Seagate completes B1bn Korat factory Seagate Technology (Thailand) Ltd, the world leader in hard-disk drives (HDDs) and storage solutions, has released the figures for its new read/write-head factory in Nakhon Ratchasima.
Costing 1 billion baht for construction and equipment, Seagate’s 29,800-squaremetre building in Nakhon Ratchasima will start operations next February. The firm expects its read/ write-head production will increase by up to 40% at maximum capacity.Costing 1 billion baht for both construction and equipment, the 29,800-square-metre building will start operations next February.
The new plant will create several thousand new jobs once it is running at maximum production capacity.
Jeffrey Nygaard, the company's vice-president in charge of Penang and Thailand operations, said the investment and transfer of new, leading-edge technologies and products into Thailand is a demonstration of Seagate's commitment to maintaining its presence here.
"With this new investment, we will be able to increase current read/write-head production by up to 40% running at maximum capacity. This will serve the increasing world demand for hard-disk drive storage," said Mr Nygaard.
Seagate's component and HDD factories in Thailand were not directly affected by the severe flooding.
However, its ability to manufacture HDDs has been affected by supply constraints, as first announced two months ago.
The company continues to believe effects of the extensive flooding will severely constrain HDD supply for several more quarters.
For this year's fourth quarter, Seagate predicts the overall industry will export 110-120 million units.
It also believes the industry's ability to manufacture and ship HDDs will gradually improve throughout next year.
Seagate Korat was established in Sung Noen district in 1996 to manufacture three major HDD components - sliders, head assemblies and head gimbal assemblies - as well as final drive assemblies.
As of June 30, total investment in Seagate's Nakhon Ratchasima and Samut Prakan provinces was 38 billion baht.
The company's 16,000 staff include 700 engineers.
Bangkok Post
