Hitachi GST rolls up Fabrik

Hard disk drive vendor acquires external storage firm to launch new division

Fabrik will form the core of Hitachi GST’s new Branded Business Division

Hard disk drive vendor Hitachi Global Storage Technologies (GST) has acquired privately held storage manufacturer Fabrik.

Purchased for an undisclosed sum, California-based Fabrik will form the core of Hitachi GST’s new Branded Business Division.

Fabrik’s brands include external storage solutions for the Apple Mac, content creation and professional audio video markets with its G-Technology, as well as the PC-based external storage and backup system SimpleTech.

The storage vendor has handed Mike Cordano, Fabrik chief executive and co-founder, the position of executive vice president of sales and marketing and president for Branded Business of Hitachi GST.

Cordano, who joins the vendor from Maxtor Corporation where he served as executive vice president of worldwide sales and marketing, will lead the Hitachi GST external storage business, as well as the company's worldwide sales and marketing organisations.

Steve Milligan, president of Hitachi GST, said: “Completing the Fabrik acquisition strategically expands our market presence and represents the next phase of our business transformation.

“We are also pleased to welcome Mike Cordano and the Fabrik team to Hitachi GST. Mike’s entrepreneurial approach, proven leadership and storage industry expertise will deliver superior value to our customers worldwide.”

Cordano said: “The Fabrik acquisition enables Hitachi GST to immediately accelerate its business growth by participating in the fast-growing personal and professional storage market.

“I am excited to join the Hitachi GST team as we work to expand the reach and range of our storage solutions worldwide.”