aT Invites Companies to Join "K-Food Smart Factory Construction" Project...Up to 200 Million Won Per Company

Applications Accepted Until April 9...Approximately 10 Companies to Be Selected

The Korea Agro-Fisheries & Food Trade Corporation (aT) announced on February 9 that it is recruiting small and medium-sized, as well as mid-sized, food manufacturing companies to participate in the "Smart Factory Construction Support Project," which provides up to 200 million won per company.

A smart factory is an advanced intelligent factory that integrates all production processes, from product planning to sales, through information and communications technology to produce customized products for customers at minimal cost and in minimal time. This project has been prepared to strengthen the export competitiveness of K-Food by supporting the smart factory transformation of small and mid-sized food manufacturing companies and thereby laying the foundation for the growth of the food-tech industry.

In addition to smart factory construction, this project will support industrial on-site-oriented smart capabilities through a package of measures, including the provision of unique corporate support programs by cooperating ministries. The main areas of support include: (1) building smart factories that optimize manufacturing processes using information and communications technology; and (2) establishing automated equipment, controllers, sensors, and other facilities that are linked with smart factory management systems. The government will provide up to 200 million won per company in subsidies, with a 1:1 matching contribution required from the manufacturing company. A total of about 2 billion won in funding will be used to select approximately 10 projects.

Selected companies must participate in at least one of the support programs for food and export companies offered by the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs, such as: (1) consulting for projects to enhance food quality and hygiene capabilities; (2) support for performance bond insurance for the purchase of domestically produced agricultural and livestock products; and (3) localization support projects. Detailed information can be found on the smart factory project management system and on the aT website.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.