Sony UK Technology Centre (UK TEC) has wrapped up a landmark 2024, celebrating 50 years of Sony in Wales and 30 years at its Pencoed facility with a series of remarkable achievements. From hosting a royal visit by King Charles III to raising nearly £58,000 for its nominated charity, the Princess of Wales Hospital Children’s Ward, and earning international recognition for its sustainability efforts, the facility has cemented its position as a leader in innovation, community impact, and environmental excellence.
As its 50:30 anniversary celebrations draw to a close, 2024 has been a milestone year for the technology giant. Coinciding with its anniversary celebrations, Sony UK TEC welcomed a royal visit from King Charles III, a fitting recognition of the facility’s longstanding presence in Wales.
His Majesty, who played a pivotal role in bringing Sony to Wales in the 1970s, toured the 30,000m² facility and marked a significant production milestone by completing the 30,000th High-Definition Camera unit. This visit underscored Sony UK TEC’s contribution to the local economy, high-skilled employment, and cutting-edge technology over the past five decades.
Its anniversary celebrations also included a vibrant Family & Friends Fun Day, attended by over 1,000 guests, and hosted by Wynne Evans. The day started with a kagami biraki (ceremonial sake barrel breaking) ceremony, symbolising the unity of Sony’s Welsh and Japanese heritage. Activities ranged from factory tours to coding workshops, reflecting the site’s dedication to community engagement and innovation.
During the year, Sony UK TEC further cemented its role as a force for good in the community, raising an impressive £57,932 for its nominated charity, the Princess of Wales Hospital Children’s Ward. These funds were raised through a series of community-focused events, including Charity Football and Golf Days, the Family & Friends Fun Day, and a 30-mile Charity Walk. It also extended its charitable efforts to support a range of causes, including Save the Children’s Christmas Jumper Day, Bridgend’s The Bridge Mentoring Plus Scheme, Hope Rescue, Pride Cymru, and the Great Daffodil Appeal.
Education remained a cornerstone of UK TEC’s impact, with 131 school visits engaging 3,179 pupils throughout the year. These visits form part of the Sony Wales Academy’s broader mission to inspire the next generation through hands-on learning experiences and insights into the world of technology and sustainability.
Sustainability was another defining theme of the year, with Sony UK TEC earning multiple accolades at The International Green Apple Environment Awards, including the prestigious Champion of Champions title. The facility’s sustainability efforts include the installation of 2,400 solar panels, with plans for further expansion, alongside a robust energy use reduction strategy. These initiatives align with Sony’s global goal of achieving a zero environmental footprint by 2040 and reinforce the Pencoed site’s reputation as a leader in environmental excellence.
Rob Wilson, Managing Director of Sony UK Technology Centre, reflected on the anniversary year, saying: “This has been a truly extraordinary year for us. From hosting His Majesty King Charles III to achieving milestones in sustainability, charity, and manufacturing, we’ve celebrated not just our legacy but also the incredible future ahead of us. These achievements are a testament to the dedication and hard work of our team, and we look forward to continuing this momentum into 2025 and beyond.
“We remain committed to driving innovation, fostering sustainability, and strengthening our community ties, setting the stage for an even brighter future.”
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