By Martin Vedris

SYDNEY: Research In Motion (RIM), the global manufacturer and distributors of the BlackBerry mobile smartphones and communications devices, has opened a new regional headquarters in Sydney to service its Australian and New Zealand customers.

According to RIM, the new headquarters located at Level 6, 100 Pacific Highway, North Sydney, has extensive training facilities, a research and development centre, a strategic partner marketing centre and technical support services.

The facility was formally unveiled today by Thomas A. MacDonald, Consul General of Canada, at a ceremony attended by dignitaries from the New South Wales Government and North Sydney Council, as well as RIM’s partners and customers.

“Research in Motion is a ground-breaking Canadian technology company and it’s a great pleasure to see the BlackBerry device being adopted so readily in Australia,” said Thomas A. MacDonald.

“I congratulate Research In Motion on their ongoing success and the establishment of their regional headquarters in Sydney.”

Adele Beachley, RIM regional director, Asia Pacific, said, “RIM has developed a strong operation in Australia over the past six years and this new regional headquarters will help foster our innovation and growth while serving both customers and partners in the region.”