Candidate Yibong Lee Proposes Relocation of Kumho Tire Gwangju Plant to Pyeongdong 3rd Industrial Complex

[Asia Economy Honam Reporting Headquarters Reporter Park Seon-gang] Lee Yong-bin, the preliminary candidate for the National Assembly representing Gwangsan-gap, Gwangju Metropolitan City, from the Democratic Party of Korea, announced on the 23rd that he would expedite the relocation of Kumho Tire's Gwangju factory to the Pyeongdong 3rd Industrial Complex.

On the 21st, Lee Yong-bin held a 'Discussion on the Direction of Kumho Tire Gwangju Factory Relocation' with Hwang Ho-gil, the head of Kumho Tire's Gwangju factory, at his campaign office, exchanging opinions focused on current local issues such as revitalizing the regional economy, relocating within Gwangsan District, and securing Kumho Tire's competitiveness.

Lee pointed out, "The first phase of the Bitgreen Industrial Complex, which is being considered as the relocation site for Kumho Tire's Gwangju factory, is lacking space due to the occupancy of Global Motors Co., Ltd., and the second phase is located in Hampyeong County, which cannot reflect the residents' voices demanding relocation strictly within Gwangsan District."

He continued, "The second phase of the Pyeongdong 3rd Industrial Complex is within Gwangsan District and will be welcomed by all residents of Gwangsan," adding, "With infrastructure established near Pyeongdong Industrial Complex phases 1, 2, and 3, Gwangju Songjeong Station, and Seogwangsan IC, logistics movement will be easy, and its proximity to the residential areas of Gwangju factory employees will significantly enhance corporate competitiveness."

He also emphasized, "If Kumho Tire fulfills the prerequisites such as maintaining full employment for workers, constructing a new factory capable of creating youth jobs, reinvesting development profits into the new factory, and returning benefits to the region, I will actively support the early relocation."

He stated, "The Kumho Tire Gwangju factory site is adjacent to Songjeong Station area and has the scale (130,000 pyeong) necessary for successful development," adding, "We will prepare a new development plan for the Gwangju Songjeong Station area, including the factory site, as part of the KTX Investment Leading Zone development project scheduled to begin in 2022, creating a new 100 years for Gwangsan."

Kumho Tire explained the urgent need for new equipment investment to apply new technologies reflecting future automotive industry trends and emphasized the necessity of early relocation to improve the sustainability and management normalization of the Gwangju factory.