[Asia Economy Honam Reporting Headquarters Reporter Park Jin-hyung] Lee Yong-seop, a preliminary candidate for mayor of Gwangju Metropolitan City, expressed his determination to "speed up the relocation of Kumho Tire's Gwangju factory."
On the morning of the 20th, Candidate Lee visited Kumho Tire's Gwangju factory and met consecutively with related personnel including CEO Jeong Il-taek, Lim Gil-taek, head of the Metal Workers' Union representative branch, and Moon Jong-gil, head of the Gokseong branch, to discuss the development direction of Kumho Tire.
Candidate Lee promised, "I will support as quickly as possible without delay regarding the change of use following the relocation of the Gwangju factory so that Kumho Tire, a local company, can maintain international competitiveness, preserve employment, and continue sustainable development."
He also stated, "After relocating the Gwangju factory, the remaining site will be developed into a transportation and logistics hub, as well as a commercial, business, and residential complex area linked with Songjeong Station, aiming to become a new center of the Honam region. Gwangju City will actively support this to create new jobs and revitalize the local economy."
CEO Jeong Il-taek welcomed Candidate Lee's proactive determination, saying, "The fact that the relocation of the factory was initiated during the 7th local government term itself was a significant advancement," and added, "Labor and management will actively cooperate to make the factory relocation an opportunity for Kumho Tire's second leap forward."
Lim Gil-taek, head of the representative branch, also said, "I hope the relocation of the Gwangju factory will serve as an opportunity to further strengthen the competitiveness of both Kumho Tire and Gwangju City," and requested, "We ask Gwangju City to take a deep interest and provide support so that Gwangju citizen workers can work in a stable environment."
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