LG Smart Factory Enhances Competitiveness with Embedded AI
Supplies Automated Equipment for iPhone 17 to Indian Factories
Joo Wan Cho: "Trillion-Won-Level Growth Now Within Reach"
Joo Wan Cho, CEO of LG Electronics, stated, "The true strength of LG's smart factory lies not simply in automation or IT integration itself, but in the optimization of the entire manufacturing lifecycle, from planning and operation to maintenance." He signaled the company's ambition for "trillion-won-level growth." Recently, LG Production Technology Research Institute supplied equipment for Apple's automated iPhone 17 manufacturing process in India for the first time, significantly expanding its collaboration with Apple across various fronts.
On November 6, CEO Cho shared on his LinkedIn that LG's smart factory business is expanding beyond electronics into batteries, semiconductors, automotive components, heavy equipment, and biopharma. He stated, "This year's order volume is expected to reach approximately 500 billion won, an increase of more than 30% compared to last year, and trillion-won-level growth is now within reach."
CEO Cho repeatedly emphasized LG Electronics' technological competitiveness. He said, "LG Production Technology Research Institute has designed and operated more than 60 factories in 40 countries worldwide," adding, "LG's total smart factory solution is based on nearly 70 years of global manufacturing experience and encompasses every stage, from site selection to operational optimization."
Previously, Indian business media outlet Economic Times reported that "LG Production Technology Research Institute supplied equipment for the automated iPhone 17 manufacturing process to Indian factories operated by Foxconn, Tata Electronics, and Pegatron." While LG affiliates have previously supplied components, this marks the first time LG Electronics has provided manufacturing equipment for finished product production.
It is seen that LG Display and LG Innotek-affiliates of LG Electronics-have demonstrated their technological prowess by supplying display and camera module components, which has led to further achievements. Recently, Apple has significantly increased the proportion of iPhone production in India, rather than China, in response to tariff risks and the growth of India's domestic market.
Apple is expected to mitigate supply chain risks by adopting LG Electronics' production equipment. Given Apple's expansion of production in India, LG Electronics is likely to supply a substantial volume of manufacturing equipment. Most importantly, by reliably supplying equipment to Apple, known for its rigorous standards, LG Electronics has secured a crucial reference for further business expansion.
CEO Cho identified four core competencies as the foundation of LG's competitiveness: engineering consulting, intelligent automation, operational AX (AI transformation), and lifecycle management. He added, "Going forward, we will continue to embed advanced AI across manufacturing and logistics, and build a robust smart factory ecosystem through strategic partnerships."
© The Asia Business Daily(www.asiae.co.kr). All rights reserved.
