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Raspberry Pi Production Heats Up In UK Surpassing Chinese Production Soon

Posted by samzenpus on from the cranking-them-out dept.

hypnosec writes "The majority of $35 Raspberry Pi production was shifted to a factory in Wales from China and the Raspberry Pi Foundation has announced this week that the factory in Wales has produced its half millionth unit in just over six months. The weekly production has shot up to 40,000 units in the UK factory and that number is 'set to climb further.' The Foundation is optimistic about the Welsh factory and said there will be 'more Made in the U.K. Pis in the world than their Made in China cousins.' The Foundation didn't reveal anything else apart from this, but we already know it sold the millionth Pi back in January."

4 of 108 comments (clear)

  1. Yep by goldcd · · Score: 4, Informative

    http://www.raspberrypi.org/archives/2569

    More interesting question is around import duty. I think I read (possibly when last trying to work out where the f*ck my OpenPandora was) that there's different import duties on finished electrical good and components (these being more expensive). Even assuming assembly cost is the same, it means it always costs more to assemble in the UK.

  2. Re:Like to know more by Kingston · · Score: 5, Informative

    I think what happened was after the foundation complained that it couldn't find a suitable UK manufacturer they were approached by someone at the Sony contract manufacturing plant at Pencoed ( near Bridgend ) who had studied the board and calculated they could make it profitably at the foundation's target price.

    The Sony plant ( it used to be one of Europe's biggest TV plants ) takes on small production runs for third party designs. They had to introduce a new POP facility to manufacture the Pi there . There is quite a long article about the factory process here.

    Here is the story about the half a million Welsh Pi and a summary about move to Wales.

  3. Oh Liz, arrogant arrogant Liz... by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 4, Informative

    I remember posting a comment on Raspberry Pi's forums suggesting that they also offered an UK or even EU-built raspi, even if the price was higher than what they charged for the chinese version. In reply to that suggestion I received one of Liz's trademark sarcastic comments, along with insinuations that this suggestion was based on racism. That lead me to decide not to purchase one. Ever.

    Now lo and behold: EU-made versions are outselling Chinese ones. Does that mean Raspberry Pi users are packed with racists and bigots?

    1. Re:Oh Liz, arrogant arrogant Liz... by Kingston · · Score: 5, Informative
      I think I found your comment, it makes for a fun contrast. This week Liz Upton Said:

      Soon there will be more Made in the UK Pis in the world than their Made in China cousins. This is wonderful news for us; and it’s great news for Welsh manufacturing.

      but last year she told you:

      The Union Jack emblazoned, UK-only board for angry lunatics^H^H^H^H^H^H^H^Hpatriots is a charming idea, but it's not remotely realistic.

      you told her:

      Finally, I'll say only this: if you want to curb the amount of arguments in this forum then you could at least try to tone down the propensity to post passive-agressive and provocative comments. It doesn't look well for a charity dedicated to an educational project to have its PR done by someone who is unable to have a polite and educated conversation. Take care.

      So she signed off with:

      I've had a better idea. I've removed your posting privileges, along with Sylvain's. My preferred sort of aggression is aggressive-aggression. Take care.

      I think we should all take care and put on out tin helmets.