Mayor Kang Gijeong Engages in On-Site Communication at Samsung's Gwangju Plant
Samsung: "Innovation in Technology, Products, and Quality... Repaying Citizens' Support"
Gwangju Mayor Kang Kijeong visited Samsung Electronics Green City Campus 1 in Gwangsan-gu on the morning of the 10th to hear about Samsung Electronics' response strategy to the second phase of U.S. tariff increases under the Trump administration and discuss cooperation plans. He then toured the product exhibition hall. Provided by Gwangju City
On the 10th, Gwangju Mayor Kang Gijeong visited Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.'s Gwangju plant to explore ways to promote mutual growth and cooperation for the region.
Mayor Kang has been strengthening communication with local industrial sites, having previously visited Kumho Tire’s Gwangju plant and Kia Autoland Gwangju. These visits aim to assess the impact of domestic and global economic conditions on the local economy, and to establish countermeasures and reinforce the foundation for cooperation.
On this day, Mayor Kang met with Park Seongho, Vice President of Samsung Electronics, and other key officials at the Gwangju plant to discuss current issues such as the impact of U.S. tariff policies on the local economy and the home appliance industry, as well as global production strategies for home appliances. In particular, in-depth discussions were held regarding local concerns over last year's plan to relocate production of older refrigerator models overseas.
Samsung Electronics’ Gwangju plant had considered transferring production of 200,000 to 300,000 refrigerators to its Mexico plant to reduce sharply rising logistics costs caused by frequent production adjustments. However, with the direction of the Trump administration’s second-term tariff policy still unclear, and considering the domestic economic downturn and local public opinion, the company stated that it is reviewing various options to ensure stable operations at the Gwangju plant.
Vice President Park Seongho introduced the Gwangju plant as “steadily growing and serving as the core base for Samsung Electronics’ smart appliances and a hub for global technological innovation.” He added, “The modernization of our lines in three directions?automation, standardization, and digital twin?is nearing completion. We will continue efforts to innovate technology, products, and quality, foster win-win partnerships with suppliers, and increase production volumes. Through these efforts, we aim to strengthen our competitiveness to withstand external factors such as U.S. tariff policies and to repay the support of Gwangju citizens.”
Mayor Kang stated, “Samsung Electronics’ Gwangju plant has long been a pillar of the Gwangju economy. With Samsung Electronics expressing a firm commitment to mutual growth with the region, this will be a great source of strength for Gwangju citizens facing economic and political uncertainties. The city of Gwangju will also do its utmost to achieve mutual growth with Samsung Electronics.”
After the meeting, Mayor Kang toured the promotional hall at Samsung Electronics’ Gwangju plant’s first campus, where he viewed products such as refrigerators, washing machines, and air conditioners, as well as a rendering of the latest production line being established at the plant.
Meanwhile, the city is operating an “Export Industry Competitiveness Enhancement Support Team” to minimize the impact on the local economy, which is highly dependent on exports, from U.S. tariff policies and other factors. The city is running a comprehensive management system for the entire export industry, including the home appliance and automobile sectors.
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