We received the following notification from HP regarding the flooding situation in Thailand and the subsequent hard drive and component shortage:
Dear HP Channel Partners,
HP is deeply saddened by the recent flooding in Thailand. The extent of the damage is devastating and our hearts go out to each person in Thailand negatively impacted by this tragedy.
In light of this unfortunate turn of events and its potential impact on the technology industry, we would like to provide you with a brief update regarding the situation here at HP.
HP continues to maintain operations in Thailand and is in constant communication with our employees, customers and suppliers to optimize business continuity in this dynamic situation. We have teams in place for each product category and are monitoring the situation closely.
HP has a small percentage of its Imaging and Printing Group (IPG) manufacturing in Thailand and we are mitigating any negative impacts through our business continuity planning. HP Enterprise Servers Storage and Networking (ESSN) and HP Personal Systems Group (PSG) do not have manufacturing facilities in Thailand.
From a component supply situation, Thailand is a major manufacturing source of Hard Disc Drives (HDD) and other sub-components used in HP products.
HP currently is reviewing potential supply constraints in an effort to optimize its manufacturing and meet your business needs.
As we work together through this industry wide constraint, we will implement business continuity plans to seek alternative sources of high quality components or raw materials. HP will notify you of any potential impacts if we are unable to locate other acceptable alternative sources. HP will provide this information through our existing business and planning processes in place with your sales representative.
Thank you for your business. Please do not hesitate to reach out to any of us directly with any questions.
Yours sincerely,
The HP Channel Leadership Team
Scott Dunsire, vice president, U.S. Channel Sales, IPG
Steve Erdman, vice president, Americas Channel Sales, Software
Tracy Galloway, vice president, Americas Channel Sales, Services
Mike Parrottino, vice president, U.S. Channel Sales, PSG
Frank Rauch, vice president & GM, Americas Channel Sales, ESSN/TS
Matt Smith, director, Marketing, Americas Channel Sales
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We’ve received notification from just about every manufacturer of systems that we partner with. I spent 30 minutes on the phone with one this morning as they gave me the total run-down on how this hard drive shortage will be affecting us.
The general concensus is: It is going to get worse before it gets better. We have been advised to buy now, not to wait until it actually does get worse.
We’ll keep you updated!