WIREDGOV

Secretary of State for Wales Peter Hain saw the latest world leading digital technologies - made in Wales - when he visited the Sony UK Technology Centre in Bridgend.

As Wales is set to become the first digital nation of the UK, Mr Hain was given a preview of the latest digital products to be produced in Wales. During his visit to the centre which employs 330 staff, Mr Hain saw first hand the latest digital high-definition receivers for the home and hi-definition cameras produced at the plant.

The Sony UK Technology Centre is the only facility outside of Japan to produce High Definition Camera units, which include the latest Blue Ray Disc technology. These broadcast cameras produced at the Pencoed plant were used in this year’s Rio Carnival, making it the first event to be captured in 3D. The plant has also just won a contract to provide outdoor broadcast vans for the 2010 Commonwealth Games.

Speaking following the visit, Mr Hain said: “The facilities at the Technology Centre in Pencoed are truly state of the art. They show how the centre has successfully made the transition over recent years from television assembly to the development of state of the art next generation products. The centre prides itself in the continuous expansion of its range of products further enhancing the skillbase of its workforce and this can only be good news for the local economy.

“As Cardiff prepares to become the first digital capital city in the UK, and Wales the first digital nation, it is clear that the country is in a great position to capitalise on the technical expertise available in Sony. I’m confident that Sony in Pencoed will continue putting Wales at the forefront of digital technologies.”