Harman Intl fka HAR

[TheyCallMeBruce]

HARMAN Opens New Chinese Manufacturing Facility to Support Rapid Growth...

BusinessWire, GlobeNewswire and PR Newswire News

Thu Nov 10 2011 9:12:04 AM EST
BusinessWire, GlobeNewswire and PR Newswire News
Harman International Industries Inc HAR:NYSE
HARMAN Opens New Chinese Manufacturing Facility to Support Rapid Growth in Automotive and Infrastructure Projects
BusinessWire
9:11 AM ET
HARMAN International Industries today officially inaugurated its new Dandong Manufacturing Facility, part of HARMAN's second wave of investment plan representing additional $100 million to bolster manufacturing and research capabilities in China. In addition to customer representatives, officials from state, regional and local levels of government joined HARMAN executives for today's ceremony. HARMAN will use the facility as a manufacturing hub in the development of electronic components and audio systems for the world's leading automakers and professional audio customers.

Two manufacturing facilities will be housed within the 460,000 square feet facility, which was built specifically to meet HAR MAN's global audio quality standards. The automotive factory at Dandong will produce advanced audio components and systems to meet the increasing demand from not only western and Asian automakers but Chinese automakers as well. In the past year, HARMAN has announced contracts for premium branded audio systems from Chinese automakers such as Geely Motors, BYD, and Dongfeng Passenger Vehicle. The second operation in Dandong will house manufacturing for audio electronics and loudspeakers sold under a range of HARMAN's premium brands in the Professional and Consumer sectors. China's rapid economic growth is driving investments in infrastructure, and HARMAN is playing a key role in servicing the growing requirement for world-class audio solutions at venues such as airports and rail stations, hotels, cinemas, entertainment and sporting complexes, performing arts centers, and meg aprojects such as the upcoming Shanghai Disney theme park.

"We have been operating in China for more than 20 years and the opening our new facility in Dandong is another example of our long term commitment to serve our global and local customers in China," said Dinesh C. Paliwal, the Company's Chairman, President and CEO. "The facility in Dandong will continue HARMAN's tradition of developing products and technologies tailored for the specific needs of our customers. Dandong's robust infrastructure, skilled workforce and government support, coupled with HARMAN's technology leadership and expertise, gives us the confidence in delivering the best value in manufacturing services to our customers worldwide."

Dandong is the fourth Chinese city to house a HARMAN facility, as the company maintains manufacturing and R&D operations in Shanghai, Suzhou and Shenzhen, and employs more than 1,200 people in China. The company's expanded investment plan follows its successful participation as a supplier and sponsor to the 2010 Shanghai World Expo, landmark audio installations at the 2008 Beijing Olympics and recent China National Day Celebration. HARMAN serves numerous automotive and professional audio customers in China, and was Platinum Sponsor for the 2011 Miss Universe China Pageant. China's legendary musician Professor Liu Huan serves as the ambassador for HARMAN's iconic JBL and Harman Kardon brands.

About HARMAN

HARMAN (www.HARMAN.com) designs, manufactures and markets a wide range of audio and infotainment solutions for the automotive, consumer and professional markets -- supported by 15 leading brands, including AKG, Harman Kardon, Infinity, JBL, Lexicon and Mark Levinson. The company is admired by audiophiles across multiple generations and supports leading professional entertainers and the venues where they perform. More than 20 million automobiles on the road today are equipped with HARMAN audio and infotainment systems. HARMAN has a workforce of about 12,000 people across the Americas, Europe and Asia, and reported sales of $4.0 billion for the 12 months ended September 30, 2011. The company's shares are traded on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol NYSE: HAR.

(C) 2011 HARMAN International Industries, Incorporated. All rights reserved. Harman Kardon, Infinity, JBL, Lexicon and Mark Levinson are trademarks of HARMAN International Industries, Incorporated, registered in the United States and/or other countries. AKG is a trademark of AKG Acoustics GmbH, registered in the United States and/or other countries. Features, specifications and appearance are subject to change without notice.

For more information: HARMAN.com

HAR-C

SOURCE: HARMAN International Industries

HARMAN Corporate Communications Darrin Shewchuk, 203-328-3834 [e-mail] or Burson-Marsteller Seine Kim, 212-614-4178 Mobile: [phone] [e-mail]


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