Japan’s UK Ambassador to the UK has visited manufacturing giant Sony UK Technology Centre, on his first visit to the plant in Wales.
Ambassador H.E Hayashi Hajime visited Wales on 8th November 2022 to mark 50 years of Japanese investment into Wales. During his trip, the Ambassador who was appointed to the role in December 2020. He also held a meeting with the Minister for Economy, Vaughan Gething, MS where they discussed future trade opportunities between our two nations.
To celebrate some of the long-term shared artistic, economic, cultural, and technological successes of the relationship between Wales and Japan, the Ambassador visited various organisations and institutions, including food and drinks brand Princess Group, and Cardiff University. Mr. Hajime also took part in the 60th Anniversary celebrations at Atlantic College in Llantwit Major, providing the opportunity to meet Japanese Students that are currently studying at the college.
His trip also saw him visit global manufacturing leader Sony UK TEC, based in Pencoed, which manufactures market-leading Sony Broadcast and Professional Audio & Video products for worldwide distribution.
Accompanying him to the facility were Mr. Hiroaki Takano, Second Secretary, Economic Section, Embassy of Japan in the U.K; Mr. Keith Dunn OBE, Honorary Consul for Japan in Wales; Vice Lord- Lieutenant for Mid Glamorgan, Mr. Philip Hubbard OBE DL; and Mr. Stuart Lyden, Welsh Government. The dignitaries met the plant’s newly appointed Managing Director, Mr. Rob Wilson, and his Senior Leadership team, and experienced a tour of the manufacturing facility.
Throughout this session, the Ambassador saw in action the highly skilled teams and cutting-edge processes required to deliver the latest high-end technology to market, including Sony’s world-class broadcast equipment, as well as products of Sony UK TEC’s contract manufacturing customers – Raspberry Pi computers, smart city technology innovator Telensa, and office solution technology Nimway among others.
The Ambassador was privy to the collaborative efforts from Sony’s teams to maintain high quality at the facility, as well as the passion exhibited by Sony UK TEC’s team players.
Managing Director, Rob Wilson said the visit had been “insightful” to the collaborative effort between Wales and Japan and “inspired him” to progress innovations within the company.
He said: “The Ambassador’s visit truly shines a light on the fantastic collaborative work that Japan and Wales are undertaking, and the incredible things we can continue to achieve if we continue to work together.”
“We at Sony were honoured to welcome the Ambassador to our facility and showcase our highly successful operation, which encompasses the diverse spectrum of both modern Wales and Japan.
“I’m sure I speak for everyone involved, when I say that the day was incredibly enjoyable and informative for everyone who was in attendance. We look forward to welcoming Mr. Hajime and honoured guests here again in the future.”
