Korean small- and medium-sized enterprises and suppliers are making waves on the world stage by capitalizing on opportunities brought to them by global supply chain realignment. These companies leverage quick decision-making and effective management to minimize development cycle time, making 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 adopting digital technologies like artificial intelligence (AI) is becoming a must. Their strategic maneuvers offer insights into how businesses can thrive in today’s increasingly digital and fast-changing world.

Revolutionizing Battery Production

US project commitments from Korean companies totaled $21.5 billion last year, more than any other country, according to the Financial Times. Korean multinationals such as LG Energy Solution, Samsung SDI and SK On have brought attention to the Korean peninsula and their key partners like PNT. By investing heavily in the development of dry coating technology—a more energy-efficient alternative to traditional wet coating—PNT is reshaping the battery production landscape.

Kim Joon Sup, CEO of PNT, sees technological advancement as essential for the company’s future: “Through the evolution of battery technology, we aspire to develop innovative products that will ultimately transform human life.” The potential of PNT’s advancements to reduce the cost of electric vehicle (EV) batteries is expected to lower the price of EVs, driving broader adoption. The firm’s equipment, already used by battery manufacturers like SK On, has boosted productivity by as much as 10 percent, reinforcing PNT’s leadership in this expanding sector.

PNT continuously evolves its wide-format coating machines, increasing efficiency and reducing manufacturing costs. With governments pushing for electric mobility, PNT’s forward-looking approach is poised to play a pivotal role in the future of the battery industry.

Top Material, meanwhile, is positioning itself as a major player in the battery materials supply chain, particularly in producing LFP cathode materials, critical for secondary batteries. As S&P Global Mobility forecasts that by 2030, China’s share will still represent 65 percent of LFP material production, Top Material appears to be a promising player to diversify the sourcing options.

Top Material CEO Whan Jin Roh underscores this opportunity: “The global reorganization 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 rising demand for batteries, particularly in energy storage and electric vehicles.

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

Benefiting from the Semiconductor Renaissance

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

Although the semiconductor industry has faced downturns, Zeus CEO Jong Woo Lee is optimistic about the future: “This is typical of the semiconductor industry, where cycles of growth and contraction are common,” Lee says. “Investors might be concerned about this zigzag pattern, but we are confident in our long-term prospects.”

The AI ​​boom has accelerated semiconductor demand, and Zeus’s precision equipment is essential for manufacturers increasing production. As semiconductor companies expand capacity, Zeus’s role as a key equipment supplier ensures it remains at the forefront of the industry’s resurgence.

SurplusGLOBAL offers a different perspective on the semiconductor industry, focusing on the legacy sector, where it refurbishes and trades in older semiconductor equipment. While many firms chase cutting-edge technology, SurplusGLOBAL fills an important gap by maintaining the supply chain for older fabs, which still accounts for a significant portion of global chip production.

CEO Bruce Kim of SurplusGLOBAL stresses this segment’s importance: “We envision ourselves as a global platform for legacy equipment and parts… offering a continuous supply chain for the next 30 years to global customers.” As a global marketplace with a vast network of refurbishers, SurplusGLOBAL plays a vital role in ensuring that older manufacturing facilities remain operational, supporting a key segment of the semiconductor industry.

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

Hidden Champions

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

As CEO Jae-eok Noh explains, “We are not limiting our business to a specific sector but are expanding into different areas. I believe this diversification 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 embracing global opportunities. The firm’s recent deal with Hyundai for ultra-precise EV components, worth $135 million, demonstrates its agility in adapting to the EV industry transformation.

The shift into EV components presents both challenges and opportunities. EVs contain fewer components than traditional internal combustion–engine vehicles, but the demand for precise, high-performance parts is growing. Daedong Gear’s ability to pivot is a testament to its resilience and flexibility. By leveraging core strengths like zero-defect quality and advanced production, Daedong Gear is poised to sixteen new opportunities in the rapidly evolving automotive sector.

Similarly, THN is likewise capitalizing on new opportunities within the automotive sector. Specializing in wiring harnesses and EV components, THN is leveraging its expertise to expand internationally, responding quickly to the opportunities resulting from geopolitical and economic shifts. Seung-Hoon Chae, CEO of THN, emphasizes the importance of diversification, both in operations and client base. “We have started diversifying our operations, recognizing that depending solely on one country for mass production, like China, presents significant risks,” he explains.

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

Meanwhile, Sanil Electric has been quick to take advantage of a critical moment in the US market, as the country is in the midst of a transformative replacement cycle. The US Department of Energy reported that 70 percent of the nation’s distribution transformers are nearing the end of their lifecycle, creating demand for replacements. With expertise in specialized 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 overseas clients.” The company’s focus on high-tech, environmentally friendly transformers sets it apart, especially in the US, where sustainability is prioritized. By concentrating on niche applications like renewable energy projects, AI-driven data centers and EV charging stations, Sanil is navigating a dynamic market landscape with precision.

The growing demand for energy-efficient transformers across various sectors makes Sanil Electric’s ability to adapt to global markets a key factor in its success. Its partnerships with clients like General Electric and Siemens further underscore its leadership in the field. By developing transformers that are highly efficient and environmentally friendly, Sanil is meeting current demand and future-proofing its business.

Finally, Seoho Electric, a smaller Korean firm specializing in control systems for harbor container cranes, has shown that flexibility is key when competing in global markets. While large firms often dominate with scale, Seoho leverages its nimbleness to innovate and deliver customized solutions faster than competitors. The company’s ability to secure a USD 22 million contract with Singapore’s Tuas Port is a direct result of this adaptability.

President Seung Nam Kim emphasizes the importance of agility: “Smaller companies like ours have a much quicker lead 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 like 3D cameras and automated crane systems, and to stay ahead in container logistics, a sector undergoing significant digital transformation.

Seoho’s history of retrofitting port crane systems gives it a unique advantage as the industry looks toward more efficient, automated operations. With automation and AI playing an increasingly central role in global logistics, Seoho’s ability to remain agile and integrate cutting-edge technology will be crucial for its continued success.

Leading the Fintech Revolution

And Korean firms’ big impact goes beyond high-tech and traditional manufacturing. In the country’s ultra-digitally connected society, the fintech leader KONA I is revolutionizing payment systems through its KONA PLATE platform. By offering businesses of all sizes the ability to launch branded payment services, KONA I has democratized access to advanced fintech solutions, enabling even small enterprises to benefit from cutting-edge technology.

KONA I’s CEO, Cho Chung-il, explains how the company’s ability to pivot has been key: “We offer businesses—from startups to large corporations—a way to build payment services easily.” 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 all the way to fintech platforms like those pioneered by KONA I, Korean companies have showcased their ability to respond quickly to global opportunities in an era of digitization and AI. Their nimbleness in adopting new technologies and entering global markets positions them as leaders across industries. Whether through technological advancements, strategic partnerships or innovative business models, these firms are demonstrating that agility is key to staying competitive. As they continue to evolve, Korean companies will undoubtedly remain key players in shaping the future of the global economy.

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