Japan-based hard disc drive (HDD) motor supplier Nidec has announced that it has already resumed production in its Thai Ayutthaya plants. Production was halted last month when flooding struck the area, destrupting much of the world’s hard drive supply. While some hard drive manufacturers escaped direct flooding, they still relied on parts such as motors from other suppliers. Sources believe that this should help narrow down the HDD supply gap in the fourth quarter of 2011 as a result.
Japan-based hard disc drive (HDD) motor supplier Nidec has announced that it has already resumed production in its Thai Ayutthaya plants. Production was halted last month when flooding struck the area, destrupting much of the world’s hard drive supply. While some hard drive manufacturers escaped direct flooding, they still relied on parts such as motors from other suppliers. Sources believe that this should help narrow down the HDD supply gap in the fourth quarter of 2011 as a result.
Nidec is also increasing its production at their plants in Philippine and in China to help cover the impact from the recent floods. The Japanese company is certain that its motor capacity will reach 100 million units in the fourth quarter. The floods hit eight of Nidec’s plants in Thailand, which were damaged enough to stop operation on October 13; however, its plants in Rangsit have already resumed production on October 25, and the Ayutthaya plants also started operating normally on November 4.
Though Nidec will also see their monthly capacities rise in Philippine and in China, the total capacity in the fourth quarter will still drop close to 30% from 140 million units in the third. Nidec contributes close to 75% of the global HDD motor shipments.
