Hankook & Company Launches Full-Scale Operation of Manufacturing Innovation System "HCI WAY"

Hankook & Company, the business-oriented holding company of Hankook & Company Group, announced on September 17 that it is officially launching and putting into full operation its manufacturing innovation system, "HCI WAY (Hankook Continuous Innovation WAY)."

After confirming improvements in productivity and safety through a pilot operation of "HCI WAY" at the global sites of its core affiliate, Hankook Tire & Technology, last year, Hankook & Company has decided to expand the application of the system to its battery (lead-acid battery) business division.

"HCI WAY" is a comprehensive innovation system based on three pillars: productivity improvement, quality enhancement, and the creation of a safe and enjoyable workplace. Under the slogan "True innovation starts from the basics," the system utilizes the "Innovation Wheel" throughout every stage of activity.

The Innovation Wheel consists of four steps: problem recognition, idea generation for improvement, execution, and change management. Just as a wheel gains momentum as it rolls, the process is designed so that the speed and effectiveness of execution increase with each repetition.

To promote field-driven improvements through "HCI WAY," Hankook & Company has established factory production innovation projects at each business site. Rather than a top-down management directive, this approach encourages voluntary participation from employees, who share experiments and implementation tasks, thereby embedding innovation into the organizational culture.

A company representative explained that this innovation system reflects the philosophy of Chairman Cho Hyunbum. In management innovation meetings and global site manager gatherings held in March, Chairman Cho emphasized, "Innovation is fundamentally about survival based on safety. It is not about top-down directives, but about proactive leadership by those on the ground." He added, "When employees work with a proactive mindset and a sense of solidarity, it is possible to achieve safety, productivity, and quality all at once."

A Hankook & Company representative stated, "HCI WAY is a sustainable, advanced innovation system," adding, "As a high-tech group, we expect it to become a driving force for enhancing global competitiveness and leading sustainable growth."

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