The Dahan FA office, located in Hwaseong, Gyeonggi Province. Inside the automated control panel manufacturing plant, the foundation of the automation system, CEO Kim Seung-woo's (34) voice can be clearly heard. Just five years ago, manufacturing sites were largely analog, relying on manual labor.
But things are different now. With the introduction of smart factories and automated control systems, productivity has increased by 30% and safety accidents have decreased by 70%. Dahan FA is at the center of this change.
The landscape of manufacturing changed by automation
CEO Kim Seung-woo recalled, "In the past, workers would manually check the instrument panel and operate the valves. Even a single mistake would often bring the entire line to a halt."
CEO Kim Seung-woo pointed to the monitor on his desk, which displayed the factory's production line, currently undergoing automation. Dozens of data, including temperature, pressure, and flow rate, were updated in real time, and alerts were sent immediately if any abnormalities were detected.
"Now, our automated system, programmed and designed by us, monitors and controls everything in real time," he explained. "Our control system, which integrates PLC, HMI, and control panel, is the core. While previous systems were handled separately by different companies, we have integrated them into a single system and are fully self-managed from start to finish. We serve as the brain, nerves, eyes, and hands of equipment and machinery."
CEO Seungwoo Kim, who graduated with a degree in electrical and space science and completed an MBA, boasts a unique background that encompasses both theory and practice. Born in 1990, he is a rare witness to this field, having worked in it for nearly 20 years, starting in high school.
People are the answer: the power of a horizontal organizational culture.
CEO Kim Seung-woo emphasized, "We value competence and passion." Indeed, in all company meetings, everyone is encouraged to freely express their opinions, regardless of rank.
"Creativity and passion are key in a technology company. I believe innovative ideas can't emerge in an atmosphere where people are always looking out for each other."
They also pay special attention to stress management, including providing separate break rooms for employees. CEO Kim Seung-woo also revealed that he himself is diligent in managing his own stress. "I try to manage my stress through exercise, and when that doesn't work out, I take time for meditation. I also believe that if I encounter a situation I can't control, I just need to quietly do what I can. Most problems are solved with time."
CEO Kim Seung-woo explained, "The manufacturing industry in emerging Asian countries is growing rapidly," adding, "However, their level of automation is still about 10 years behind ours. This is the market we need to enter, and overseas expansion is one of our goals."
He continued, "ESG management is also an essential trend. Implementing our system can improve energy efficiency and ensure worker safety, depending on how it's programmed. This leads to sustainable management."
In fact, companies that have implemented Dahan FA's system are seeing an average 15% reduction in energy consumption. CEO Kim Seung-woo added that based on this data, they are considering expanding into overseas markets.
The next goal is clear: achieve 5 billion won in sales by 2027, expand into Southeast Asia, and ultimately, build a fully unmanned, automated system.
He advised aspiring entrepreneurs, "Success isn't achieved solely through technology. You need to accurately understand what the market truly wants and what customers' real pain points are."
Dahan FA, led by CEO Seungwoo Kim, is growing beyond a simple local company into a leader in global manufacturing innovation.
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