Dear Customer,

We want to update you on the current challenges affecting the global supply of hard drives and related products and how this may impact your upcoming orders.

What’s causing the shortage?

Over recent months, the hard drive industry has experienced significant disruption driven by a combination of factors, including:

• Global component shortages are affecting key materials used in HDD manufacturing.
• Increased market demand, particularly from data centre, cloud, and AI infrastructure projects.
• Reduced manufacturing output from several major HDD producers due to supply chain bottlenecks and extended production cycles

These events have collectively created a constrained market where availability is limited and stock levels fluctuate rapidly.

How this affects pricing

• Due to the instability in the supply chain, hard drive costs are currently volatile. As a result:
• Price may change at short notice.
• Quotes are only valid for a limited time.
• Some product lines may see temporary surcharges or cost increases from manufacturers.

We will always provide the most accurate pricing available at the time of quotation, but please be aware that confirmed orders are required to lock in pricing.

Lead times and availability

Lead times for many hard drive models – particularly higher-capacity and surveillance-grade units – have become longer and less predictable. In some cases, manufacturers are allocating stock or prioritising certain sectors, which may result in:

1. Longer waits for backordered items
2. short-notice changes to expected delivery dates
3. Limited availability across certain product ranges

What this means for you

We appreciate the impact this uncertainty can have on project planning. To help minimise disruption, we recommend:

• Placing orders as early as possible for upcoming projects
• Considering alternative specifications where appropriate
• Speaking with your account manager to explore available stock options or suitable substitutes

Our commitment

We are working closely with our supplier network to secure allocations and maintain continuity of supply wherever possible. Our team will continue to provide timely updates and support you with the most reliable information as the situation evolves.
If you have any questions or would like to discuss your upcoming requirements, please contact your account manager.

Thank you for your understanding and continued partnership.