Inside AVOCarbon: The Path of Leadership!

?? At AVOCarbon, innovation drives our success. Today, we feature Jaeseok Lee, the Production Manager of AVOCarbon Korea, who shares insights from his extensive experience in R&D, quality control, and production. Discover our conversation with him as we explore the challenges and triumphs that define our commitment to excellence.

1.????? Can you tell us about your journey with AVOCarbon and how your role has evolved over the years?

I began my career in 1997 with Morgan Korea, primarily responsible for R&D of carbon brushes. After the spin-off from Morgan Group in 2004, I belonged to ECS Korea, and later, in October 2009, became part of AVOCarbon Group through the merger. From January 2007 until December 2023, I served as a Quality Manager, managing quality control and overseeing production processes. During this time, I also led the transfer of new production technologies to the Korea plant and played a key role in developing the Chinese market. These experiences have provided me with a global perspective and technical insight. Currently, as Production Manager, I focus on supporting product development and managing production operations with an emphasis on continuous improvement.?

2.????? With your extensive experience in R&D, production, and quality control, what do you consider the most significant changes in our production processes?

The most significant change in our production process has been the introduction of new-generation machines, such as the X series press and New Generation Grinder (NGG), developed by AVOCarbon Group. These machines have dramatically improved production speed and quality, enhancing overall efficiency. Recently, we introduced the AI Vision system, which continuously monitors products in real time, detecting even the smallest defects that may escape human inspection. By addressing quality issues early, we’ve significantly reduced defect rates and improved consistency. These advancements strengthen our ability to quickly meet customer demands while maintaining high production standards.

3.????? How does your background in different departments contribute to the effectiveness of our production team today?

My background in R&D, quality control, and production has greatly contributed to the efficiency of our production team. My experience in R&D gave me a deep understanding of new materials and processes, allowing me to quickly resolve technical issues in production. For example, when introducing new technologies or materials, I can accurately assess their characteristics and adjust implementation methods. In quality control, I honed my skills in early defect detection, ensuring that we maintain efficiency without compromising quality. Using tools like 6M Analysis and the 5Why method, I work closely with the team to solve quality challenges swiftly, improving both productivity and product consistency.

4.????? What are the key challenges you’ve encountered in maintaining high-quality standards, and how have you addressed them?

Maintaining high-quality standards in a large-scale production environment like AVOCarbon Korea is challenging because even minor defects can significantly impact overall product quality. To address this, we implemented the AI Vision system, which monitors products in real time and identifies defects early, enabling immediate corrective actions. This proactive approach has not only reduced defect rates and improved overall quality but also lowered labor costs by reducing reliance on manual inspection. This shift from reactive to proactive quality management has enhanced customer satisfaction and streamlined our production process.

5.????? Can you share a recent project or achievement that you’re particularly proud of and its impact on our operations?

A project I’m particularly proud of is the 'Auto Rotary Welder' quality improvement project. Initially, persistent shape defects were thought to be unsolvable due to equipment limitations. However, by revisiting the fundamentals and systematically analyzing each step, we identified the root cause of the issue. After correcting basic principles, we significantly reduced the defect rate and improved productivity. This project demonstrated the importance of sticking to the basics when solving complex problems. The lessons learned from this project are now being applied to other processes, driving continuous improvement throughout our operations.

6.????? Looking ahead, what innovations or improvements do you envision for our production processes in the near future?

In the near future, I foresee automation upgrades and AI technology continuing to drive innovation in our production processes. AVOCarbon Group has already introduced technologies like the X series press, New Generation Grinder, and Rotary Auto Welder, which have significantly enhanced productivity. Moving forward, the AI Vision system will become even more advanced, enabling precise defect detection and quality control. These innovations will not only maintain our global competitiveness but also allow us to respond more quickly and flexibly to customer demands. By integrating these technologies into our long-term strategy, we are positioning ourselves as industry leaders in efficiency and quality.

7.????? If you could introduce one unique aspect of Korean culture to your colleagues at AVOCarbon, what would it be?

I would introduce the concept of 'Jeong’ (?, 情) from Korean culture, which represents a deep bond and consideration that goes beyond simple emotions, fostering warm and caring relationships between people. In the workplace, this cultural value strengthens cooperation and trust among colleagues, enhancing teamwork. I believe incorporating this spirit into the AVOCarbon culture would promote an environment of mutual support and respect, leading to greater collaboration and success. I've seen firsthand how this mindset has improved team cohesion and boosted overall performance.

?? To conclude, the dedication of our AVOCarbon team fuels our commitment to excellence. Doing the right things, the right way!

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