Business as usual at local Sony complex
By James Pletcher Jr. Herald-Standard
Sony Corp.’s announcement that it plans to slash 20,000 jobs internationally may, in the long run, bolster employment at its New Stanton complex.
“Obviously, we don’t anticipate any major layoffs as the result of the announcement made in Japan,’ Mike Koff, manager of corporate communications and public affairs for Sony Technology Center, said.
“In fact, we are continuing to attract new businesses here,’ from other Sony sites.
Koff said the company recently moved its Philadelphia service group that refurbishes televisions and other products to the New Stanton site. “We announced that we would bring a warehouse group from Illinois here, too,’ he added.
Sony Corp. plans to cut 13 percent of its workforce globally over the next three years.
The company hopes the action will boost efficiency and revive its electronics and entertainment businesses and their profits.
Koff said the fact that Sony’s Pittsburgh Technology Center at New Stanton already produces the company’s premier Grand Wega liquid crystal display large screen projection televisions is another “vote of confidence in this plant.’ The television incorporates the latest home entertainment technology.
“There is always the anticipation that there may be the benefit of additional projects coming here from that announcement,’ he said.
Koff said the company presently employs about 2,800 full time workers.
Sony Technology Center consists of the electronics factory, which produces consumer electronics including color TV sets; American Glass Video, which manufactures picture tubes for Sony TVs; Sony Chemicals and Display Systems Service. The company took over the vacant Volkswagen auto manufacturing plant in November 1990.