Research centre to be launched at Sony

A NEW research centre giving a glimpse into the factories of the future will be launched at Sony’s plant near Bridgend.

The Pencoed-based facility produces thousands of high-definition broadcast and professional camera systems annually, including the latest 4K broadcast cameras.

But it has now launched the Advanced Manufacturing Research Operations Centre (Amroc) in partnership with Sony Global Manufacturing & Operations Corporation in Japan.

The Amroc project will pioneer processes focused on the fourth generation of manufacturing. It will enable the Sony UK Technology Centre (Sony UK Tec) to improve processes using the latest “internet of things” technology, which has seen an increasing number of devices – including household appliances and industrial machines – connected to the internet.

Steve Dalton, Sony UK TEC’s managing director, said: “Being chosen to carry out this vital research as a collaborative partner with our headquarters puts Sony UK TEC on the map, not just in Wales but on the global manufacturing stage, which is something we are rightly proud of.

“It is also a testament to our highly skilled workforce, who have set themselves apart thanks to their unparalleled knowledge and abilities.”

Sony UK TEC gained praise when it became the only Sony factory outside Japan to manufacture state-of-the-art next-generation 4K cameras.

Bosses hope the latest innovation will also lead to benefits for future generations of workers in the fast-developing industry.

Meanwhile, the HDC-4300 cameras are also being produced at Sony this month.