Toshiba expanding Yokkaichi fab for memory devices
The facility will be used to manufacture NAND flash and 3D memories
Tokyo based Toshiba Corporation held a ceremony in readiness for the start of construction of Phase 2 of Fab 5. This is the company's fabrication facility at its Yokkaichi Operations memory production facility in Mie Prefecture.
An artist's Impression of Fab 5, Toshiba Yokkaichi Operations is shown at the top of this article.Toshiba will expand Fab 5 to secure manufacturing space for NAND flash memories fabricated with next generation process technology and for 3D memories. Construction should be completed in summer next year, and decisions on equipment investments and production levels will reflect market trends.
Three fabs at Yokkaichi Operations currently mass produce NAND flash memories, including Fab 5 phase 1. Fab 5's construction was planned around two phases, the first of which went into operation in July 2011.
After considering the balance of product supply and demand, and noting a recovery driven by growing demand for smartphones, tablets, SSD for enterprise servers, Toshiba now anticipates further medium- to long-term market expansion and recognises that the time is right to expand Fab 5.
Going forward, Toshiba will expand business and boost competitiveness by leadership in advanced process technology and the development of new generation memories that answer market needs.
