Groundbreaking partnership sees Google join forces with Allied Corporation to manufacture laptops in South Australia
In a groundbreaking partnership, one of the biggest global companies will be heading to SA to produce laptops for school students.
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In a groundbreaking partnership, one of the biggest global companies will be heading to South Australia to produce laptops for school students, which could see the creation of 500 new jobs.
Global tech-giant Google has partnered with Adelaide-based computer company Allied Corporation to manufacture their Google Chromebook laptops in Adelaide – making it the first manufacturer in the country.
With Allied holding a capacity to produce over 100,000 laptops per year, the state government said the partnership could see up to 500 new jobs in the state.
The first 60 Chromebook are expected to be constructed at their Beverley facility before the start of Term 1.
In order to make the laptops, Google will grant Allied access to their Google IP and design standards.
Allied CEO Aron Saether-Jackson called the partnership a “game-changer for Allied.”
“A lot of people think there isn’t much of an opportunity for hi-tech computer manufacturing in Australia – but partnerships like this prove the doubters wrong,” Mr Saether-Jackson said.
“We’re in a race for the jobs of the future and we welcome the vision of the government, and its policies that prioritise procurement from SA-based firms over companies from overseas.”
Premier Peter Malinauskas said South Australia being chosen as a manufacturing base gives “a huge vote of confidence in our great state”.
“It is important that students in South Australia have equitable access to digital devices to help them learn,” he said.
“It’s equally important these devices are fit for purpose and can withstand the rigours of the classroom.”
The Department of Education will first trial the laptops at Cleve Area School and Murray Bridge High School to ensure they’re suitable for students and the classroom environment.
The collaboration will hopefully see a manufacturing hub in Adelaide that will provide Chromebooks for schools across the globe.
Currently, they operate three facilities in Adelaide’s western suburbs, where they make high-spec machines for clients in Australia, North America, Europe and South-East Asia.
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