Plessey signs electronics distributor Matrix to expand network into Iberia

Plymouth, ENGLAND -- Plessey Semiconductors announced today that it has entered into a distribution agreement with Matrix Electrónica S.L. for the Iberian market for Plessey's GaN on Si LED products, Matrix is an electronics distributor and provider of complete advanced electronic solutions. Matrix is headquartered in Madrid with offices across Spain, Portugal and Chile.

Plessey's Gallium Nitride on Silicon LEDs are produced using standard silicon-based semiconductor manufacturing processes in contrast with existing LEDs which use expensive sapphire and other exotic materials. Plessey's ambition is to drive global uptake of its patented MAGIC™ (Manufactured on GaN-on-Si I/C) technology as a cost-effective alternative to existing SSL LED technologies.

Jose María Vilallonga Presas, President and CEO of Matrix, said, "We are very excited about partnering with Plessey. I am confident that the combination of Plessey's innovative products and our extensive knowledge of the market will be very successful. The GaN-on-Si technology is going to be a revolution in the solid state lighting market and Matrix will be a pioneer in introducing the new technology in Spain and Portugal."

David Owen, Regional Sales Director for Plessey, added, "Plessey are very pleased to work with a distributor who has been focusing on the solid state lighting market for a considerable number of years. Matrix has a dedicated team working in the lighting segment and therefore considerable knowledge of the lighting industry and customer base in the region."

Plessey is a leading expert in the development and manufacture of semiconductor products used in sensing, measurement and control applications. Plessey's products are found in a wide range of markets including communications, manufacturing, medical, defence and aerospace. Plessey designs products for high performance applications and its range of integrated products includes CMOS image sensors, low and mid-power LEDs, Hall Effect devices and its award-winning EPIC electric potential sensors. Using its understanding of electronics and expertise in micro-electronic product design and manufacture, Plessey is radically enhancing the human experience with micro-electronics solutions such that people achieve more than they thought possible. Plessey is a UK based manufacturer with offices around the US, Europe and Asia.

MAGIC is a trademark of Plessey Semiconductors