Microsoft confirms trio of 360 manufacturers

With the launch of the Xbox 360 just months away--most are expecting a November release--Microsoft today confirmed the lineup of contractor manufacturers on board for the new console.


Joining a duo of Singapore-based companies that built the current-generation Xbox is Toronto-based electronics maker Celestica. That company joins alma mater manufacturers Flextronics and Wistron.

All three companies maintain assembly plants in the Pear River Delta region of southern China.

Todd Holmdahl, corporate vice president of the Xbox product group, said, "It's an honor to have the expertise and support of three of the world's best-in-class manufacturing companies as we move into the next-generation with Xbox 360. With three contract manufacturers on board, we're poised to have the flexibility and efficiencies we need to keep up with the consumer demand for the world's most powerful next-generation platform."

In 2001, when the Xbox launched, Microsoft sent approximately 500,000 units into the US retail channel. It sold about 1.4 million units through the calendar year.

This time, Microsoft is readying 2 to 3 million 360 consoles for launch in November, according to the San Jose Mercury News.

Addressing the company's inclination to compete in this second round of console wars, Xbox general manager J Allard told the Mercury News today, "Xbox was ready, fire, aim... This time, everything is ready."