Kioxia and Sandisk Launch AI-Driven Fab2 Plant in Japan
▼ Summary
– Fab2 will produce eighth-generation 218-layer 3D flash memory using CBA technology and future advanced nodes to meet AI-driven storage demand.
– Production at Fab2 will ramp up gradually with meaningful output expected to begin in the first half of 2026.
– The facility features earthquake-resistant architecture, energy-saving equipment, AI for efficiency, and space-efficient clean room designs.
– Kioxia and Sandisk will continue their long-standing partnership through joint development and capital investments aligned with market trends.
– Fab2 received partial investment subsidies from the Japanese government as approved in February 2024.
Kioxia and Western Digital’s SanDisk brand have officially commenced operations at their new Fab2 semiconductor plant in Kitakami, Japan. This state-of-the-art facility is engineered to manufacture eighth-generation 218-layer 3D flash memory and future advanced nodes, addressing the surging demand for high-performance storage driven by artificial intelligence applications. The plant incorporates the partners’ groundbreaking CBA (CMOS directly Bonded to Array) technology, which enhances performance and efficiency. Production is scheduled to increase progressively in line with market conditions, with meaningful output anticipated to begin during the first half of 2026.
Designed with resilience and sustainability in mind, the Fab2 complex features an earthquake-absorbing structure and utilizes cutting-edge, energy-saving manufacturing equipment. Artificial intelligence is integrated throughout the production line to optimize operational efficiencies. The facility’s layout maximizes clean room space, allowing for a greater concentration of manufacturing tools. A segment of the investment for Fab2 is supported by Japanese government subsidies, following a plan approved in February 2024.
Koichiro Shibayama, President and CEO of Kioxia Iwate Corporation, which manages the Kitakami Plant, expressed enthusiasm about the launch. He emphasized that the advanced 3D flash memory produced at Fab2 will deliver significant value to the rapidly expanding AI sector. By leveraging their established partnership and economies of scale, the companies aim to manufacture cutting-edge flash memory products and achieve sustained corporate growth. Kioxia remains dedicated to supporting the semiconductor industry’s progress and contributing to both local and national economic development.
Maitreyee Mahajani, Senior Vice President of Flash Front End Operations at SanDisk, highlighted the transformative potential of AI across various industries and daily life. She noted that flash memory sits at the core of this shift, providing the necessary speed, efficiency, and scalability to power the next wave of technological innovations. Mahajani praised the enduring collaboration with Kioxia, which enables the scale required to help customers fully capitalize on AI-driven opportunities.
The joint venture between Kioxia and SanDisk has flourished for more than two decades. Both companies plan to continue strengthening their synergies and competitive edge through collaborative development of 3D flash memory and strategic capital investments aligned with market dynamics.
(Source: ITWire Australia)