Hanju Light Proves Ultra-Lightweight Effect with Exclusive Supply to Hyundai Motor... Developing World's First Ultra-Thin Component

Cross Member Installed in Some Genesis Luxury Sedans
Expected Expansion Due to Proven Vehicle Weight Reduction Effect
World's First Ultra-Thin Body Developed Using Patented Casting Technology

Hanju Light Metal has decided on a large-scale expansion investment due to the mass production of ultra-lightweight cross members, which it exclusively supplies to Hyundai Motor Company.

Last year, Hanju Light Metal was selected as a supplier of lightweight parts needed for Hyundai Motor's next-generation electric vehicle dedicated ‘eM’ platform. It secured orders for a total of six lightweight parts across four Genesis sedan and SUV models. The contract period starts with mass production in 2025 and extends until 2033. The total contract value is approximately 400 billion KRW.

Hanju Light Metal’s cross members are partially installed in premium Genesis sedans. Since the Hanju Light Metal products delivered earlier have been evaluated to have a significant vehicle weight reduction effect, the company decided on a large-scale expansion investment based on the judgment that there is a high possibility of expanding application not only to eM platform electric vehicles but also to internal combustion engine and hybrid vehicles.

The facilities to be introduced will automate all equipment in the main processes consisting of casting-post processing-machining continuously to maximize the efficiency of mass production. By adopting the harmless, odorless ‘Inorganic Sand Core (Mugi Jungja)’, it is expected to become a leading eco-friendly low-carbon casting plant.

The facility investment will be made in two phases over three years, totaling approximately 58 billion KRW. The main funding for the first phase facility investment, estimated at 26 billion KRW, will be raised through a paid-in capital increase, and the second phase facility investment of about 32 billion KRW will be carried out through financial institution loans.

Last year, Hanju Light Metal was selected for a national project with a total project cost of 13.8 billion KRW, including 9.5 billion KRW in government subsidies. It is developing the world’s first ultra-thin body and electrification parts using patented casting technology. It has started manufacturing a 2,500-ton electronic stirring reaction furnace facility and plans to complete development in the first half of next year.

There is growing interest in whether this will become the foundation for the hypercasting application technology that Hyundai Motor is preparing. Furthermore, tests are planned to determine the applicability of heat sinks for wireless repeaters requiring 5G or higher in the mobile communication market.