crypto tags designed to prevent cloning and unauthorized reading, with a mechanical switch-off mode that eliminates the tag’s electronic signature. Led by president and founder Bryan T. Meehan Sr., the company says it has installed and integrated systems in more than 3,000 organizations.PERRY HALL, MD
Bristol ID TechnologiesFounded in 1975 as Bristol Graphics, Bristol ID Technologies manufactures custom plastic cards and identification products, including RFID credentials, secure access cards, and gift and loyalty cards. The Lima, New York company moved into a purpose-built facility in 2004 and now combines U.S.-based manufacturing with specialized card printing and materials expertise. Its offerings also include unusual applications such as foldable fundraising cards and environmentally minded degradable card materials.LIMA, NY
The IRIS CompaniesFounded in 1981 in Fleetwood, Pennsylvania, family-owned The IRIS Companies supplies secure identification and credentialing systems, including custom ID badges and the printers used to produce them. Its in-house manufacturing, large inventory and same-day nationwide shipping support organizations that need credentials without a long wait, while its technical team provides ongoing help for the equipment and programs it sells. With more than 40 years in the field, IRIS also handles on-demand card printing and fulfillment for customers that prefer to outsource issuance.323111FLEETWOOD, PA