AI ignites ‘ignored sector’ for Japan chipmaker Kioxia

Kioxia, a leading Japanese chipmaker, is ramping up production at a new factory in Kitakami to meet surging demand for memory components driven by the global AI data center boom. The company is benefiting from shortages and rising prices in the chip market as the race to build AI infrastructure accelerates.

Kitakami, Iwate Pref. – Robotic transporters carrying silicon wafers whizz by on overhead rails at a new factory that Kioxia, one of Japan’s most valuable companies, hopes can help it meet overwhelming AI-driven demand. The global race to build artificial intelligence data centers has turbocharged business for chipmakers, creating shortages and sending prices soaring for memory components in particular. And Kioxia is reaping the rewards.