Wolfson beefs up presence in Japan

Published on Monday 9 November 2009 20:46

EDINBURGH-based Wolfson Microelectronics has expanded its presence in Japan by opening a new semiconductor development centre in Yokohama.

The development centre is staffed by a team of experienced mixed-signal engineers, whose aim is to expand and enhance Wolfson's product portfolio and help ensure the company's continued growth in Japan, one of the world's most advanced consumer electronics market.

Wolfson chief executive Mike Hickey said: "The new development centre presents an excellent opportunity to affirm our presence in Japan and ensure our proximity to new and existing Japanese customers.

"Japan is at the forefront of a wide range of consumer electronics technologies, including printers, digital still cameras, mobile phones and gaming consoles. With our recently- recruited team of engineers, we will strengthen relationships with our customers in Japan, designing and developing solutions which will help them continue to create revolutionary consumer electronics products."

The development centre is located within Wolfson's Yokohama facility, and complements the existing sales organisation in Japan.

To mark the official opening, Hickey hosted a VIP reception at the British Embassy in Tokyo last week. The announcement marks a push into new markets after the loss of its biggest customer – the Apple iPhone – hit profits last month.

Wolfson, which was spun out of Edinburgh University in 1984, fell to a $1.5 million ( 915,000) loss in the three months to 4 October, against an $8.3m pre-tax profit a year earlier. Sales dropped to $35.4m compared with $60.5m a year earlier.

Wolfson's shares were up 4.1 per cent to 119.75p.