Gwangyang Steelworks Reinforces Facilities, Achieves Both Safety and Productivity

POSCO Gwangyang Steelworks has recently completed a project to reinforce its raw material plant facilities, thereby enhancing both safety and productivity.

The raw material plant, which handles steelmaking raw materials, is particularly challenging to manage due to the nature of its processes. The Gwangyang ironmaking department conducted a thorough analysis of vulnerable points in each facility and implemented a total of 240 improvement activities, focusing on productivity, cost innovation, environmental improvement, and technology development.

Raw material yard of Gwangyang Steelworks. Photo by Gwangyang Steelworks

Key examples of these improvements include the installation of a strong wind system to remove adhered ore, the establishment of a smart safety system equipped with warning broadcasts and automatic equipment shutdown functions, measures to prevent bearing damage through improved lubrication work, and enhancements to workplace cleaning. As a result of these initiatives, the ironmaking department at Gwangyang Steelworks was able to increase by-product utilization by 8.6%.

With increased by-product usage, the plant can reduce the purchase of new raw materials, thereby lowering costs. Additionally, it is expected to help prevent environmental pollution by reducing waste generated during the production process.

The "One Team Task Force," which brings together downstream process and maintenance departments, is operated monthly to enhance collaborative synergy. Another achievement is the accelerated pace of improvement, as proven best practices from each plant are identified and applied through "horizontal deployment activities."

Ko Jaeyoon, Head of Gwangyang Steelworks, visited the raw material plant to encourage employees leading innovation activities, stating, "Strengthening the raw material plant is equivalent to securing the safety assets of the steelworks."

Seo Junghwan, Head of the Raw Material Plant, said, "Despite the harsh environment, it was possible thanks to the support of management and the dedication of colleagues," adding, "We will continue to pursue field-oriented improvement activities in the future."

Meanwhile, Gwangyang Steelworks plans to expand the results of these raw material plant improvements to other plants to maximize the effects of innovation and improvement.