Sony UK Technology Centre’s (UK Tec), Global Supply Chain Division, in association with the Electronics and Software Technologies Network ,the ESTnet, will be hosting its inaugural Sourcing Supply Exhibition and Dinner on 28th June 2012, at The Vale Hotel, Hensol, Cardiff.
The event will be the first of its kind in Wales intends to develop, expand and sustain the technology industry’s supply chain. One of the aims is to re-grow the vendor base within Wales to enable the greater provision of business continuity within the technology sector.
Business people from across the UK and Europe are expected to attend to view the latest products and to listen to advice from experienced and influential speakers, including Ian Menzies, Chairman of the ESTnet and Senior Capability Director, General Dynamics UK Ltd and Steve Dalton OBE, Managing Director, Sony UK Technology Centre.
Rob Wilson, General Manager at Sony stated: “We have been engaging with the ESTnet and its members, to encourage other manufacturers and organisations within the technology sector to source locally. Today, a high percentage of materials required in the technology sector are sourced from outside Europe. As a result, this can increase material lead times, potentially inflate inventory levels and reduce flexibility in the entire supply chain. At this event we will start to address these issues, raising awareness of the benefits of localising and simplifying the supply chain process. This will help to reduce wastage from minimum order quantities, decrease the cost of materials and mitigate manufacturing concerns such as product lead times.
“Collectively, we would like to re-grow and develop the local vendor base, so that, by 2015 over 50% of materials are sourced as locally as possible. Furthermore, if successful this new initiative will increase the sustainability and longevity of the supply chain and have a positive effect on the economy in Wales.”
Avril Lewis, Managing Director of the ESTnet said: “At the exhibition and dinner, attendees will be provided with the chance to network with like-minded business individuals, all of which share this common goal of sourcing local suppliers. A selection of ESTnet’s Premier Members including Axiom, IQE and Electronic Motion Systems and General Dynamics UK Ltd will be exhibiting some of the latest products, materials and services available to the technology sector.
“We are delighted to be working in collaboration with Sony to re-establish the local supply chain. ESTnet and Sony look forward to welcoming those that are able to attend. We believe it will be an informative exhibition with substantial networking opportunities for all.”
Steve Dalton, Managing Director, Sony UK Technology Centre, concluded; “Today, the supply chain is a fundamental part of any manufacturer, electronic or software technology organisation’s business growth and development. The failure to source local components could severely impact an organisation’s cost per unit, profitability, flexibility and a company’s ability to provide goods should external influences have an impact on production delivery. Events such as this, help to raise awareness of the demands on the supply chain in Wales and will assist to re-grow Wales’ vendor base so that it’s much more sustainable.”