In recent years, the Haman-based company Highone has achieved remarkable global success by combining strong delivery-risk management with the high-quality production of automotive components, such as tow bars, gears, and flywheels.
From your perspective, how do you view the successful international expansion of Korean automakers, and how is the current supply-chain realignment, driven by onshoring policies and tariffs, shaping the global expansion of Korean automotive parts manufacturers?
I believe that the current supply chain transformation represents a significant second leap for the Korean manufacturing sector, especially within forging. The global supply chain, which was previously centered heavily around China, is being restructured, and this is altering procurement standards.
In the past, the dominant criterion was simply cost, meaning who could produce the cheapest parts. Today, the focus has shifted to reliability and the ability to guarantee delivery schedules. For instance, the U.S. reshoring policy clearly demonstrates this shift. If we compare the scale of U.S. reshoring today to that of ten years ago, it has grown roughly eightfold. Procurement standards are no longer driven primarily by price but by trust, risk mitigation, and supply chain resilience.
This shift aligns naturally with Korea’s strengths: responsiveness, consistent and high-quality production, and a manufacturing culture where organizations and engineers take full responsibility for deadlines and outcomes. Forging is not merely about shaping metal through force; it is about designing the internal grain structure of steel to match intended strength and performance requirements, and in doing so, taking on responsibility for the customer’s operational risks.
We have seen the rise of electric vehicles, the continued relevance of hybrids, and growing demand for SUVs, not only in the U.S. but in Korea as well. Considering this multi directional market shift, how do you view the current global automotive landscape impacting forging?
The most significant opportunity lies in the market for high strength, heavy load hot forged components. According to reports, the global metal forging market is expected to grow from approximately USD 67.4 billion in 2024 to USD 94.8 billion by 2032. Another research institute projects growth to as much as USD 149.5 billion by that same timeframe. Despite different methodologies, both forecasts share one common conclusion: forging demand is not decreasing. In fact, electric and hybrid vehicles are raising the quality threshold for forged components.
I describe forging as the structural backbone of Korea’s industrial ecosystem because automotive components, especially those carrying loads, require durability, fatigue resistance, and long operational lifecycles. SUVs, electric vehicles, and hybrid vehicles all continue to require forged components. In fact, as vehicle weight and structural demands increase, forging becomes even more essential.
Highone differentiates itself by engaging early in the customer’s development cycle. We act not just as a supplier but as an engineering and development partner, helping companies refine their design and accelerate development timelines.
What, then, is the key success factor for companies operating in this environment?
First, hybrid systems, which combine electric power with liquid fuel, will remain relevant for a considerable time. Even in Europe, where electrification is most advanced, biofuel based internal combustion systems are being recognized as environmentally compliant. So, the engine will not disappear entirely. Its fuel source may change, but the fundamental mechanical motion will continue to have demand.
When EV adoption expands, reducers, constant velocity joints, drive arms, and other components involved in torque transmission will only increase in demand. Wherever there is load bearing metal, forging remains essential.
The success factor is this: companies must be able to support both legacy and emerging drivetrain architectures, and they must design for high load reliability. This is where forging remains irreplaceable.
While cost was previously the primary driver, accountability and delivery capability now carry greater weight in decision-making. How do you assess the impact of this shift on the forging industry?
Yes, the shift is very real. The global standard is transitioning toward emphasizing trust and risk management. And this is where Korean companies are strong: reliable execution, stable quality assurance, and engineering based problem solving.
The forging industry is, in my view, the backbone of Korea’s manufacturing ecosystem. If semiconductors are the brain of the Korean industrial structure, then the forging and automotive supply chain is its spine. Automotive manufacturing involves hundreds, even thousands, of suppliers across Tier 1, Tier 2, and Tier 3 levels. A single forging project directly impacts employment and long-term viability for numerous SMEs. So, the competitiveness of the forging sector is directly tied to the strength and resilience of the entire Korean manufacturing landscape.
Headquarter of Highone
Where does Highone see its unique differentiation as the market evolves?
Our differentiation lies in our willingness to expand beyond traditional engine and transmission components. There are large, untapped markets such as robotics, leisure vehicles, marine vessels, defense equipment, commercial trucks, and heavy machinery. These sectors require high strength forged components, and we see significant opportunities there.
Furthermore, we do not avoid low volume development projects. Even when the commercial payoff is long term, we are willing to invest time and engineering resources to build capability and trust. This allows us to broaden our customer base strategically, particularly overseas, where we are deepening relationships rather than expanding hastily.
The forging process historically relied heavily on the judgment and skill of experienced craftsmen. How is Highone approaching digitalization, automation, and data integration in forging?
Modern forging must be driven by data, not intuition. The difference of even five to ten degrees Celsius in processing temperature can determine strength and die lifespan. We have introduced four integrated digital systems:
By linking these systems to customer value, we reduce failure risk, improve delivery reliability, and accelerate development. This shifts forging from craft based knowledge to reproducible, data based engineering.
How would you describe your collaboration philosophy with customers, particularly in your RMT Center?
Highone is not simply a manufacturer of forged components; we are a technology partner dedicated to reducing customer failure risk. We take responsibility for the entire process, including cutting, forging, shot blasting, MPI inspection, straightening, and packaging, all within a single facility. This is not merely operational integration; it is a business philosophy of shared accountability. We believe that the true measure of a company is not its size but the scale of responsibility it is willing to take on.
Highone has achieved an impressive average annual growth rate of 12% over the last four years, despite significant industry challenges. What is the underlying driver of this performance?
The key reason is trust. Skills and technologies can be learned, but responsibility and commitment cannot. We are the company that responds first when a problem arises, the company that arrives on site, and the company that sees the issue through to resolution. Customers choose us because we shoulder their operational risk. That is what sustained our growth.
Looking forward three to five years, can this momentum continue?
Growth over the last four years did not come from increasing sales to a single customer but from expanding across multiple customers. We continue to solve difficult challenges for existing partners while developing new relationships through engineering led value creation. Based on orders already secured, we expect meaningful revenue expansion again in the coming two years.
Your international strategy seems measured rather than aggressive. Which global regions do you view as most promising going forward?
Each region offers distinct opportunities. The U.S. market is driven by hybrid and SUV demand. Europe values lightweight precision forgings. Japan values long term trust and consistency. Our goal is not to expand quickly but to establish deep, enduring partnerships. We prefer depth of relationship over breadth of exposure.
Finally, as Highone marks its 20th anniversary, what is your vision for the company over the coming decade?
The answer is simple but meaningful. I hope to welcome you to a company that has grown significantly in capability, in responsibility, and in global trust.
Interested in learning more? Click here: http://highone.co.kr/
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