The Sony UK Technology Centre (UKTEC) in Pencoed, south Wales, has more than quadrupled its production rate of the next-generation Raspberry Pi, a credit-card-sized single-board computer.
Sony UKTEC is increasing its production rate from 18,000 units to 80,000 units per week to cope with the expected level of demand of the next-generation Raspberry Pi 2, which was launched world-wide this week (2 February).
The new model has significantly upgraded capabilities, with faster processor cores and double the amount of memory capacity (1GB). Its new processor makes it six times more powerful than the first generation Raspberry Pi Model B+. This increased capability will enable users to create more powerful applications that will run faster, be more reliable and more robust.
Since Sony UKTEC began working with the Raspberry Pi Foundation in August 2012, the site has manufactured in excess of 3.5 million Pi’s and created 70 jobs. And with demand for the latest model growing exponentially, the Sony UKTEC forecasts an additional 30 staff will be added to its workforce.
Eben Upton, co-founder of the Raspberry Pi, said: “Sony UKTEC’s expertise in rapid prototyping and production engineering has allowed us to proceed from first prototypes to full mass production over a period of less than four months, with an unprecedented level of confidence in product quality and delivery schedules.
“This is our sixth project with Sony UKTEC since 2012, and we look forward to working with the company through 2015 and beyond to bring more exciting Raspberry Pi products to market.”
The Pencoed-based business will be producing nearly 100,000 computers per week for two global distributors, Premier Farnell, and RS Components.
Steve Dalton OBE, managing director of Sony UKTEC, said: “The success of the credit-sized mini-computer has taken the world by storm since it was launched in 2012.
“The Raspberry Pi, is a fantastic example of UK innovation, design and engineering at its best. From the day the product launched we knew the Raspberry Pi would be a success and we wanted to be part of it. With new developments to the product continuing to evolve we have risen to the challenge to meet the level of demand across the world for this extraordinary product.”
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