Operating as part of Sony Electronic Incorporated's Engineering and Manufacturing group, Sony Magnetic Products Inc. of America (SMPA) was established in Dothan, Alabama, to produce Sony magnetic recording media for domestic and international markets.
The company was the first in the United States to produce both VHS and 8mm tape products. Today, the plant continues to produce consumer and professional video products, audio voice and music grade media, and is focused on digital data storage products for today and the future. Believed to be one of the world's largest, single-site producers of magnetic recording media, Sony completed a $34 million expansion in 1999, involving a new advanced metal evaporated coating technology.
The Dothan operation is the only facility outside of Japan that has oxide, metal particle, and advanced metal evaporated coating technology. SMPA is one of the leading recording media suppliers in the United States. Approximately 65% of the plant's production meets the U.S. market needs, with the remainder exported to Europe, Central and South America, and Japan. The company was incorporated in 1975, in the state of Alabama, and began production in early 1977. The operation has over 25 years of experience in producing high quality products for global markets.
On the plant site is a state-of-the-art chemical analysis laboratory that is instrumental in insuring that materials used in the process of producing the media meet the high standards required by Sony. The entire operation is certified under ISO-9001 standards, which means the strictest controls are maintained to assure the quality of products. Also, the plant's efforts to help protect the environment have been certified under the ISO-14000 program. The Dothan operation has also been recognized by OSHA for its commitment to safety and has been accepted into the prestigious Voluntary Protection Program.
SMPA believes its responsibilities as a corporate citizen extend beyond its manufacturing operations into the local community. As part of the Dothan landscape for more than 25 years, the company continues to be involved in the community through financial support and volunteer efforts. The company supports the efforts of the area Chamber of Commerce and is involved in a wide variety of projects and charitable organizations such as the American Red Cross and the United Way.
