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Harman International Opens New Automotive Systems Plant in China

  //house-home.news-articles.net/content/2008/11/1 .. opens-new-automotive-systems-plant-in-china.html
  Published in House and Home on Monday, November 17th 2008 at 9:38 GMT by Market Wire
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STAMFORD, Conn.--([ BUSINESS WIRE ])--Harman International Industries, Incorporated (NYSE: HAR) said today that it has opened a new manufacturing facility to produce automotive audio and infotainment systems in China. The new facility was inaugurated earlier today in Suzhou, near Shanghai, in ceremonies attended by Company executives, government officials, and Harman customers in the region.

"This manufacturing and engineering expansion is a key element of our strategy for growth, while leveraging the attractive infrastructure, talented workforce and new business opportunities in the Asian markets," said Dinesh C. Paliwal, Harman's Chairman and Chief Executive Officer. "Our customers expect prompt, personal service from suppliers with a strong presence in the region, and we intend to build upon our track record for innovation with a value chain that is optimized for today's markets."

Located in the sprawling Suzhou Industrial Park, about 75 miles northwest of Shanghai, the new Harman plant currently employs about 320 people in producing a variety of speakers, amplifiers and electronic components under the Harman Kardon, Infinity, and JBL brands. Key customers include nearby Shanghai General Motors and Korea's Hyundai, Ssangyong, and Kia auto brands. Harman announced recently that the facility will also produce the premium audio, connectivity and entertainment systems for an extended version of the BMW 5-Series, built exclusively for the Chinese market. Harman International employs 800 to 1000 people overall in China based on seasonal demand, and is growing rapidly.

Harman International ([ www.harman.com ]) designs, manufactures and markets a wide range of audio and infotainment products for the automotive, consumer and professional markets. The Company maintains a strong presence in the Americas, Europe and Asia and employs about 12,000 people worldwide. The Harman International family of brands spans some 15 leading names including AKG, Audioaccess, Becker, BSS, Crown, dbx, DigiTech, Harman Kardon, Infinity, JBL, Lexicon, Mark Levinson, Revel, QNX, Soundcraft and Studer. The Company's stock is traded on the New York Stock Exchange under the Symbol HAR.