[Company Visit] Taesung, 'Glass Substrate·Composite Copper Foil' Approaching Soon... "Only Better Days Ahead"

Demonstration of Etching Equipment for Glass Substrates at Headquarters on the 1st
"Applying Various Technologies to Prevent Glass Substrate Damage"
"Expecting Sales from Glass Substrates Starting Next Year"

Taesung's new business drivers, glass substrate and composite copper foil equipment, are expected to significantly contribute to sales performance starting next year.

On the 1st, Taesung held a demonstration of glass substrate equipment at its headquarters located in Danwon-gu, Ansan-si, Gyeonggi-do. The glass substrate etching equipment developed by Taesung is used in processes such as etching, exposure, and development after the TGV (Through Glass Via) process.

Taeseong Headquarters located in Danwon-gu, Ansan-si, Gyeonggi-do. Photo by Hyunseok Yoo

Kim Jong-hak, CEO of Taesung, explained that the glass substrate equipment incorporates know-how gained from the printed circuit board (PCB) business. He said, "I think the overall process is similar to PCB," adding, "One of our executives has experience in organic light-emitting diode (OLED) and LCD fields, which also contributed to this."

The equipment showcased at the demonstration measured an impressive 16 meters in length, 2.5 meters in height, and 4 meters in width. However, this size can vary depending on the customer. CEO Kim explained, "This equipment is customized for the customer who requested it," and added, "It can be customized to meet the desired performance and specifications of each company."

The equipment began operating in earnest. It started with the cassette (storage container). The glass placed in the cassette began to move as the rollers inside the equipment rotated. Meanwhile, substances flowed from the upper part of the equipment, proceeding with processes such as etching.

Kim Jong-hak, CEO of Taesung, introducing etching equipment for glass substrates. Photo by Yoo Hyun-seok

Taesung emphasized that the most critical aspect of the equipment is 'breakage.' Due to the nature of glass substrates, even a tiny crack can cause the entire substrate to break. CEO Kim said, "The biggest problem in the glass substrate manufacturing process is breakage," and explained, "Our equipment has been designed with various features to minimize breakage."

As CEO Kim described, the equipment incorporates various technologies to prevent glass breakage. For example, the cassette is designed so that glass pieces are placed individually without overlapping to prevent damage caused by load. The socket jig introduced at the demonstration also serves this purpose. The jig minimizes the contact area between the glass and the rollers that move it.

The shaft that rotates the rollers on the conveyor belt is similarly designed. Compared to commonly used products, it has higher rigidity and lower weight. Since chemical substances used in the etching process can deform the shaft, this design enhances stability by preventing such deformation.

CEO Kim expects that sales related to glass substrates could begin next year. As related companies are expected to start full-scale mass production of glass substrates from 2026, equipment sales could occur before then. Currently, the production capacity is 14 units of equipment per month. He said, "Both domestically and in Japan, companies are rushing urgently," and added, "We are exchanging specifications and continuously explaining the equipment to multiple companies." He further noted, "Depending on the circumstances of the companies, there may be delays, but we believe it will be possible within this year."

CEO Kim Jong-hak of Taesung. Photo by Yoo Hyun-seok

The secondary battery-related business is similar. Taesung began developing composite copper foil electroplating equipment in 2022 at the request of a Chinese battery company. Composite copper foil is known for its excellent stability by plating copper on both surfaces of the film. It is reported to reduce costs by 30% compared to conventional copper foil. Negotiations with customers are ongoing. CEO Kim said, "We are discussing the timing of mass production of the equipment with customers," and added, "We expect to deliver good news about this equipment within this year as well."

Taesung has started preparations to specialize in the production of glass substrate and composite copper foil equipment. In September this year, Taesung decided to acquire land worth 19.4 billion KRW in the Cheonan Northern General Industrial Complex. The company plans to produce composite copper foil and glass substrate equipment at this site. Especially since additional funds are needed to build the factory, financing is also being considered. The completion date is scheduled for July next year.

Taesung expects continuous growth for the company. In the first half of this year, on a consolidated basis, Taesung recorded sales of 32.3 billion KRW and operating profit of 4.8 billion KRW, representing increases of 61.86% and 1279.76%, respectively, compared to the same period last year. CEO Kim emphasized, "The PCB industry is undergoing restructuring, and we are benefiting from the ripple effects," adding, "Since the scale of the glass substrate sector is also large, we expect only good things to come in the future."