This year, on 8th September 2022, HM Queen Elizabeth II, Britain’s longest-reigning monarch sadly passed away. Sony’s UK Technology Centre (UK TEC) would therefore like to send sincere condolences to the British Royal family and join the British people and members of the Commonwealth in mourning the loss of our beloved Queen.

Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II at the Sony Pencoed Opening Ceremony in 1993, alongside Sony co-founder, Akio Morita

UK TEC’s Pencoed manufacturing facility was opened by Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II in 1993.

Our rich Sony connections with the late Queen and the British Royal family span five decades with the original manufacturing site in Bridgend being opened by His Royal Highness, King Charles III (then Prince of Wales) in 1974.

A photo from the opening of the Sony UK Technology centre building in 1992. At the centre of the photo is Her Late Majesty Queen Elizabeth the second dressed in a green dress wearing a matching hat who is walking down a white corrior. Next to her, to the left, walks one of Sony's founding fathers, Mr. Akio Morita dressed in a black suit. On Her Late Majesty's right is a local manager wearing a Sony uniform. There is a group of people walking behind them.

Steve Dalton OBE, Managing Director of UK TEC commemorating HM Queen Elizabeth II:

“It was with extreme sadness the breaking news of the unfortunate passing away of HM Queen Elizabeth II.

“We at Sony have had a very close relationship with the Royal Family from the very beginning of our operations in the UK over 50 years ago. Following a conversation between HRH Prince Charles, Prince of Wales (at that time) and now, King Charles III, with one of Sony’s Founders, the late Akio Morita KBE, in Japan in 1970, the now, King Charles III officially opened our Bridgend facility in 1974 and returned to our Pencoed site in 2014 to celebrate 40 years of Sony’s Wales operations and 20 years of the Pencoed facility.

“HM Queen Elizabeth II visited and officially opened our Pencoed operations in 1993, charming many who were fortunate enough to greet her on the tour route. Culminating in an opening ceremony with several hundreds of our Team Players and many dignitaries in attendance to witness a dazzling light show. A day many of us lucky to be there will never forget.

“I, personally, had the wonderful and fortunate opportunity to meet HM the Queen at a reception in Buckingham Palace, along with her late husband HRH Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh. It was notable that everyone received the same warm and welcoming attention as if you were a dear friend.

“We send our sincere condolences to all of the Royal Family at this time of mourning.”

Kenichiro Yoshida, Chairman, President and CEO, Sony Group Corporation also sent his condolences in the following words:

“The Sony Group and its group companies, including Sony Europe, extend their heartfelt condolences regarding the passing of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II.

“Sony has been operating in the UK for over 50 years and it was a great honour for us to have Her Majesty visit our UK Technology Centre in Pencoed, Wales in 1993.

“We would like to express our deepest gratitude for the Queen’s support over the years and offer our sincere condolences to the Royal Family and the people of the United Kingdom during this time.” 

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