Machang Bridge Recognized for Environmental Protection, Social Contributions ... Minister of SMEs and Startups Commendation

Machang Bridge Co., Ltd. received a Minister of SMEs and Startups Commendation in recognition of its efforts in sustainable management, including environmental protection and contributions to the local community.

Machang Bridge announced on October 30 that it had received the commendation at the 21st Sustainable Management (ESG) Innovation Awards ceremony, hosted by the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy on October 29.

Kim Seonghwan, CEO of Machang Bridge (fourth from right), poses for a commemorative photo with fellow award recipients while holding the Minister of SMEs and Startups’ Commendation, which he received at the 21st Awards for Contributions to Sustainable Management. [Photo provided by Machang Bridge Co., Ltd.]

The ministerial commendation is considered a notable achievement, following the company's awards in the National Sustainable Management Grand Prize in 2022 and the social contribution category of the Korea Best Management Awards in 2025.

Machang Bridge also received a perfect score of 100 for the second consecutive year in GRESB 2026, a global benchmark for real assets' sustainability, earning the highest rating of five stars. It ranked first among 569 companies evaluated globally.

Machang Bridge, whose largest shareholder is Macquarie Korea Infrastructure Fund (MKIF), which actively pursues sustainable management, manages and operates the 1.7-kilometer Machang Bridge, a sea-crossing bridge connecting Gapo-dong in Masanhappo-gu and Gwisan-dong in Seongsan-gu, Changwon, South Gyeongsang Province.

Since opening in July 2008, the bridge has carried an average of 48,000 vehicles a day. To improve user convenience, enhance vehicle safety, and prevent industrial accidents, the company has installed additional suicide prevention facilities, firefighting equipment and various safety signs to prepare for fires, barriers to prevent road crossings, speed-control facilities, and emergency broadcast systems.

The company also conducts joint training exercises with relevant agencies on a regular basis to prepare for natural disasters such as typhoons, heavy rain, strong winds, and earthquakes, as well as traffic and marine accidents.

To protect the environment, Machang Bridge has installed solar power facilities and purchased electric vehicles to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. It also cleans the road every week using specialized equipment.

In addition, the company continues its community service activities, including regular donations to the Fruit of Love Sharing Honor Society, scholarships for 50 local elementary, middle, and high school students, medical expense assistance for low-income households, regular donations to social welfare facilities in Changwon serving people with disabilities, single mothers, and youth, regular support for the Gyeongnam Migrant Workers Welfare Center, care programs for seniors living alone, and assistance with farm work.

CEO Kim Seonghwan said, "I am pleased that Machang Bridge has received this award in recognition of its efforts to actively contribute to and promote national sustainable management. We will continue to advance our sustainable management strategy, building on a comfortable and safe road environment."

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