Western Digital establishes hard drive R&D center in Singapore

Western Digital has established an R&D center in Singapore for the development of advanced hard drive technologies.

The company hopes to leverage the local talent pool and expertise of research organizations such as Singapore's A*STAR Data Storage Institute and universiti

Located in Singapore Science Park, near WD's newly acquired media manufacturing operation, the Western Digital Singapore HDD R&D Center is now operational. The company also announced that it is entering an agreement with DSI to collaborate on the development of advanced head, media and hard drive system design.

An estimated 65 research engineers will be hired within the next three years.

"Singapore has built a wealth of engineering talent, now available to WD," said Tim Leyden, WD chief operating officer. "This is a product of a supportive government, R&D resources from DSI and universities, and a long history of hard drive industry manufacturing and engineering operations in the country. The resulting environment has produced an advanced technology research and human resource culture that makes Singapore an ideal location for WD investments.

"DSI is very pleased to be collaborating with WD. I believe we will be able to add value to one another, further pushing the limits of drive technology and bringing about new and advanced storage solutions to the industry," said Dr Pantelis Alexopoulos, executive director of DSI.

WD will have invested S$500 million in Singapore over the next five years, including its recent media plant acquisition, capital equipment for capacity expansion and technology enhancements and the HDD R&D Center.