Hyosung Heavy Expands Export Circuit Breaker Output

Hyosung Heavy Industries inaugurated an export-focused production facility for ultra-high-voltage circuit breakers on October 16th in Changwon, South Gyeongsang Province. The 18,996 square meter plant exclusively manufactures high-specification circuit breakers for global export, including 420kV, 550kV, and 800kV models. By doubling its production capacity for ultra-high-voltage circuit breakers rated at 420kV or higher compared to previous levels, the investment demonstrates Hyosung Chairman Cho Hyun-joon's commitment to expanding the supply chain.

The Chairman highlighted the need for preemptive investment to meet anticipated growth in the AI industry, predicting overloads in global power grids. The new facility features a one-stop mass production system, optimizing production efficiency and doubling insulation material production capacity, a crucial core component. As the sole domestic power equipment company capable of in-house insulation material production, Hyosung strengthens its ability to meet large-scale orders.

With the new plant, Hyosung will operate its domestic and overseas bases under a dual-track structure, focusing on domestic market models at the existing Changwon plant and export-oriented production at the new facility. The company plans to leverage existing production facilities in India and the United States, aiming to boost market share in major power markets.

In Europe, Hyosung intends to strengthen collaboration with local institutions at its Dutch R&D Center, promoting eco-friendly and customized products. In the U.S., it formed a joint venture with Quanta in June to secure local ultra-high-voltage circuit breaker production capacity. The company is also expanding its ultra-high-voltage transformer plant in Memphis with a $300 million investment, aiming to become one of the largest transformer producers in the United States.

Hyosung Heavy Industries has been a market leader in power equipment for over 50 years, developing the 170kV gas circuit breaker in 1978. In 2024, it became the first domestic power equipment company to surpass 10 trillion won in cumulative circuit breaker production, with about 300 officials attending the completion ceremony.