SDK to increase capacity of aluminum substrate for hard disks

Jan 15, 2021 10:00 JST

TOKYO, Jan 15, 2021 - (JCN Newswire) - Showa Denko K.K. (SDK; TOKYO:4004) will increase its capacity to produce aluminum substrate for HD media by way of consolidated subsidiary Showa Denko HD Yamagata K.K. (SHDY), raising the group's production capacity by 30% and thereby strengthening its hard disk (HD) business.

SDK's policy decision to increase supply capacity and diversify and strengthen its supply chain has been qualified by the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI) as eligible for subsidy under the government's "Program for Promoting Investment to Strengthen Supply Chains in Japan ".

With the launch of 5G mobile communication services, the spread of Internet of Things (IoT), the penetration of telework, and development and expansion of digital transformation, the volume of data communication is expected to continue to increase dramatically. As a result, the demand for data center hard disk drives (HDDs) has been growing significantly. As our supply capacity is concentrated in Malaysia, it is necessary to secure a more stable supply chain against the spread of the new coronavirus worldwide.

To solve this problem, we have decided to expand our aluminum substrate production capacity at SHDY, our domestic base, to increase our supply capacity and further diversify and strengthen our supply chain. Construction of the new facility will begin in February 2021, with mass production scheduled to commence in early 2022.

The Group's vision is to become a KOSEIHA company (an alliance of KOSEIHA businesses which maintain a high profitability and stability over time); our HD business is one of our KOSEIHA businesses. As the world's largest external HD media manufacturer, we will continue to support an ever-expanding and evolving digital society and expand our business with the timely introduction of world-class products under the motto of "Best in Class".

About Showa Denko K.K.

Showa Denko K.K. (SDK; TOKYO:4004, ADR:SHWDY) is a major manufacturer of chemical products serving heavy industry to computers and electronics. Our Petrochemicals segment provides cracker products such as ethylene and propylene; Chemicals provides high-performance gases and chemicals to semicon and other industries; Inorganics provides ceramic products: alumina, abrasives, refractory/graphite electrodes and fine carbons. Aluminum provides aluminum materials and high-value-added fabricated aluminum; Electronics provides HD media, compound semiconductors such as ultra high-bright LEDs and rare earth magnetic alloys; Advanced Battery Materials (ABM) provides lithium-ion battery components. Please visit us at www.sdk.co.jp/english/.

For further information, contact:
Showa Denko K.K., CSR & Corporate Communication Office, Tel: 81-3-5470-3235

Sectors: Electronics, Cloud & Enterprise, Chemicals