The announcement of the move of manufacture of the Raspberry Pi computer from China to the UK is good news.
Cost-sensitive component assembly is a Chinese strength. That we’re in a position to do this in the UK is significant. It’s not solely the 30 or so jobs created by the move, but the potential expertise gained in manufacturing cost control, something we’ve lost with the move of electronics manufacturing to China
While this isn’t a likely precursor to a manufacturing revolution, it’s surely pleasing to have electronics with a ‘Made in the UK’ label.
Of course, there was a bit of embarrassment when the Chinese production used the wrong component, which had to be removed and the correct one fitted instead. At least, that’s what was reported in the press. I certainly had to wait ages for delivery.
By: Camberley Society on September 10, 2012
at 9:16 pm