Swiss technology group Bühler is marking 20 years of collaboration with Hyundai Motor Group, during which it has supplied 43 die-casting systems to Hyundai production facilities in South Korea, China and India. The partnership began with the installation of Bühler’s first Evolution 270D machine at Hyundai’s Ulsan complex in South Korea two decades ago. Since then, Bühler has supplied both Carat and Evolution die-casting systems to Hyundai Motor Group and its affiliated companies.
Jong Cheol Kim, Production Team Senior Manager at Hyundai, said: “Strong partners make strong products. For more than 20 years, Bühler has been a trusted partner, providing the solutions and expertise that help us maintain excellence in manufacturing. This collaboration strengthens our ability to innovate and build the future of mobility on a strong foundation.”
Of the 43 systems supplied, six Carat machines were delivered to Hyundai WIA’s facility in Rizhao, China. Hyundai WIA is an affiliate of Hyundai Motor Group specialising in automotive components. Another Carat machine was installed at Hyundai Motor’s research and development foundry centre in Ulsan.
Bühler’s Carat is a high-pressure die-casting machine platform with die-locking forces ranging from 10,500 to 92,000 kilonewtons. The systems are designed to produce large and complex aluminium and magnesium structural components. Bühler has also supplied 36 Evolution machines to Hyundai. The Evolution platform is designed for automotive applications including powertrain, structural and e-mobility components, with locking forces ranging from 2,600 to 42,000 kN.
“Twenty years reflects a relationship that goes beyond the installations,” said Naim Selmani, Business Development Manager Die Casting at Bühler. “Our collaboration with Hyundai has been built on reliable equipment, responsive service, and sustained technical cooperation. The first machine we supplied to Hyundai remains in operation today and has recently undergone a control-system upgrade.”
According to Bühler, Hyundai has reported operational improvements on production lines equipped with its technology, including reductions in scrap rates of up to 50% and an increase in overall equipment effectiveness of around 10%. Bühler also provides technical support, training and equipment upgrades as part of its services. The company said continued technical support has been an important part of maintaining equipment performance and reliability across the partnership.
Hyundai’s manufacturing strategy has evolved over the past two decades as the automotive industry has moved towards electrification, digitalisation and more flexible production systems. The company is developing manufacturing systems capable of supporting electric, hybrid and internal combustion powertrains.
Yongjin Park, Director, Business Unit Technology at DKSH, Bühler’s partnering company in Korea, said: “Our 20-year collaboration with Hyundai has been instrumental in driving innovation and delivering high-performance solutions tailored to their specific needs. By combining Bühler’s technology expertise with Hyundai’s deep market insight, we have created lasting value for both sides and continue to strengthen our support for customers across Asia.”
Hyundai has set a target of 5.55 million global vehicle sales by 2030, supported by expansion of its electrified vehicle portfolio, EV and hybrid production, software-defined vehicles, autonomous driving technologies, battery development and smart manufacturing. Bühler said it will continue supporting Hyundai’s manufacturing operations through its die-casting technology, services and technical expertise.
