[Innovation in Action, Opening the Future] Wonang Co.
'Signature' line reduces sink splash… Recognized for technology with 220mm depth
Expanding into Southeast Asia and North American markets… Joint venture with Vietnamese company
Wonang TQC960.
Located in Jincheon, Chungbuk, Wonang Co., Ltd. (CEO Kwon Woo-sang) is revolutionizing the fundamental inconveniences of sink bowls with its technological prowess, built on over half a century of expertise in the metal kitchen solutions industry. Starting as a private company in 1972 and incorporating in 1989, Wonang is now in its 36th year under the second-generation management of CEO Kwon Woo-sang, boasting a broad history spanning 50 to 60 years. The ultra-premium 'Signature' line, utilizing POSCO raw materials, features a depth of 220mm, significantly reducing water splashing in sink bowls. With a vision to establish a new category called 'K-Sink,' akin to K-Food and K-Pop, the company aims to imprint the unique identity and excellence of Korean sink bowls on the global stage.
The Meeting of Half-Century Tradition and Innovative Technology
Wonang Signature Sink Bowl 900 Embossed Coated Square Sink Bowl. Provided by Wonang
Wonang's distinctive technological prowess originates from innovative designs based on the use of POSCO raw materials. To address everyday inconveniences such as noise, water splashing, and excessive detergent use, the company has independently developed and applied technologies like the Black Hole Pad, Stellar Honeycomb Embossing, and Ceramic Nano Coating. Supplying products to over 100 domestic distributors and handling OEM for major companies such as Hanssem, LX Hausys, and ENEX, Wonang is recognized within the industry for its technology and quality.
Particularly, the company's ambitious ultra-premium line, Signature, has overcome the limitations of existing press technology by achieving a depth of 220mm. This significantly reduces water splashing while the Stellar Honeycomb Embossing pattern minimizes everyday scratches and enhances aesthetics. Starting with its core brand 'Wonang,' the company has built a product lineup that meets diverse customer needs, from premium 'HANS' to ultra-premium 'Signature,' realizing its mission to make kitchens a happy space everyone dreams of with creative and innovative products.
K-Sink Vision and Global Expansion Strategy
Wonang SQJ 740 Square Sink Bowl.
Wonang's future vision is to create a new category called K-Sink. Like K-Food and K-Pop, the company aspires to imprint the unique product identity of Korean sink bowls on the global market. To realize this vision, Wonang is accelerating its global expansion by establishing a joint venture with Vietnam's 'TAN A DAI THANH' Group. Based on the robust supply chain of POSCO VST, the company is pursuing entry into the Southeast Asian and North American markets through local production in Vietnam and K-Made (K-Sink) branding.
CEO Kwon plans to participate in JAPAN BUILD this December and the IBS·KBIS in the Americas next year to establish the status of K-Sink on the global stage. This is expected to be an important opportunity to showcase the excellence of Korean sink bowl technology to the world, beyond simple exports. Wonang's global strategy is based on a two-track approach: stable market entry through local partnerships and building a premium image for the Korean brand.
Particularly, through the joint venture in Vietnam, the company plans to serve as a hub for the Southeast Asian market, while in the North American market, it aims to build a differentiated positioning through enhanced production competitiveness and K-Made branding. This strategic approach is to consistently realize the core values of 'customer-centric, honest quality, and reasonable price' in the global market.
Currently exporting products to over 10 countries, including the United States, Wonang aims to achieve a sales target of KRW 25 billion this year and a goal of KRW 100 billion in annual sales by 2030.
Smart Factory and Reform Market Development
Headquarters of Wonang Co., Ltd. located in Iwol-myeon, Jincheon-gun, Chungbuk.
Wonang's innovation is prominent not only in its products but also in its production methods. Having completed Smart Factory Level 2 certification and the introduction of ERP·MES, Wonang is currently preparing for the challenging Level 3 certification. This is a strategic investment to increase productivity and secure price competitiveness, offering more reasonable prices to customers.
The core of Smart Factory implementation lies in establishing an optimized production system based on data, beyond simple automation. Through this, Wonang reinvests the saved costs in research and development and quality improvement, creating a virtuous cycle. Particularly, with the capability to produce sink bowl molds in-house, the company has established a system to quickly respond to customer demands. A thorough quality control system, with all employees participating in product inspection, is also a unique competitive edge of Wonang.
Additionally, Wonang is focusing on revitalizing the reform market to pioneer new markets. By providing a DIY kit in the IKEA style for sink bowl replacement, the company has made it possible for the younger generation to install it themselves. In tests conducted by CEO Kwon himself, it was confirmed that installation could be completed within 1 to 2 hours. This is expected to present a new paradigm in the sink bowl replacement market, which was previously dependent on professionals, significantly increasing accessibility for younger customers.
“Honest Quality for Customers is the Secret to Longevity”
[Interview] Kwon Woo-sang, CEO of Wonang
Kwon Woo-sang, CEO of Wonang Co., Ltd. (pictured), has consistently practiced the philosophy that "a company cannot last long if it does not focus on customers" throughout his 36 years of leading the company. He explained the company's raison d'être by stating, "Making the kitchen a happy space everyone dreams of is the reason for Wonang's existence."
CEO Kwon particularly emphasizes honest quality centered on customers. He explained, "The Signature with a depth of 220mm and star-pattern embossing is the result of our determination to transform the kitchen into a stage for the family," adding, "Our differentiation point lies in reducing noise, water splashing, water stains, and detergent use according to customer inconveniences, while also ensuring aesthetics."
His perspective on the future of manufacturing is firm. Emphasizing the importance of a manufacturing-based foundation, CEO Kwon stated, "If manufacturing collapses, so does the future of the nation," and stressed the urgent need for national-level promotion of entrepreneurship and nurturing engineers for more talent.
His determination to create the K-Sink category is also exceptional. CEO Kwon expressed his ambition by stating, "I will lead the creation of a new category called K-Sink," and "I will imprint the unique identity of Korean sink bowls on the world, like K-Food and K-Pop."
Responsibility to the local community is also a core part of his management philosophy. CEO Kwon explained the background of his continued practice of community service and donations by stating, "It is a principle that social responsibility accompanies profit."
In his outlook on the future market, CEO Kwon expressed confidence by stating, "Reform and DIY will open new markets, and we will respond with technology."
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