Kioxia and Sandisk Begin 10th-Generation 3D NAND Production at Kitakami Fab2 as Sandisk Samples BiCS10 1Tb TLC 3D NAND Flash Memory

Kioxia and Sandisk have begun production of their 10th-generation 3D flash memory products at Fab2 (K2) of the Kitakami Plant in Iwate Prefecture, Japan. The companies are expanding manufacturing infrastructure at K2 to meet demand for NAND flash memory.

Fab2, which opened in September 2025, previously produced 8th-generation 3D flash memory products and is now scaling output with the 10th-generation technology. Both generations incorporate CBA (CMOS directly Bonded to Array) technology and provide high performance, high capacity, and low power consumption.

The facility features an earthquake-absorbing architectural structure, state-of-the-art energy-saving manufacturing equipment, artificial intelligence for production efficiencies, and a space-efficient design that increases room for manufacturing equipment in clean rooms.

Kioxia and Sandisk have extended their joint venture framework through December 2034. The partnership, spanning over 25 years, involves joint development of 3D flash memory and capital investments in the K2 fab to support long-term bit growth targets.

Koichiro Shibayama, President and CEO of Kioxia Iwate Corporation, which operates the Kitakami Plant, stated: “We are pleased to begin production of our advanced 10th-generation flash memory here in Kitakami. The eighth and further generation flash memory products produced ...