Daejeon, South Korea – The city of Daejeon has further solidified its reputation as an attractive hub for business and investment with the grand opening of Korea SMC Corporation's second manufacturing plant. The state-of-the-art facility, located within the Dun-gok Foreign Investment Zone in Yuseong-gu, represents a significant investment of ₩58.7 billion (approximately $42.5 million USD) and is anticipated to generate around 50 new employment opportunities, injecting considerable vitality into the local economy.

The inauguration ceremony, held on April 17th, was graced by the presence of Daejeon Metropolitan City Mayor Lee Jang-woo, alongside Mr. Sasahira Naoyoshi, Representative Director of Korea SMC, and esteemed executives from the global SMC Group. Also in attendance were Mr. Cho Won-hwi, Chairman of the Daejeon Metropolitan City Council, and approximately 120 other distinguished guests and key stakeholders who gathered to celebrate this momentous occasion.

Korea SMC Corporation, the South Korean subsidiary of Japan's preeminent automation equipment manufacturer, SMC Corporation, has maintained a robust presence in Daejeon since the establishment of its first plant in Shinil-dong, Daedeok-gu, in 1997. This newly unveiled second plant spans an impressive total floor area of 33,000 square meters (approximately 355,209 square feet), encompassing three above-ground levels.

The advanced manufacturing capabilities of the second plant will be primarily focused on the production of critical components for factory automation systems. These include sophisticated thermo chillers, precision electric actuators, and reliable pneumatic cylinders, all essential elements in modern industrial processes. The anticipated creation of approximately 50 new jobs is a welcome prospect for the local community, promising a significant boost to the regional economic landscape.

Mayor Lee Jang-woo, in his congratulatory address, expressed profound gratitude to Mr. Yoshiki Takada, Chairman of the SMC Group, and Mr. Sasahira Naoyoshi for their decisive investment exceeding ₩50 billion, particularly amidst prevailing uncertainties in the global economic climate. He stated, "This new plant construction will serve as a pivotal turning point in elevating Daejeon's industrial capabilities and generating high-quality employment opportunities for our citizens."

Furthermore, Mayor Lee underscored the profound significance of a foreign-invested enterprise like Korea SMC choosing Daejeon for such a substantial expansion. "The decision by a foreign investment company to trust in Daejeon and undertake this expansion investment holds immense meaning," he affirmed. "Daejeon Metropolitan City is committed to fostering an environment conducive to business growth, ensuring that companies can firmly establish themselves and thrive here. We will dedicate our utmost efforts to creating a truly business-friendly city."

This latest investment by Korea SMC further reinforces Daejeon's growing prominence as a preferred destination for foreign direct investment. The city has recently achieved notable success in attracting global bio-pharmaceutical giant Merck KGaA of Germany, which is set to establish a large-scale bioprocessing production center in the Dun-gok Foreign Investment Zone with an investment of ₩4.3 trillion (approximately $3.1 billion USD). This significant influx of foreign capital underscores Daejeon's strategic focus on cultivating six key strategic industries and its ambitious plan to develop 5.35 million pyeong (approximately 17.7 million square meters) of new industrial complexes. These concerted efforts are designed to aggressively attract leading global enterprises and solidify Daejeon's position as a dynamic and forward-thinking economic hub in South Korea.

The successful inauguration of Korea SMC's second plant stands as a testament to Daejeon's proactive approach in creating a supportive ecosystem for businesses. The city's strategic location, robust infrastructure, skilled workforce, and commitment to fostering innovation are key factors in attracting both domestic and international investment. The expansion of Korea SMC not only signifies the company's confidence in Daejeon's potential but also highlights the city's growing importance in the global supply chain for advanced industrial automation technologies.

The anticipated economic benefits extending beyond direct job creation are substantial. The presence of a leading global manufacturer like Korea SMC further enhances Daejeon's industrial competitiveness, attracting related businesses and fostering a vibrant ecosystem of suppliers and partners. This clustering effect can lead to further innovation, knowledge transfer, and overall economic growth for the region. Moreover, the production of high-value components for factory automation systems will contribute to South Korea's broader industrial advancement and its position as a leader in technological innovation.

The commitment expressed by Mayor Lee to create a "business-friendly city" resonates with the needs of both domestic and foreign investors. This includes streamlining administrative processes, providing tailored support services, and investing in infrastructure that meets the demands of modern industries. Daejeon's strategic initiatives in developing specialized industrial zones, such as the Dun-gok Foreign Investment Zone, demonstrate a clear understanding of the specific requirements of international businesses and a proactive approach to attracting high-quality foreign direct investment.

The successful attraction of both Korea SMC's expansion and Merck's new bioprocessing center underscores the effectiveness of Daejeon's targeted industrial development strategies. By focusing on high-growth sectors and providing a supportive environment for innovation and manufacturing, Daejeon is positioning itself as a critical hub for advanced industries in Northeast Asia. The city's commitment to investing in its future, through strategic industrial development and the creation of a business-friendly environment, promises sustained economic growth and the creation of high-quality jobs for its citizens.

In conclusion, the inauguration of Korea SMC's second plant in Daejeon marks a significant milestone in the city's journey towards becoming a premier business destination. The substantial investment, the creation of new jobs, and the production of critical industrial components all contribute to a more vibrant and competitive local economy. This success story, coupled with other significant foreign investment wins, underscores Daejeon's growing appeal to global enterprises and its unwavering commitment to fostering a thriving business environment for the future. The city's strategic vision and proactive policies are clearly paying dividends, positioning Daejeon as a key player in South Korea's economic landscape and a compelling destination for international investment.