"Wishing for an Accident-Free and Disaster-Free Site
and Raising Safety Awareness"
Kumho Tire announced on December 22 that it held a joint safety prayer ceremony for the construction of its Hampyeong plant.
Kumho Tire labor and management are taking a commemorative photo after jointly holding a safety prayer ceremony. Photo by Kumho Tire
The safety prayer ceremony took place that afternoon at the site of the Bitgreen Industrial Complex, where the new Hampyeong plant will be built. The event was attended by President and CEO Jeong Iltaek, Executive Vice President of Corporate Planning Im Wanju, Executive Vice President of Safety Production Innovation Hwang Hogil, Senior Vice President of Hampyeong Plant Construction Jung Youngmo, Senior Vice President of Equipment Procurement Kim Donghwan, as well as representatives from the labor union and construction companies.
Through this joint event between labor and management, participants wished for an accident-free and disaster-free construction process at the Hampyeong plant, raised safety awareness, and reaffirmed their shared commitment to the principle of safety first.
The ceremony began with an introduction to the prayer ritual, followed by speeches from CEO Jeong Iltaek and National Metal Workers' Union Kumho Tire Branch Chief Jeong Jongo, a reading of the prayer by Hwang Hogil, and then proceeded with the Chohonrye, Ahonrye, and Jonghonrye rites, ending with a commemorative photo and a ceremonial drink.
CEO Jeong Iltaek stated, "The new Hampyeong plant is the site where Kumho Tire will embark on a new leap forward, representing both a challenge toward higher quality and stronger technology, and a foundation for advancing into future markets." He added, "Before making the Hampyeong plant the 'most advanced plant,' we will make it the 'safest plant.'"
He continued, "Today's safety prayer ceremony will serve as a powerful starting point for the groundbreaking of the Hampyeong plant," and emphasized, "All of us will complete this site safely and with pride."
Jeong Jongo, Chief of the labor union branch, conveyed, "Through today's event, we sincerely hope that the plant will be built safely and without accidents."
Meanwhile, following the fire at the Gwangju plant on May 17, Kumho Tire has worked to manage the aftermath internally and proactively compensate local residents for damages. In addition, with support from the local community and civic groups, the company is quickly overcoming the crisis and focusing on a stable return to normal operations.
The first phase of construction for the new Hampyeong plant involves an investment of 660.9 billion won. The plant aims to achieve an annual production capacity of 5.3 million tires and secure the ability to process 7 million units of refined rubber annually to support this output. By transitioning to a next-generation production system, the plant will feature smart manufacturing equipment and eco-friendly processes.
This is expected to play a key role not only in advancing manufacturing capabilities through enhanced production efficiency and quality competitiveness, but also in securing a foundation for sustainable growth and strengthening Kumho Tire's mid- to long-term global competitiveness.
Furthermore, the project is anticipated to make a tangible contribution to revitalizing the local economy and creating jobs.
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