Raspberry Pi celebrates 50 million milestone with Sony

Sony UK TEC recently welcomed The King to its facility in Pencoed, marking thirty years at the site and its 50th anniversary in Wales. His Majesty was greeted by the site’s Managing Director, Rob Wilson, along with key representatives from Sony, including President and CEO of Sony Corporation, Kimio Maki; Senior Executive Vice President of Sony Group Corporation, Kazushi Ambe; President of Sony Europe B.V., Masashi Takiguchi; and Aki Matsuzawa, CFO of Sony Europe B.V.

As the longest-standing Japanese manufacturer in Wales, the visit marked five decades of Sony's presence in Wales. The King, during his time as the Prince of Wales, had been instrumental in encouraging the global company to invest in Wales in the early 1970s. He officially opened the company’s first site in Bridgend in 1974.

During the visit, His Majesty was given a tour of the 20,000m² facility, showcasing the site’s commitment to innovation, community, and excellence in manufacturing and technology. He met some of the site’s 600 employees and observed its renowned manufacturing processes and third-party manufacturing businesses. The King also completed the 30,000th High-Definition Camera unit produced at the site, celebrating another significant milestone for Sony and Welsh manufacturing.

The journey of Sony in Wales began in 1974 in Bridgend with the manufacturing of Colour Televisions, inspired by conversations between His Majesty and Co-Founder of Sony, Akio Morita, during a visit to Japan. In 1993, Sony UK TEC was opened by Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth II. It now produces professional Sony HD and 4K broadcast equipment for customers worldwide.

The repatriation of Raspberry Pi manufacturing in 2012 invigorated the local economy and created hundreds of job opportunities. To date, the facility has produced 50 million Raspberry Pi units and serves several third-party clients with its contract manufacturing capabilities.

Over the decades, Sony UK TEC has evolved into a hub for cutting-edge manufacturing, winning numerous prestigious awards, including several Queen’s Awards for Export and Environment, Britain’s Best Factory Award, two national Make UK awards for Developing Future Talent and Innovation, and most recently, the Green Dragon Environmental Standard Level 5 Award.

Through the Sony Wales Academy, launched in 2014, the company integrates apprentices, graduates, and learners into its workforce while engaging thousands of pupils through its school visit programme. These initiatives have successfully integrated 55 Higher Apprentices and 36 Graduates and supported 56 Sony learners in their pursuit of higher education. The school visit programme has captivated over 31,000 primary and secondary students to date.

Sony UK TEC also demonstrates a strong commitment to environmental sustainability. All procured electricity is green and renewable. Additionally, its on-site environmental centre hosts nine colonies of honeybees, with volunteer staff trained in beekeeping by Bridgend Beekeepers. Honey produced by the hives is sold in the staff restaurant, with proceeds donated to local charities.

Images courtesy of Sony UK Technology Centre & Raspberry Pi Holdings plc