The largest distributor of the Raspberry Pi mini-computer, element14, a division of Premier Farnell, has moved all production of the Linux based device back to the UK.
The device, which had previously been built in two factories in China, is the latest product to benefit from ‘reshoring’ as manufacturing returns to the UK to bring production closer to the end market. The Pi will now be built at Sony’s UK Technology Centre (UK Tec) in Pencoed, Wales.
The £25 Pi, a credit card sized device originally designed to teach children in schools how to program, has become a surprise hit, selling more than 1 million units since its launch last year.
Rights to the design of the Pi are owned by the Raspberry Pi Foundation, a registered UK charity, but the products are produced under license by element14.
“We are constantly amazed by the demand for the Raspberry Pi across the world and have done everything we can to ensure we keep our supply chain stocked,” said Claire Doyle, Global Head of Raspberry Pi at element14.
“Element14 stated its intention in September to bring production of the computer back to the UK, and now after a period of transition we are delighted to announce that all production is in Wales.”
“We believe that a UK creation should be produced in its home country and since partnering with Sony UK Tec we have been delighted with the quality and the commitment they have shown in developing the product.”
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