Baekje Co., Ltd., which operates a rice food factory producing rice cake soup and rice noodles in Hongseong-gun, Chungcheongnam-do, has participated in Samsung's Smart Factory Support Project since 2022 to enhance production efficiency. The company introduced a Manufacturing Execution System (MES) to systematically manage work schedules and product quality and began utilizing robots for simple tasks such as product packaging. As a result, the per capita product output of Baekje Co., Ltd. employees increased by 33% compared to before Samsung's support began. The company, based on Samsung's consultation, has ventured into overseas markets and is currently exporting to about 20 countries worldwide. Kim Cheol-yu, CEO of Baekje Co., Ltd., stated, "The introduction of the smart factory has automated most manual processes, increasing productivity."

Samsung's Smart Factory Support Project, initiated in 2015 to promote mutual growth with small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), marks its 10th anniversary this year. It has supported 3,450 SMEs to date, establishing itself as a leading domestic project driving manufacturing innovation among SMEs.

On the 21st, Samsung held a commemorative event for the 10th anniversary of the Smart Factory Project at COEX in Gangnam-gu, Seoul, where it presented past achievements and future plans. During the event, Noh Yong-seok, Vice Minister of SMEs and Startups, commended the achievements of Samsung's Smart Factory Project and presented a plaque of appreciation.

The Smart Factory Project is a social contribution initiative conducted by Samsung in collaboration with the Ministry of SMEs and Startups and the Korea Federation of SMEs to enhance the manufacturing capabilities of domestic SMEs. It provides Samsung's manufacturing expertise, expert consultation, and workforce training. More than 160 expert commissioners with over 20 years of manufacturing site experience at Samsung are deployed. These experts reside at the supported companies for about two months, closely identifying issues and providing tailored solutions to improve processes and quality management.

This project began in 2015 as 'Smart Factory 1.0' supporting SMEs in Gyeongsangbuk-do and expanded nationwide in 2016. In 2018, it evolved into 'Smart Factory 2.0', broadening support programs to include market development and technology development. Since 2023, 'Smart Factory 3.0' has been pursued, advancing the project based on data. Satisfaction with the program is increasing. According to a survey conducted by the Korea Federation of SMEs on supported companies, the percentage of respondents who said they were 'satisfied' increased from 86.2% in 2019 to 93.6% last year.

The Smart Factory Project is also contributing to overcoming national crises. During the COVID-19 pandemic, Samsung supported SMEs' smart factories, significantly increasing the production of quarantine supplies such as self-diagnosis kits and masks.

Samsung plans to focus on supporting the transition to artificial intelligence (AI) for SMEs and the establishment of smart factories. This includes assisting with data aggregation using AI, upgrading manufacturing processes based on this data, and achieving integrated management of the entire system. Lee Kwang-ryul, Head of Samsung Electronics' Smart Factory Support Center, stated, "The 10 years of smart factories are the results of Samsung and SMEs sweating together on the field," and added, "We will continue to support innovation through manufacturing AI."

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