Samsung Electronics Again as Problem Solver... Supporting Self-Diagnosis Kit Company with 'Smart Factory'

Support for Increasing Production Capacity of COVID-19 Self-Test Kits Amid Soaring Demand
Fourth Initiative Following Support for Masks, COVID-19 Test Kits, and LDS Syringes

At Genbody, a self-diagnostic kit manufacturer located in Cheonan, Chungnam, a Samsung Electronics smart factory expert and Genbody staff (center) are inspecting the self-diagnostic kit assembly line. (Photo by Samsung Electronics)

[Asia Economy Reporter Lee Hyeyoung] Samsung Electronics is supporting the 'smart factory construction' of COVID-19 self-diagnostic kit manufacturers. After the pandemic, Samsung Electronics, which took on the role of problem solver by supporting mask and syringe manufacturers, has decided to step up once again to improve the productivity of self-test kit production, which has seen a surge in demand.

On the 24th, Samsung Electronics announced that it has sent 19 smart factory construction experts to 'Zenbody,' a self-diagnostic kit manufacturer, to begin support activities aimed at improving productivity.

Specifically, Samsung Electronics plans to implement ▲ a 30% productivity increase by reducing work time per equipment ▲ efficient logistics management through production line rearrangement and the introduction of inventory management systems ▲ technical support for mold, injection, and printing from Zenbody’s partner companies.

Samsung Electronics will also support the early stabilization of Zenbody’s new factory. Once the new factory, currently under construction, begins operation at the end of April, Zenbody’s total self-diagnostic kit production is expected to double from the current 3 million units per week to 6 million units, contributing to alleviating the domestic shortage of self-diagnostic kits, Samsung Electronics explained.

Samsung Electronics also plans to dispatch manufacturing experts to 'Sujentec,' another self-diagnostic kit manufacturer, to support smart factory construction in various areas such as logistics, equipment, and processes.

Samsung Electronics Smart Factory, a 'Relief Pitcher' at Critical Moments

Since the COVID-19 outbreak, Samsung Electronics has significantly increased the productivity of related products through smart factory construction projects whenever shortages of quarantine supplies occurred.

During the mask shortage crisis in February 2020, Samsung Electronics urgently deployed 50 in-house experts to four mask manufacturers. By integrating Samsung’s production and raw material supply know-how, including mold production support, new equipment setup, and connecting new filter suppliers, the production capacity of the four companies improved by 51% within two months.

In May of the same year, smart factory construction was carried out for PCR diagnostic kit manufacturers, whose overseas demand surged. The diagnostic kit industry typically operates on a multi-product, small-lot production system and was unable to handle the sudden increase in global demand due to the spread of COVID-19. Samsung Electronics dispatched experts to rapidly improve productivity by addressing inefficiencies on-site and supporting the establishment of automated equipment. As a result, the productivity of diagnostic kit companies increased by more than 70%.

Samsung Electronics also sent 30 smart factory construction experts to 'Poonglim Pharmatech,' a manufacturer of low dead space (LDS) syringes that minimize vaccine residue. The Samsung smart factory team completed mold production, which usually takes about 40 days, in just 4 days and finished prototype production. Additionally, within a month, they succeeded in establishing a mass production system capable of producing over 10 million units per month.

At that time, as countries around the world fiercely competed to secure vaccines, LDS syringes emerged as a 'bargaining lever,' accelerating vaccine procurement negotiations and leading to the early introduction of the Pfizer vaccine.

At 'Genbody,' a self-diagnostic kit manufacturer located in Cheonan, Chungnam, a Samsung Electronics smart factory expert and Genbody staff (center) are inspecting the self-diagnostic kit assembly line. (Photo by Samsung Electronics)

Since 2015, Samsung Electronics has been conducting a 'smart factory construction support project' aimed at improving manufacturing environments for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and mid-sized companies. Up to last year, it has supported the construction of smart factories for a total of 2,819 companies.

Samsung Electronics explained, "We select about 200 in-house experts in areas such as manufacturing site innovation, factory operation systems, and manufacturing automation, and transfer know-how tailored to each company’s situation. The smart factory support project is conducted nationwide targeting SMEs, and it is evaluated to have contributed to revitalizing local economies and creating jobs."

It added, "We are also participating in national efforts against COVID-19 by providing living treatment centers due to bed shortages, securing dedicated treatment beds for severe patients, and donating a total of 30 billion KRW in relief supplies and funds for vulnerable groups and medical staff."

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