Memory manufacturer is moving to expand NAND production through its unit, Solidigm. The company aims to utilize currently unused space at its plant in to manufacture NAND flash memory specifically for solid-state drive products.
Solidigm is pursuing a U.S. export license to operationalize the Dalian site amid strict equipment-supply restrictions. While China's SMIC remains limited to 7nm processes using DUV machinery, Solidigm is also weighing a U.S. facility or a potential IPO.
The expansion comes as NAND flash prices have surged 700% since mid-2023, creating a high-stakes market. Securing this capacity is vital for SK hynix to navigate geopolitical trade barriers and meet the growing global demand for high-performance storage.