Prince Of Wales Commemorates Sony's 40 Years In Wales

Sony UK Technology Centre (UKTEC) welcomed The Prince of Wales to the site as part of its 40th anniversary celebrations.

As part of the visit The Prince of Wales was welcomed by the site’s Managing Director, Steve Dalton OBE as well as key representatives from the Sony Corporation and Japanese community.  These included Mr Masaru Kato, Vice Chairman of the Sony Corporation, Mr Masaru Tamagawa, President of Sony Europe and His Excellency, Ambassador Hayashi from the Embassy of Japan in the UK.

During the visit, His Royal Highness unveiled a plaque marking four decades of achievement to an invited audience of over 30 guests which included senior Sony executives, individuals from UK and Welsh Government and Bridgend County Borough Council.  In attendance were the Minister for Economy, Science and Transport for Welsh Government Edwina Hart, Labour Member of Parliament for Ogmore, Huw Irranca-Davies MP and the Mayor of Bridgend County Borough Council Councillor, Mr Gary Thomas.

The Prince of Wales and guests were taken on group tours of the 30,000 m2 state-of-the art facility and shown how the site has developed in the forty years it has been present in Wales.

Steve Dalton OBE, commented:  “We are now in our 40th year of Sony being present in Wales.  It is a true honour and a privilege to have The Prince of Wales onsite and join in with our anniversary celebrations.

The engineering and manufacturing industry is continually evolving, and consequently, the site and the products we manufacture have had to reflect this evolution.  I’m pleased to say that the team here understand this and are focused on innovation and change. The team’s loyalty, commitment and hard work have helped grown the organisation.  This is what has aided us in our longevity and success.  It has also has contributed to us remaining sustainable in a competitive market place.

To have His Royal Highness visit the site during his annual summer visit to Wales and show him how the business has grown in this time is extremely exciting.  Like me, I’m sure each and every one working at Sony UKTEC will feel proud that our success can be shown to, no other than, His Royal Highness.  This is a truly momentous occasion for us, which will be treasured."

His Royal Highness originally opened Sony’s first site in Bridgend, Wales in 1974 and Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II opened Sony’s second facility in Pencoed in 1992.