Electronics Weekly Electronics Design & Components Tech News
Five million Raspberry Pi’s is a Sony UK success story
During the three year relationship the site has made five different models of the Pi, has increased its production from 10,000 units per week to 80,000 units.
“The Raspberry Pi, is a fantastic example of UK innovation, design and engineering, at its best,” said Steve Dalton OBE, managing director of Sony UK Technology Centre.
Sony has also resulted in the employment of 70 new staff and 30 more will be recruited by the end of the year.
Eben Upton, Co-Founder of The Raspberry Pi said:
“Raspberry Pi is a British product, created by British engineers, that has found a huge global market. South Wales has a long tradition of manufacturing, and we are very pleased that the success of Raspberry Pi has secured new, skilled jobs in the area. Global success can be transformative within local communities, and we’re proud to be part of that here in Pencoed.”
The product which has been developed by non-profit Raspberry Pi Foundation, is designed to stimulate young people’s interest in computer programming and electronics, but it has been hugely popular with hobbyists and developers.
Pencoed-based Sony UKTEC is producing the Raspberry Pi for the its two distributors, element14 and RS Components.
Claire Doyle, Global Head of Raspberry Pi at element14, said:
“We’re delighted to have been able to make such a success of the Raspberry Pi’s UK manufacture. Working with Sony’s UK Technology Centre team in Pencoed has been an easy decision from the start. By making Raspberry Pi in Wales we’re able to ensure great quality and exceptionally competitive pricing, and have been able to benefit from a really great business relationship.”
To celebrate the milestone, Sony UKTEC welcomed Jo Johnston MP, Minister of State for Universities and Science for UK Government, Jonathan Hardie, Global Head of Manufacturing from leading manufacturer and distributor element14 and Phillip Colligan and Eben Upton from the Raspberry Pi Foundation.
