Strengthening Global Partnerships: Dongwu Needle Bearing's Insightful Visit to NAMYANG NEXMO in South Korea Highlights Advanced Automation and Future Collaboration

Delegation Explores State-of-the-Art Production Facilities and Reinforces Longstanding Cooperation in the Automotive Sector

[Suzhou, China – November 2025] – In a significant move to enhance international business relations, a delegation from Suzhou Dongwu Needle Bearing Co., Ltd. recently conducted a productive visit to NAMYANG NEXMO in Ansan-si, South Korea, from October 27th to 28th, 2025. This visit was strategically organized to deepen the existing partnership, foster open communication, and explore new opportunities for mutual growth in the competitive automotive components market. The event concluded with remarkable success, leaving a lasting impression on the Dongwu team, particularly regarding Namyang's advanced, fully automated production lines, which serve as a benchmark for industrial excellence and innovation.

Suzhou Dongwu Needle Bearing Co., Ltd., a specialized manufacturer of high-precision needle bearings based in China, has built a strong reputation for delivering reliable components essential to various automotive applications. The company's delegation comprised three key members: Mr. Gu, Chairman, who provides strategic leadership and oversees corporate development. Mr. Zhang, Technical Engineer, is responsible for product innovation, quality assurance, and technical support. Steven, Director of the Foreign Trade Department, handles international business expansion and client relations. Their combined expertise ensured a comprehensive evaluation of the visit, covering strategic, technical, and commercial dimensions.

NAMYANG NEXMO, established in 1969, is a prominent player in South Korea's automotive industry, specializing in critical components for steering systems, braking systems, and motors. With a global footprint that includes subsidiaries in China, Poland, Germany, Mexico, and India, Namyang has consistently demonstrated a commitment to quality, innovation, and sustainable practices. The hosting team from Namyang included Mr. Kim, Senior Vice President of Sales and Purchasing Division, who leads strategic partnerships and supply chain initiatives. Mr. Kim, Senior Purchasing Manager, focused on optimizing purchasing processes. Mr. Lee, Senior Materials Manager, ensures efficient material management. Mr. Kim, Workshop Director of the Ansan-si Second Factory, is directly involved in production operations and facility management. This diverse team underscored the importance Namyang places on nurturing its relationship with Dongwu.

Day 1: Strategic Dialogue and Collaborative Planning at NAMYANG Headquarters

The visit commenced on the morning of October 27th, 2025, with the Dongwu delegation's arrival at Namyang’s headquarter in Ansan-si. The day was dedicated to high-level discussions aimed at reinforcing the collaborative framework between the two companies. In a well-appointed conference room, adorned with displays showcasing Namyang's product portfolio and industry achievements, the teams engaged in a candid and productive dialogue. Both sides revisited their long-standing cooperative history, highlighting key milestones and successful projects where Dongwu's needle bearings have played a crucial role in enhancing the performance and reliability of Namyang's automotive components.

Mr. Kim, Senior Vice President of Namyang, opened the meeting with a warm welcome, emphasizing the value of face-to-face interactions in an era dominated by digital communication. "In today's rapidly evolving automotive industry, personal connections and shared experiences are indispensable for building trust and driving collective innovation," he remarked. The discussions then progressed to current operational landscapes, with both companies sharing updates on their respective market strategies, production capabilities, and adaptation to global trends such as electrification, autonomous driving, and lightweighting in vehicles. Dongwu's Chairman, Mr. Gu, provided insights into the company's recent expansions, including investments in advanced manufacturing technologies and workforce training programs. Meanwhile, Namyang's team outlined their strategic plans for 2026, which involve tapping into emerging markets, enhancing sustainability initiatives, and leveraging digital transformation to improve supply chain resilience.

A significant portion of the dialogue focused on the evolving requirements for automotive components, particularly needle roller bearings, which must meet higher standards of durability, efficiency, and environmental compatibility in next-generation vehicles. Both parties acknowledged the importance of joint research and development efforts to address these challenges. They also discussed supply chain optimization, agreeing to enhance logistics coordination and risk management practices to mitigate potential disruptions. By the conclusion of the session, several actionable items were identified, including regular technical exchanges, collaborative testing of new materials, and potential co-development projects aimed at creating customized solutions for specific automotive applications.

Day 2: Immersive Factory Tour at Ansan-si Second Factory – A Showcase of Automated Manufacturing Excellence

October 28, 2025, was reserved for an immersive tour of Namyang’s Ansan-si Second Factory, a facility dedicated to the production of automotive steering columns and intermediate shafts. As a long-term supplier of needle bearings for these critical components, Dongwu has a vested interest in understanding the end-use environments and production methodologies employed by Namyang. The visit began with a comprehensive safety briefing, reflecting Namyang's unwavering commitment to workplace safety and operational standards.

Upon entering the production area, the Dongwu delegation was immediately struck by the scale, organization, and technological sophistication of the factory. The facility operates under the rigorous 6S management system-Sort, Set in order, Shine, Standardize, Sustain, and Safety-which ensures a clean, orderly, and efficient workspace. This methodology minimizes waste, enhances safety, and maximizes productivity, with every tool, material, and process step meticulously organized and standardized. The factory's layout is designed for seamless workflow, reducing unnecessary movement and optimizing resource utilization.

The production lines for steering columns and intermediate shafts are predominantly fully automated, incorporating state-of-the-art robotics, conveyor systems, and computer-controlled machinery. Integrated sensors and Internet of Things (IoT) devices monitor the production process in real-time, collecting data on critical parameters such as temperature, pressure, torque, and alignment. This data is analyzed to ensure consistent quality and promptly address any deviations. The Dongwu team observed how needle roller bearings are seamlessly integrated into these assemblies, noting their pivotal role in ensuring smooth operation, reducing friction, and extending the lifespan of the final products.

Mr. Zhang, Technical Engineer from Dongwu, expressed his admiration for the automation levels: "The degree of automation here is truly impressive. It not only boosts operational efficiency but also eliminates variability in product quality, resulting in components that meet the highest standards. We see tremendous potential in adopting similar technologies to enhance our own manufacturing processes in China, particularly in areas like precision machining and quality control." The factory's quality control laboratory further exemplified this commitment, featuring automated inspection systems that utilize advanced vision technology and laser measurements to detect defects at micron-level tolerances. Any non-conforming parts are automatically identified and rejected, ensuring that only flawless components proceed to subsequent stages of production.

Beyond the hardware and technology, the visit highlighted the human element of advanced manufacturing. Namyang's employees are trained to work synergistically with automation, focusing on supervision, maintenance, troubleshooting, and continuous improvement initiatives. The Workshop Director, Mr. Kim, explained how regular training programs, kaizen activities, and employee engagement campaigns foster a culture of innovation and accountability. "Our philosophy is to blend human expertise with robotic precision to achieve operational excellence. This synergy allows us to maintain high productivity while adapting to changing market demands," he stated.

Reflections and Future Directions: Building on a Foundation of Trust and Innovation

The visit concluded with a reflective session where both teams shared their key takeaways and discussed future collaboration prospects. The Dongwu delegation gained invaluable insights into automated production, quality management, and operational efficiency, which they plan to implement in their own facilities to enhance competitiveness and drive innovation. Specifically, Dongwu aims to explore the integration of automation technologies in their bearing production lines, adopt similar 6S practices, and enhance their quality assurance protocols based on Namyang's models.

Conversely, Namyang appreciated Dongwu's consistent supply of high-quality needle roller bearings and discussed avenues for deeper integration. Potential initiatives include co-developing customized bearings for specific applications, sharing best practices in supply chain management, and collaborating on sustainability projects aimed at reducing carbon footprints and promoting circular economy principles. The automotive industry's ongoing shift toward electric and autonomous vehicles presents ample opportunities for synergy, as both companies can leverage their respective strengths to develop next-generation components that meet evolving customer expectations.

In summary, the visit to Namyang was a resounding success, strengthening the bond between Suzhou Dongwu Needle Bearing Co., Ltd. and Namyang Nexmo. It underscored the importance of international partnerships in driving industrial progress and provided a clear roadmap for future cooperation. By learning from Namyang's advanced, fully automated production lines, Dongwu is better positioned to elevate its manufacturing capabilities, contribute to the global automotive supply chain, and achieve sustainable growth.

As Mr. Gu, Chairman of Dongwu, aptly summarized, "This visit has been an eye-opening experience. We return to China not only with renewed confidence in our partnership but also with practical ideas to enhance our operations. Together, we can achieve greater heights in the automotive world, leveraging innovation and collaboration to navigate future challenges."