Kyoto-based Murata, the global leader in MLCC technology, is preparing for a potential capacity push by securing inputs and conferring with suppliers and other partners, President Norio Nakajima told Bloomberg News on Tuesday. "The demand related to AI has risen and appetite is really strong," he said, adding "we would need to check whether all the suppliers are able to catch up with this pace." Nakajima, who voiced doubts in late July about how long AI data center spending would last, said demand has strengthened since then, to the point where the company now encounters cases where it has to turn down orders.
Back in April, Murata laid out a two year program totaling ¥80 billion ($505 million) designed to lift MLCC output by roughly 10% to 15%. That is separate from its typical practice of investing for about a 10% annual increase. The additional investment under review would be on top of those plans. Even so, Nakajima said the current expansion path is "nowhere near enough" to match today's order flow.
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Nakajima characterized further investment as something the company "has to do," while cautioning that actually executing it depends on whether materials are available. Murata's book-to-bill remained high, sitting just below 1.5, following a peak of 1.47 at the end of June that marked a company record. He also noted there has been no slackening in customer inquiries, and the figure rises above the companywide average when focusing on premium MLCCs tailored for AI server use.
Capacitors are foundational to electronics because they help keep power delivery steady, and Murata's MLCCs have a reputation for reliability. With inquiries still piling up and AI server grade parts showing even stronger order momentum, Nakajima aims to put a finer point on spending plans on Oct. 30. If you follow the AI buildout, keep an eye on whether supply chain bottlenecks or materials availability slow how fast companies like Murata can scale.
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