Sony Launches $50 Million Production Operation For Only U.S.-Made Color Computer Picture Tubes.

SAN DIEGO, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Aug. 21, 1995--Sony Electronics Inc. unveiled a new, state-of-the-art production operation today at its San Diego Manufacturing Center for 17-inch Trinitron(R) computer display cathode ray tubes (CRTs). The operation, which represents an investment of more than $50 million, distinguishes Sony Electronics as the only U.S. manufacturer of color CRTs for computer displays, and the first Sony company worldwide to manufacture computer CRTs outside of Japan. Three hundred new employees were hired, bringing total employment at the San Diego Manufacturing Center to over 2,500.

Mayor Susan Golding, City of San Diego, Kenji Tanaka, senior managing director, Sony Inazawa, Yasuhiro Hosozawa, general manager, Sony Display Device, Components Company, Sony Corporation, Ramesh Amin, senior vice president, Display Components Group, Sony Electronics Inc.; Yoshi Otsuka, director, Display CRT, Sony Electronics Inc.; and Dennis O'Connell, director Site Engineering, Sony ELectronics Inc. cut the ribbon on the line at a special ceremony at the San Diego plant this afternoon, officially commencing production.

"Mayor Susan Golding and the San Diego Economic Development Corporation deserve a hearty thanks from Sony for their cooperation in helping us obtain the necessary permits and authorizations to complete this project on schedule," Amin said. "The City of San Diego has demonstrated once again that it is serious about supporting the growth of its business community. Sony owes a debt of gratitude to Representative Randy "Duke" Cunningham (R-51-CA), as well, for his ongoing support of our operations."

Representative Cunningham said, "California welcomes world-class manufacturers like Sony. Not only is this investment significant for Sony, San Diego and California, but it represents a vote of confidence in U.S. manufacturing as well."

With the new production lines, Sony's San Diego Manufacturing Center now houses all the necessary functions and processes to completely produce a computer monitor -- from design and engineering to CRT manufacturing and monitor assembly.

"With over 20 years experience in the engineering and production of high-tech products, we have a highly skilled workforce and the technological infrastructure to support higher-value-added manufacturing," Amin said.

"This new operation better enables Sony to more quickly respond to the needs of its customers, and strengthens our position in the growing computer display business," he added. "With a complete design and manufacturing facility in the U.S., the world's fastest growing computer peripherals market, Sony is in a unique position to develop and produce display products that will satisfy the specific demands of the American market now and in the future."

Sony is considered a market leader in graphic displays and offers a diverse line of computer monitors. The CRTs now being manufactured in San Diego are the main component in high resolution computer displays, such as those used in graphic design and other demanding display applications. These Super Fine Pitch(TM) CRTs feature Sony's award-winning Trinitron technology for unsurpassed color, clarity and brightness.

The San Diego Manufacturing Center, which was established in 1972, employs approximately 2,500 people. The facility produces color television sets, color television and computer display picture tubes, computer and graphics display monitors, optical storage products and wireless communication products. In a joint venture with San Diego-based Qualcomm, Inc., Sony will also be engineering and producing digital, cellular and personal communication services products on the San Diego site.

Sony Electronics Inc., which was established in 1960, designs, engineers, manufactures and markets a wide range of consumer and professional electronics products and recording media. The company achieved nearly $8 billion in sales in fiscal year 1994 and employs about 17,000 in the U.S. and Mexico.

CONTACT: Sony Electronics Inc.

Grace Ann Arnold, 201/930-7160

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Technology Solutions Inc.

Jennifer Sandretto, 415/617-4514