Kioxia, Western Digital open new semiconductor fab in Yokkaichi

Kioxia, a Japanese computer memory manufacturer, and Western Digital, an American computer hard disk drive manufacturer and data storage company, have opened a new semiconductor fab in Yokkaichi in Mie Prefecture, Japan.

Dubbed Fab7, the new semiconductor fabrication facility in Yokkaichi, will produce sixth-generation, 162-layer flash memory and future advanced 3D flash memory and will start shipping 162-layer flash memory early next year.

Designed to absorb earthquake shocks, Fab7 leverages artificial intelligence and is said to be equipped with modern energy-saving manufacturing equipment.

Nobuo Hayasaka — Kioxia President and CEO said: “Fab7 is the latest and most technologically advanced semiconductor manufacturing facility in Japan and will be indispensable for Kioxia’s future.

“Long-term global demand for memory products is expected to increase as the world consumes more data across a variety of connected devices.

“We will continue to invest for the future and respond to market needs, in turn helping to build a digital society that enriches people’s lives.”

Phase one of Fab7 is expected to involve a total investment of around a trillion yen, which will be partly funded by a government subsidy.

Dr. Siva Sivaram — Western Digital Technology & Strategy President said: “With its innovative design and production efficiencies, the new Fab7 facility underscores Western Digital’s commitment to deliver sustainable memory and storage technologies to our customers globally.

“We value our tremendous relationship with Kioxia and celebrate this milestone as we continue to drive long-term success together.”

The production capacity of the new semiconductor fab in Yokkaichi will increase in stages over time, corresponding to market trends.

The Japanese government subsidy aims to encourage cutting-edge semiconductor manufacturing plants for the steady production of semiconductors in Japan.