SMEs and Mid-Sized Companies Using Advanced Technologies Like AI and Robotics Draw Attention

Ajin Industrial, Korean Air C&D Service, InnoTech, Air First, and others
Receive Presidential Commendations for Innovation

The companies honored at this year's 50th National Productivity Awards have used advanced technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI) and robotics to drive innovation in manufacturing and services, improving process efficiency and quality while leading the transition to future industrial environments, including physical AI. They have also strengthened cost and quality competitiveness by localizing materials, parts, equipment, and core technologies and building technological independence, thereby contributing to supply chain stability and stronger national industrial competitiveness. Another notable feature is their work to create manufacturing environments where safety and productivity improve together by reinforcing safety management systems, investing in safety equipment, and preventing hazards. Ajin Industrial, Korean Air C&D Service, InnoTech, and Air First, which received Presidential Commendations, are among the leading examples.

Park Sungjoong, chairman of the Korea Productivity Center, delivers opening remarks at the 50th National Productivity Awards.

Since its establishment in 1978, Ajin Industrial has produced automotive body parts using press and welding technologies, growing into a company with 12 domestic and 7 overseas subsidiaries. Drawing on 48 years of accumulated manufacturing expertise, process improvements, and automation, it increased hourly production capacity on its press lines by up to 47.9%. It also reduced industrial accidents by 40% and days of work lost by 62% by introducing AI vision-based human detection systems and establishing regular risk assessments. Its safety management achievements have been recognized externally, including with the grand prize at the 2025 National Risk Assessment Contest.

Korean Air C&D Service supplies in-flight meals to 27 airlines and duty-free products to 5 airlines. In its in-flight catering business, it offers a distinctive culinary experience through "Fine Dining in the Sky," which reinterprets traditional Korean cuisine. It has significantly expanded its menu development output, from 105 items in 2023 to 237 last year, strengthening its service competitiveness. It has also provided a distinctive shopping experience in its in-flight duty-free business. After creating a convenient shopping environment through its premium duty-free shopping platform, SKYSHOP, where passengers can collect pre-ordered items directly at their seats on their return flights, the company launched an integrated online in-flight duty-free mall for low-cost carriers (LCCs) this July, further enhancing customer convenience. Building on these strengths, it has achieved average annual revenue growth of 60% over the past five years, establishing itself as a leading partner in in-flight services.

The 2026 Korea Productivity and Sustainable Management Innovation Awards ceremony.

InnoTech, a specialist in semiconductor and display testing equipment, has contributed to strengthening the competitiveness of Korea's advanced industries through technological and management innovation. By localizing key testing equipment and developing its own technologies, it provides customized solutions for customers and delivers improvements in quality and productivity. It has also enhanced management efficiency and corporate competitiveness by pursuing systematic organizational management, strengthening human resource capabilities, and carrying out workplace-focused improvement activities based on its mid- to long-term business strategy. These company-wide innovation efforts have laid the foundation for sustainable growth.

Air First, which received a Presidential Commendation as an outstanding company in manufacturing safety, has strengthened equipment reliability and production continuity by establishing a 24-hour remote integrated control system and a digital twin-based preventive and predictive safety management system. It has also recorded zero serious industrial accidents, major process accidents, and customer complaints for three consecutive years through equipment upgrades and hazard mitigation. It has had zero high-pressure gas transportation accidents as well.

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