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HL Mando Pyeongtaek Plant emerges as an icon of the green factory

2022.12.12

HL Mando’s constant efforts and achievements for green factory are in the spotlight.

In addition to the “President's Commendation” that the company received in the energy efficiency improvement category at the 2022 Korea Energy Awards, HL Mando Pyeongtaek Plant, an advanced brake system production site, was recently designated as a “leading green company” by the Ministry of Environment, strengthening its status as an eco-friendly business site.

Lee Jae-young (center), Managing Director of HL Mando Pyeongtaek Operation Center, received the “President's Commendation” in recognition of energy efficiency improvement at the 2022 Korea Energy Award” held on the 17th at the Grand Intercontinental Seoul Parnas, Gangnam-gu, Seoul.

““Persistence was the key to success”

These days, when ESG has emerged as the hottest issue in management, creating an eco-friendly workplace has become a challenge that all companies are grappling with. Then, what was unique about HL Mando Pyeongtaek Plant? Let’s hear from Shin Ju-ho, Managing Director responsible for plant administration at the Pyeongtaek Plant.

Q. When did the HL Mando Pyeongtaek Plant begin its green factory activities?


HL Mando Pyeongtaek Plant first received the green company certification in 1996 and has maintained the certification for over 25 years. As you may know, green-certified companies self-evaluate the environmental impacts that are made across their production processes and set specific targets to protect the environment. I remember that we began "eco-friendly green factory" activities in earnest in 2002 by establishing and operating the "Energy Saving TF."

Q. ‘Energy Saving TFT’, what role did it play?


The TF has played pivotal roles in a variety of eco-friendly activities. Among many, it established a company-wide safety environment system. The system enables us to self-evaluate environmental impacts and improve on them through systematic activities, going beyond merely complying with environmental laws. I believe it is a meaningful achievement as the system allows us to regularly check for issues and make rapid decisions and respond in the event of an emergency.

(Left) Wastewater generated during the production process is first treated at the wastewater treatment facility located in the business site and strictly managed through its wastewater quality analysis.
(Right) Pyeongtaek Energy Storage System (ESS) Center. The system is to store electricity late at night when demand is low or surplus electricity for later use in peak hours.   
 

Q.Could you briefly tell us about the recent green factory efforts and achievements?


It’s not enough to just make a green factory by improving the utilities, for instance, by adjusting water supply pressure and replacing power facilities with high-efficiency facilities. That’s why we carried out company-wide activities to maximize energy efficiency, including changing production line processes, applying high-efficiency equipment parts, and focusing on the production of electrified products. It’s estimated that Pyeongtaek Plant alone has saved 6,740 tons of water and 1,943 MWh of electricity for 3 years from 2019.

HL Mando Pyeongtaek Plant has saved as much as 5,910 TOE (Ton Of Equivalent) over the past 5 years, reducing electricity costs by 200 million won a year. With the company’s recent achievements, including the "President's Commendation" awarded at the Korea Energy Awards as well as the designation of a leading green company, HL Mando's journey towards being a green factory will hopefully gain further momentum.

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