Briefs: Sony Ericsson boosts China capabilities

Sony Ericsson Mobile Communications said Tuesday it will increase its in-house manufacturing capacity in China.

The company said the Chinese Ministry of Commerce has approved its plan to take control of Beijing Suohong Electronics by raising its sharehold to 74.5 percent from 10 percent.

The plant has hitherto been controlled by Sony China and has devoted 60 percent of its capabilities to assemble printed circuit boards for Sony and Ericsson.

The joint venture mobile company also said that it has established a software testing center in China in an effort to increase sourcing from suppliers in China and Southeast Asia.

"These combined actions will create Sony Ericsson's first multi-functional base that includes research, design, development, manufacturing and regional sales and marketing. The base will act as a powerhouse for the company's future growth and development not only in the key economic region of China, but also globally," Sony Ericsson President Miles Flint said in a news release. "The China telecoms market is one of the fastest-growing and dynamic in the world, and is a key market for Sony Ericsson," he added.

Copyright 2005 by United Press International