KSM

For the first time in history, two small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Korea have jointly been awarded the Silver Tower Order of Industrial Service Merit on "Electronics and IT Day."

During the 19th Electronics and IT Day celebration held on the 22nd at COEX in Seoul, Yoon-ho Kim, Chairman of KSM, and Jin Park, CEO of Samwha Capacitor, were recognized for their contributions to advancing Korea’s electronic technology and boosting exports in the sector.

Recognition for KSM and Its Industry Leadership

Chairman Yoon-ho Kim of KSM was honored for his role in localizing essential components for semiconductor vacuum equipment, which has significantly strengthened the global supply chain. With over 40 years of experience in designing and developing core technologies and manufacturing processes, Kim is seen as a pioneer in enhancing Korea’s self-reliance and competitiveness in the semiconductor industry.

One of KSM's flagship products, the Metal Bellows, commands 70% of the global market share and is a critical component across various sectors, including semiconductors, displays, automotive, and aerospace. Known for its high durability and quality, KSM’s Metal Bellows have been a preferred choice for major semiconductor equipment manufacturers, such as Applied Materials, since 2000. KSM’s export revenue rose from USD 50 million in 2018 to USD 70 million in 2022. Chairman Kim expressed his commitment to continuous innovation, stating, “We strive for world-leading technological expertise and are dedicated to exceeding customer expectations with unparalleled quality.”

Samwha Capacitor's Growth and Innovation

Jin Park, CEO of Samwha Capacitor, was recognized as Korea’s only comprehensive capacitor manufacturer, contributing to the stabilization of supply chains with high-quality capacitor products. Over its 68-year history, Samwha has become a key mid-sized supplier, with 60% of its revenue derived from exports totaling USD 8 million annually.

With an annual R&D investment exceeding KRW 10 billion, the company has developed ultra-high-capacity and highly reliable multilayer ceramic capacitors (MLCCs) for electric vehicles. Beyond capacitors, Samwha has actively invested in emerging growth areas, notably expanding its production capacity for automotive DC link capacitors and securing major clients like Hyundai Mobis and BorgWarner. Recently, the company has advanced capacitor technology for next-generation power systems, securing new market entries with organizations such as Dubai Electricity and General Electric.

CEO Park commented, “We will continue to pursue innovative and ambitious paths, striving to fulfill our social responsibilities as an industry leader in Korea’s component sector.”

Additionally, Spintech was awarded the Order of Industrial Service Merit for its pioneering work in LiDAR technology, and Presidential Commendations were given to six institutions: Simtech, LG Innotek, Samsung Electro-Mechanics, Hanan Electronics, the Korea Electronics Technology Institute, and Korea Electric Terminal.

[Source: etnews, reporters Shinyoung Kim (spicyzero@etnews.com) and Okjin Bae (withok@etnews.com)]