Székesfehérvár, Hungary – Harman International Industries Incorporated (NYSE:HAR) said today it is expanding its manufacturing operations in Székesfehérvár, Hungary with the assistance of development grant from the Hungarian government.  The grant also provides for development tax credits over a five-year period to the Company’s local unit, Harman/Becker Automotive Systems Kft.

The expansion includes construction of a new 12,000 sq. meter plant to produce acoustic and electronics modules for automotive use, with an expected 258 new jobs created at the site.  Harman provides premium audio and infotainment systems to numerous global automakers including BMW, Audi, Mercedes, Porsche, Volvo, and Ford in cooperation with its other facilities in Europe, the United States and Asia.

“We are grateful for the support of the Hungarian Economic Cabinet and other government officials in making this expansion possible,” said Dinesh C. Paliwal, Harman’s Chairman, President and CEO.  “The area’s talented workforce and infrastructure will help to make Székesfehérvár an increasing contributor to our global value chain.”

Harman has been active in Székesfehérvár since 1995, with an earlier building expansion occurring in 2001.  The company also expanded its activities for electronic production in 2006. The new plant is planned for full loading by July 2011, expanding the Company’s capacity and value-added capabilities for production of automotive loudspeakers, speaker systems and microphones.   Total employment at the Székesfehérvár site is expected to reach 700 to 800 people, and the Company expects to double its export volume from Hungary. 

A grant signing ceremony was held earlier today in Székesfehérvár, attended by several Harman executives, Mr. Istvan Varga, Hungarian Minister of Industry and local officials.

Harman International Incorporated (www.harman.com) designs, manufactures and markets a wide range of audio and infotainment products for the automotive, consumer and professional markets. Harman International maintains a strong presence in the Americas, Europe and Asia, and employs around 9,500 people worldwide. The Harman International family of brands includes AKG^®, Becker^®, BSS^®, Crown^®, dbx^®, DigiTech^®, Harman Kardon^®, Infinity^®, JBL^®, Lexicon^®, Mark Levinson^®, Revel^®, QNX^®, Soundcraft^® and Studer^®. Harman International’s stock is traded on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol NYSE:HAR.