Sony to manufacture 4K cameras in South Wales
World-class broadcast 4K cameras lare set to be manufactured in Wales for the first time, Sony has announced. The top of the range 4K camera, the HDC-4300, will be produced at Sony UK Technology Centre from this month – marking the first time they have been manufactured outside of Japan.
The news is a significant boost for manufacturing in Wales, showing confidence in the facility’s reputation for innovation as well as the abilities of its highly skilled team.
The Pencoed factory has been producing high-end broadcast technology in South Wales since 1999, manufacturing cameras and camera systems for worldwide distribution and shipping more than 13,000 units every year. The latest 4K models, which recently won an award for their 2/3” 4K Imaging System technology at the 68th Annual Technology & Engineering Emmy Awards, will be shipped from the facility for the first time this month.
Sony UK TEC’s managing director, Steve Dalton OBE, said: “For our facility to have been chosen as the only manufacturer outside of Japan to deliver these next generation cameras is fantastic news for Sony UK TEC. This is one of many new, exciting ventures for our facility and our highly skilled teams, and we welcome this extremely progressive period here at Pencoed. Sony UK TEC was specifically chosen to manufacture this next generation technology thanks to its world-class production capabilities and expertise in creating high-end, low volume, high-value products.
“These cameras are setting the standard in what will be the future of broadcast technology, so this shows confidence in our skilled workforce and the factory’s ability to produce high-end, quality, products for worldwide distribution. Our expert team members have been thoroughly trained in the latest manufacturing techniques making them ideally placed to produce these industry-leading products. At Sony UK TEC we have nurtured our skilled workforce of over 400 team members ensuring they are experienced, constantly innovative and always striving for improvement. We are delighted to bring this progressive technology into Wales, which will once again reaffirm our nation’s reputation as a significant manufacturing force on the global stage.”
Sony UK TEC produces thousands of HD broadcast and professional camera systems each year. It also manufactures state-of-the-art products for external businesses, including energy efficient lighting. In addition, the Pencoed facility houses a Business Incubation Centre and a 30,000 sq ft filming facility – Sony Ffilm Factory 35.