Panasonic Computer Products Europe today announced the creation of its new Global Docking Solutions business, to be headquartered in Cardiff, creating an estimated ten additional skilled jobs and providing a boost to the local economy.

The Global Docking Solutions (GDS) team will undertake the design, development and certification of specialised docking solutions for Panasonic’s successful range of ruggedised Toughbook notebook and Toughpad tablet computers.

Panasonic Toughbook and Toughpad devices are used by mobile workers to enhance productivity in a wide variety of industries including emergency services, defence, utilities, automotive, logistics, manufacturing, health and retail. GDS brings the design of the accompanying docking solutions in-house to ensure availability for customers at the same time as the Toughbook and Toughpad products are brought to market.

Cardiff was the natural choice for the location of GDS as it is already the site of the European configuration centre for Toughbook and Toughpad devices, but also due to the presence of existing specialist skills within the newly expanded Panasonic ProServices engineering team.

The new business complements the existing 450 staff employed by Panasonic Manufacturing UK Ltd. in Cardiff, which provides European service for Panasonic’s business to business mobile, security and communications solutions, as well as manufacturing microwaves and induction hobs for the consumer market.

“The decision to base this new Panasonic global business in Cardiff is testament to the skills and hard work of Panasonic staff at this site, which has been established since 1974,” said Robert Blowers, Head of R&D and Solutions Engineering, at Panasonic Computer Products Europe.

“We have already recruited additional mechanical design engineers, technicians and project managers to add to our existing capability, which means we are able to develop the vehicle docking solution in parallel with the Toughbook or Toughpad. This will ensure the launch of the vehicle docking station at the same time as the Toughbook and Toughpad. By developing the vehicle docking solution within Panasonic, it is designed and built with the flexibility and needs of our customers in mind. The ProServices team is also available to work alongside our customers to integrate the device into any vehicle or workstation requirement and to design further customised peripheral solutions to meet our customers' requirements.”

The first docking solution designed by the new GDS team is a vehicle dock for the latest fully rugged Panasonic Toughbook notebook being launched in November.