Sony UK Technology Centre (UKTEC), world-leading manufacturer of professional and broadcast camera systems, welcomed The Prince of Wales to the site as part of its 40^th 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.

During the tour, Mr Dalton showed His Royal Highness the site’s cutting-edge and lean manufacturing techniques and its third-party manufacturing business which is winning multi-million pound deals from the overseas market. Mr Dalton also stressed the Centre’s significant contribution to employment and economic development in South Wales.

Steve Dalton OBE, commented:  “We are now in our 40^th 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.

“Moving forward, we will continue to explore how we can make our processes and techniques more effective and efficient to maintain our reputation for manufacturing excellence.  We will also continue to innovate and diversify our business operations to create both business and employment opportunities in Wales for the future, further ensuring our sustainability and longevity in Wales.”

As well as meeting senior Sony executives and employees from Sony UK Technology Centre, His Royal Highness was introduced to staff from other high-tech companies who have made Sony UK Technology Centre their home at the site’s business incubation centre.

Commenting on the site’s 40^th anniversary celebrations, Welsh Government, Economy Minister, Edwina Hart said: “This is a significant year and milestone for Sony marking forty years since its first facility was opened in Wales and 22 years since the opening of Sony UK Technology Centre.

“As the longest-standing Japanese manufacturer in Wales, Sony has made a significant contribution to the local communities and economy of Wales. During that time it has successfully managed the transition into high value, low volume manufacturing to become a renowned centre of excellence creating high quality skilled jobs. The Welsh Government has a strong working relationship with Sony both here in Wales and in Japan and we are delighted to support the company’s activities in bringing more business and jobs to Wales.”

The royal visit is part of The Prince of Wales and the Duchess of Cornwall’s annual summer visit to Wales, which is taking place this week (Monday 30^th June – Friday 4^th July).  The theme of Their Royal Highnesses visit is "Celebrating Wales, Past, Present and Future".

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.