Daehwa Metal Wins Presidential Award at the 28th Root Technology Competition

56 Recipients... Pohang Jecheol High School Students Transitioning to Meister Schools Receive Minister of Industry Award

[Asia Economy Reporter Moon Chaeseok] Daehwa Metal has been awarded the Presidential Award at the 28th Root Technology Competition. Students from Pohang Steel Industrial High School, which has transitioned to a Meister High School, received the Minister of Trade, Industry and Energy Award.

The Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy announced that the awards ceremony will be held on the 28th at 11 a.m. Attendees include Park Dong-il, Director of the Materials, Parts and Equipment Cooperation Division, the CEO of Daehwa Metal, and the Chairman of the Korea Surface Treatment Industry Cooperative.

The competition, which began as a plating competition in 1991, is now in its 28th iteration. Over six months from March to August, the competition was conducted through companies, Polytechnics, and online platforms. A total of 514 participants, including organizations and individuals (general and students) from six major root technology fields such as casting and mold, took part.

Daehwa Metal received the Presidential Award. Four companies including Dongha Metal were awarded the Prime Minister's Award, while the Navy 2nd Fleet Command and students from Pohang Steel High School received the Minister of Trade, Industry and Energy Award.

According to the Ministry, Daehwa Metal's nickel-chrome surface treatment products are manufactured using the trivalent chromium plating method required by the automotive industry. This is an eco-friendly production method with lower human toxicity compared to the traditional hexavalent chromium plating method.

The Navy 2nd Fleet Command’s 2nd Repair Depot, a unit whose main mission is repair and maintenance support for warships and coast guard vessels, the core of naval power, won two awards in welding and surface treatment. This unit possesses welding technology that prevents leaks up to 100 atmospheres and surface treatment technology that passes a 1000-hour salt spray test.

In particular, the 12 high school students who received the Minister of Trade, Industry and Energy Award were recognized for their technical skills in mold design, surface treatment, welding, and heat treatment. A ministry official stated, "They are expected to grow into key professionals leading the future of the aging root industry sector."

Recipients will receive benefits such as incentives for obtaining technician certifications, employment support at root companies, scholarships for high school students, and additional points for university admissions.

Director Park said, "Despite the difficulties faced by the root industry due to COVID-19, I thank everyone who participated in the competition and once again demonstrated the excellence of Korea’s root technology. Based on the high technical skills of root companies, the government will continue to expand support so that the root industry can become high value-added and advanced."