iPad suppliers are already raising their build rates in expectation of strong sales, thanks to encouraging pre-order rates, according to Morgan Stanley analyst Katy Huberty.

As reported by “All Things D” (http://digitaldaily.allthingsd.com/20100329/morgan-stanley-apple-will-ship-6-million-ipads-this-year/?mod=ATD_rss), she told clients that Apple’s manufacturing partners now expect to ship 2.5 million iPads between March and May, considerably ahead of her previous estimate of 750,000 for the June quarter.

What’s more, they are now forecasting shipments of eight to 10 million iPads in calendar 2010, considerably more than prior expectations of five million-plus. Current Street consensus is for Apple to sell three to four million iPads, but Huberty figures the company will sell over six million iPads, notes “All Things D.”