[Good Job SME]④ The Strength of Dongil Glass, Walking the 80-Year 'Glass' Path

1940 Founded, 83rd Anniversary This Year - Dongil Glass
Three Generations Dedicated to the Field of 'Glass'
Building a Foundation for Growth through Specialized Construction in the Glass Sector

In Ochang-eup, Cheongju-si, Chungbuk, there is a road called 'Dureung Yuriro.' It is a road connecting Dureung-ri and Yuri in Ochang-eup. Here, Yuri (里) is a one-character administrative district name. However, many people in Cheongju mistakenly believe that the road is named 'Yuriro' because of the presence of the Dongil Yuri factory in Dongilyuri. This is because Dongil Yuri started its business in 1940 on Nammun-ro in Cheongju and has been a company protecting this area for over 80 years. In Cheongju, when people hear 'Yuri,' they naturally think of Dongil Yuri. We met Kim Jeonghwan, the CEO who is continuing the family business into the third generation at the Ochang factory, which currently produces Dongil Yuri's main product, 'insulated glass.'

CEO Kim said, "Dongil Yuri's competitiveness lies in the trust that it was there 80 years ago and will still be there 80 years from now," adding, "To achieve this, we continuously invest and conduct research and development (R&D)." Dongil Yuri, founded by Kim's grandfather and succeeded by his father, Chairman Kim Youngjin, is one of the few companies with such a long history in the region. The only other establishments from a similar era that remain are some old breweries. The founding date of Dongil Yuri is even recorded in the industrial chronology of Chungcheongbuk-do. Kim, who had worked for a large corporation, joined the company in 2003 and had already gained extensive experience in glass manufacturing and installation for 20 years. He said, "If the founder chose this business and the second generation maintained it soundly without debt, the third generation must seek stable growth and future opportunities based on that foundation."

Jung-Hwan Kim, CEO of Dongil Glass

Growth into a Specialized Construction Company in the Glass Field

This is why CEO Kim actively expanded the specialized construction division after joining the company. He believed that since there is no building without glass, it would be better to broaden the business to specialized construction that includes installation rather than just manufacturing or distribution. Especially in the case of glass, nearly infinite combinations are possible, so providing the optimal solution tailored to each building is crucial. CEO Kim explained, "Specialized construction in the glass field is close to knowledge consulting based on information and experience," adding, "Dongil Yuri possesses know-how and networks accumulated over a long time in the glass business."

Now, the company has grown so that manufacturing accounts for 15% and specialized construction 85% of sales. They work with most of the top construction companies in terms of installation capability. They participated in building projects such as Seoul National University’s Kwanjeong Library, Hyundai Department Store Daegu Branch, Sinsa Square, and Pangyo Next M. Although specialized construction companies that handle parts of construction often have a subordinate relationship with construction firms, CEO Kim has positioned Dongil Yuri as a company that can propose and supplement projects on an equal footing with construction companies. They collaborate with construction firms from the estimation stage and regularly hold seminars to share information. Their trusted technical skills in glass form the foundation. CEO Kim said, "Companies that handle orders, manufacturing, and installation all together are rare nationwide," adding, "We can provide not only production and installation but also professional consulting."

Dongil Glass Ochang Plant

When CEO Kim first joined, sales were around 2 billion KRW, but last year they increased to 22.3 billion KRW. Considering the company has been operating for over 80 years, this might not seem very large at first glance. However, Dongil Yuri has maintained its business solely in the glass field without turning its attention elsewhere and has operated without debt. This year, they already reached 10 billion KRW in sales by May and expect to exceed 25 billion KRW.

Focusing on Creating a Safe Work Environment

At Dongil Yuri’s Ochang factory, about 30,000 square meters of insulated glass are produced monthly. The workforce is just over 50 employees. Many employees have long tenures, reflecting the company’s long history. CEO Kim’s management philosophy is to allow those who have grown with the company to continue working if they wish, even after reaching retirement age. Therefore, they focus on creating a safe work environment by having robots perform tasks that can be automated, considering older workers. When automation creates idle manpower, they find other jobs for those employees.

Dongil Yuri’s goal is now set on the "next 80 years." CEO Kim said, "We are looking for a direction that allows continuous, steady growth without fluctuations through investment and R&D," adding, "We will establish industry standards and build a foundation so that the company can grow as a young company even 80 years from now."