Korean small and medium-sized businesses and suppliers are making a splash on the world stage by taking advantage of the opportunities brought to them by the realignment of the global supply chain. These companies use rapid decision-making and effective management to minimize development cycle time and make the most of opportunities before their competitors.

Korean companies are examples of how agility and foresight can shake up industries, especially at a time when the adoption of digital technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI) has become a necessity. Their strategic maneuvers offer insights into how businesses can succeed in today’s increasingly digital and rapidly changing world.

Revolutionizing Battery Production

According to the Financial Times, project commitments by Korean companies in the United States reached $21.5 billion last year; This figure is more than any other country. Korean multinationals such as LG Energy Solution, Samsung SDI and SK On have drawn attention to the Korean peninsula and their key partners such as PNT. PNT is reshaping the battery manufacturing landscape by investing heavily in the development of dry coating technology, a more energy-efficient alternative to traditional wet coating.

PNT CEO Kim Joon Sup sees technological progress as essential for the company’s future: “Through the evolution of battery technology, we aim to develop innovative products that will ultimately change human lives.” The potential of PNT’s advances in reducing the cost of electric vehicle (EV) batteries is expected to lower the price of EVs, leading to wider adoption. The company’s equipment, already used by battery manufacturers such as SK On, has increased productivity by up to 10 percent, strengthening PNT’s leadership in this expanding industry.

By constantly improving its large format coating machines, PNT increases efficiency and reduces production costs. As governments encourage electric mobility, PNT’s forward-looking approach is set to play a key role in the future of the battery industry.

Meanwhile, Top Material is positioning itself as a major player in the battery materials supply chain, particularly in the production of LFP cathode materials critical for secondary batteries. Top Material looks like a promising player in diversifying its sourcing options, as S&P Global Mobility estimates that China’s share will still represent 65 percent of LFP material production by 2030.

Top Material CEO Whan Jin Roh highlights this opportunity: “The global realignment of the supply chain presents a significant opportunity for Korean companies to grow. … We have a chance to compete on the international stage.” By focusing on high-quality battery components and leveraging its R&D capabilities, Top Material is well equipped to meet the growing demand for batteries, especially in energy storage and electric vehicles.

With plans to expand production capacity and establish a factory in Pyeongtaek, Top Material aims to consolidate its position as a major supplier of cathode materials. The company’s focus on environmentally friendly processes and competitive pricing is enabling it to capture a larger share of the global battery market as decarbonization efforts accelerate.

Capitalizing on the Semiconductor Renaissance

As artificial intelligence technology fuels the revival in the semiconductor industry, Zeus is reaping the benefits. The company specializes in manufacturing cleaning and heat treatment equipment for semiconductor manufacturing, sectors experiencing rapid growth due to AI demand for advanced chips. Zeus’ position in this supply chain makes it a key player in the production of next-generation semiconductors critical for artificial intelligence and high-performance computing applications.

Although the semiconductor industry is facing a downturn, Zeus CEO Jong Woo Lee is optimistic about the future: “This is typical of the semiconductor industry, where boom and bust cycles are common,” says Lee. “Investors may be concerned about this zigzag pattern, but we are confident in our long-term prospects.”

The AI ​​boom has accelerated semiconductor demand, and Zeus’ precision equipment is indispensable for manufacturers ramping up production. As semiconductor companies expand their capabilities, Zeus’ role as a key equipment supplier ensures it remains at the forefront of the industry’s revival.

SurplusGLOBAL offers a different perspective on the semiconductor industry by focusing on the legacy sector, where it refurbishes and trades obsolete semiconductor equipment. While many companies pursue the latest technology, SurplusGLOBAL fills an important gap by maintaining the supply chain of legacy factories that still account for a significant portion of global chip production.

SurplusGLOBAL CEO Bruce Kim emphasizes the importance of this segment: “We see ourselves as a global platform for legacy equipment and parts… offering global customers a continuous supply chain for the next 30 years.” As a global marketplace with an extensive refurbishment network, SurplusGLOBAL plays a vital role in keeping legacy manufacturing facilities operational by supporting a key part of the semiconductor industry.

The company’s focus on equipment renewal extends the life of semiconductor fabs, which are critical during supply chain disruptions and equipment shortages. As global demand for semiconductors increases, SurplusGLOBAL’s expertise in legacy systems will remain vital.

Hidden Champions

Traditionally in the agricultural machinery sector, Daedong Gear is a perfect example of a Korean company being agile in an unexpected industry. As the automobile industry undergoes a paradigm shift, Daedong Gear is securing long-term competitiveness by diversifying EV components such as powertrains.

As CEO Jae-eok Noh explains, “We do not limit our business to a particular industry, but expand into different areas. I believe this diversity is where our competitiveness lies.” Daedong Gear’s strategy to expand its product offerings and target international markets, including Europe and North America, reflects a broader trend among Korean companies to embrace global opportunities. The firm’s $135 million deal with Hyundai for highly precision EV components demonstrates the company’s agility in adapting to EV industry transformation.

The transition to EV components presents both challenges and opportunities. EVs contain fewer components than conventional internal combustion engine vehicles, but demand for precision, high-performance parts is increasing. Daedong Gear’s ability to rotate is a testament to its durability and flexibility. Daedong Gear is preparing to seize new opportunities in the rapidly developing automotive industry by leveraging core strengths such as zero-defect quality and advanced production.

Similarly, THN is taking advantage of new opportunities in the automotive industry. Specializing in wiring harnesses and EV components, THN is leveraging its expertise to expand internationally, responding quickly to opportunities arising from geopolitical and economic changes. THN CEO Seung-Hoon Chae emphasizes the importance of diversification in both operations and customer base. “We began to diversify our operations, aware that relying on only one country, such as China, for mass production carries significant risks,” he explains.

THN’s approach to technological advancement is a critical part of its strategy, especially at a time when the automotive industry is shifting towards electric and hydrogen-powered vehicles. The company is collaborating with Hyundai on various projects, including electric vehicle technology, and has expanded its product portfolio to include cutting-edge EV components such as power distribution units and battery distribution units. THN’s focus on increasing R&D investment aims to enhance its technological capabilities and ensure it remains a key player in the global automotive supply chain as the industry embraces a low-carbon future.

Meanwhile, Sanil Electric was quick to take advantage of the critical moment in the US market as the country was in the middle of a transformer replacement cycle. The US Department of Energy reported that 70 percent of the country’s distribution transformers are nearing the end of their useful life, creating demand for replacement. With its expertise in custom transformers, Sanil is well positioned to ride this wave.

“Our global expansion has been instrumental in our success,” explains Dong Suk Park, president of Sanil Electric. “More than 80 percent of our revenue comes from our customers abroad.” The company’s focus on high-tech, environmentally friendly transformers sets it apart, especially in the United States, where sustainability is prioritized. Focusing on niche applications such as renewable energy projects, artificial intelligence-supported data centers and EV charging stations, Sanil moves forward with precision in a dynamic market environment.

The increasing demand for energy-saving transformers in various sectors makes Sanil Elektrik’s ability to adapt to global markets a key factor in its success. Its partnerships with customers such as General Electric and Siemens further underline its leadership in this field. Sanil meets current demand and prepares its business for the future by developing high-efficiency and environmentally friendly transformers.

Finally, Seoho Electric, a smaller Korean firm specializing in control systems for port container cranes, has shown that flexibility is key when competing in global markets. While larger companies often have the upper hand in scale, Seoho leverages its agility to innovate and deliver customized solutions faster than its competitors. The company’s ability to secure a US$22 million contract with Singapore’s Port of Tuas is a direct result of this adaptability.

President Seung Nam Kim emphasizes the importance of agility: “Smaller companies like ours have much faster delivery time. This flexibility allows us to adopt new technology in the field faster.” Seoho’s in-house development capabilities have enabled it to focus on technologies such as 3D cameras and automated crane systems and stay ahead of container logistics, which is undergoing a significant digital transformation.

Seoho’s history of innovating harbor crane systems gives it a unique advantage as the industry moves towards more efficient, automated operations. With automation and artificial intelligence playing an increasingly central role in global logistics, Seoho’s ability to remain agile and integrate the latest technology will be vital to its continued success.

Leading the Fintech Revolution

And the huge influence of Korean companies goes beyond high technology and traditional manufacturing. In the country’s ultra-digital connected society, fintech leader KONA I is revolutionizing payment systems through its KONA PLATE platform. KONA I offers businesses of all sizes the ability to offer branded payment services, democratizing access to advanced fintech solutions, allowing even small businesses to benefit from the latest technology.

KONA I CEO Cho Chung-il explains how important the company’s ability to change direction is: “We offer businesses, from startups to large corporations, a way to easily create payment services.” KONA I’s smart card and digital wallet solutions have transformed daily transactions for millions of users in South Korea and beyond. The company’s commitment to blockchain and biometric security positions it at the forefront of future fintech innovations.

From the battery industry to fintech platforms pioneered by KONA I, Korean companies have demonstrated their ability to quickly respond to global opportunities in the era of digitalization and artificial intelligence. Their agility in adopting new technologies and entering global markets makes them leaders in different industries. Whether through technological advances, strategic partnerships or innovative business models, these companies are showing that agility is the key to staying competitive. As they continue to develop, Korean companies will undoubtedly continue to be key players in shaping the future of the global economy.

This article was paid for by a third party. The views and opinions expressed, news week and is not an endorsement of the products, services or people mentioned.