Sony UK Technology Centre (UKTEC), world-leading manufacturer of professional and broadcast camera systems, has announced that it will be manufacturing the Raspberry Pi, credit card sized mini-computer for the world leaders.
The Pencoed-based business has been commissioned to produce 90 Raspberry Pi’s with bespoke packaging for the world leaders who will be visiting Wales next week for the 2014 NATO Summit.
The Pi’s which have been manufactured at the site in Pencoed since August 2012 will be given to the world leaders including American President, Barack Obama and Prime Minister, David Cameron as a technology gift.
Steve Dalton OBE, Managing Director of Sony UK Technology Centre commented: “It is an honour to be asked to make and supply a technology gift for the delegates attending the NATO Summit.
“We work with many third-party organisations to make their designs a reality – using our state-of-the-art lean manufacturing technologies we work with them to manufacturer their products and help take their products to world-wide markets.
“The Raspberry Pi, has now become a phenomena across the world and it’s growing from strength to strength. It’s great to see our partners succeed and their products’ being successful in what is a tough market place. The fact that world leaders will be getting one of Wales’ manufacturing success stories as a gift is truly remarkable.
“The NATO Summit will be an excellent event for Wales. For the leaders of countries across the world to be given a product which has been designed in the UK and made in Wales is a fantastic example of UK innovation, design and engineering, at its best.”
Since securing the multi-million pound third-party manufacturing deal a two years ago, Sony UKTEC has seen the success of the Pi grow from strength to strength. The organisation has now manufactured over two and a half million Pi’s for the products’ sole distributors, element 14 and RS Components.
In the last two years, demand for the Raspberry Pi has grown exponentially and Sony UKTEC is now producing up to 18,000 units per day. Furthermore, this rapid increase has seen the site employ up to an additional 100 individuals, depending on the level of demand.
The Raspberry Pi has been developed by non-profit Raspberry Pi Foundation, and is designed to stimulate young people’s interest in computer programming and electronics, but it has been hugely popular with hobbyists and developers.
Economy Minister Edwina Hart, who visited Sony’s site in Pencoed this week, said:”This presents a great opportunity to highlight the manufacturing excellence we have in Wales and specifically the capability at Sony UKTEC. Raspberry Pi is a resounding global success story for all concerned and the fact it is manufactured in Wales is an excellent advertisement for our manufacturing and ICT sectors.”
The NATO Summit is being held at the Celtic Manor in Newport on the 4-5 September and will host more than 60 world leaders.