Pollution of Western Digital factories towards lack of flash memory?

Contamination at two of Western Digital’s factories is expected to drive up the price of flash memory.

If you are going to buy flash memory, an SSD for your computer, or as an external drive, for example, it’s best not to delay too long. Indeed, according to a statement from Western Digital, the flash memory company is currently bearing the brunt of the pollution at its two factories.

Contamination at two Western Digital factories

The issue is affecting the Yokkaichi and Kitakami factories, two manufacturing sites that make flash memory. According to a Western Digital press release, “Western Digital’s current impact assessment is to reduce available flash storage by at least 6.5 exabytes. The company is working with its partner Kioxia to take the necessary steps to restore normal operating conditions to these plants as soon as possible.”

price increase expected for flash memory

For those who are wondering, 6.5 exabytes is 6.5 billion gigabytes (GB). According to TrendForce, this memory pollution could lead to an increase in the price of NAND flash memory by about 5-10% in the second quarter of 2022. Most likely, this is due to the fact that Western Digital will no longer be able to use infected components. leading to temporary shortages and higher tariffs as there is less supply.

It’s hard to say exactly how this will affect end users, but since Western Digital is one of the biggest players in the memory industry, 6.5 exabytes is a significant amount. Let’s hope that the company and its partner will be able to get out of this delicate situation very quickly in order to resume production at a normal pace. To reiterate, if you want to buy flash memory, don’t wait too long, prices can go up.