Bee Macau, described as “Macau’s first playing card factory”, has entered full-scale production, according to a Thursday press release.
It is said to involve a circa HKD500-million (US$63.8-million) investment.
“After successful test runs and early exports to regional Asian gaming operators, the manufacturing facility positions Macau not only as a global gaming hub, but also as a producer of high‑quality gaming supplies,” added the statement.
Bee Macau is described as a joint venture between Belgium-based card maker Cartamundi group and Hong Kong-listed Asia Pioneer Entertainment Holdings Ltd (APE), which has a Macau base and covers business segments including distribution of third-party gaming technology.
Cartamundi acquired the United States Playing Card Co – long associated with the Bee brand – in December 2019, according to a Cartamundi announcement at the time.
The Macau factory produces Bee-brand “casino-grade” playing cards “100 percent locally,” per the update, which added the facility was “positioned to serve Macau’s six major gaming operators as well as other gaming operators worldwide”.
Herman Ng Man Ho, executive director and chief executive of APE, was cited as saying: “With Bee Macau, the market finally gains a local choice in playing card manufacturing, opening the door to true greater diversity.”
He added: “As a Macau-based company, we are proud that Cartamundi has entrusted us with world-class technology and training, bringing global expertise to Macau.”
The Bee Macau facility is said to be equipped with advanced automation, artificial intelligence technology, and robotic systems, and operated by a “skilled local team”.
Jason Pearce, managing director of Cartamundi Asia Pacific, was quoted as saying: “We are proud to produce Bee in Macau.
“This marks not only a leap in efficiency and quality, but also a strong commitment to Macau.”
He added: “As the world’s largest gaming market, Macau has long relied on imported playing cards, creating supply chain risks.
“With Bee Macau now in full production, operators now have a viable local solution. We offer operators a 100 percent ‘made in Macau’’ solution, built to the highest global standards of security and precision.”
In March this year, Cartamundi signed a strategic cooperation agreement with APE, aimed at introducing sustainable production technologies to the city.
