In February 2025, Bühler Group completed the installation of the first out of two state-of-the-art megacasting machines with a locking force of 92,000 kilonewtons at Seojin System’s factory in Vietnam. To mark this milestone, Seojin System hosted an inauguration ceremony attended by industry leaders and officials. This achievement represents a significant step in the partnership between the two companies and underscores their shared commitment to advancing production capabilities in the EV parts supply sector.
The ceremony welcomed Swiss Ambassador to Vietnam, Thomas Gass, who emphasized that when Swiss innovative technology, Vietnamese industrial determination and Korean automotive experience and reach are combined, production efficiency improves, and supply chains are stronger and more resilient. He was joined by Jun Dong Kyu, President of Seojin System, and Cornel Mendler, Managing Director of Die Casting at Bühler Group. During the event, discussions focused on the automotive sector and the strategic role of Tier-1-suppliers from Vietnam. Jun Dong Kyu emphasized Seojin System’s ability to supply cast automotive parts to original equipment manufacturers globally. “With Bühler’s innovative solutions, we gain a substantial competitive advantage in supplying superior cast automotive parts around the world. Bühler’s cutting-edge technology, combined with Vietnam’s strategic advantages in logistics, tax incentives, and skilled workforce, enables us to maximize efficiency and strengthen our position in the global supply chain,” he said.
Cornel Mendler expressed his appreciation for Seojin’s expertise and significant investment in technology and skilled workforce, reinforcing the strength of the partnership between Bühler Group and Seojin System. “This partnership showcases the synergy between Bühler’s innovative solutions and Seojin’s capabilities, enhancing our joint forces and role in transforming the automotive sector,” Cornel Mendler said. “Since the beginning of our partnership in 2019, Seojin not only invested in Bühler solutions, but also in its experts to ensure the delivery of high-quality parts for global original equipment manufacturers.” Bühler’s megacasting cells at Seojin in Vietnam were the first and are still the only ones in Southeast Asia.
Factory tour highlights innovation
Delegates toured the Seojin System’s factory, where they observed the Carat 920 die-casting machine in action. Bühler engineers are currently installing the second machine, further expanding Seojin’s production capacity with up to 200,000 parts per year per machine for electric vehicles such as battery trays and rear underbodies. This latest installation builds on the companies’ ongoing collaboration, which began with the Carat 610 project in 2019. The addition of the Carat 920 machines strengthens Seojin’s production capabilities and expands its casting operations. By enabling the production of larger components, megacasting technology improves manufacturing efficiency, reduces material waste, and supports more sustainable production processes.
Expansion plans don’t stop there. Seojin System is already in the construction phase for another factory which will be completed in 2025. Seojin is planning to also cooperate with domestic partners to provide casting parts for companies in the automotive parts supply chain in Vietnam.
A groundbreaking technology
Bühler has been at the forefront of die-casting technology for nearly a century, with its Carat series developed to meet the growing demand for larger structural castings in modern vehicle design. The series features two-platen technology with locking forces ranging from 10,500 to 92,000 kilonewtons, enabling the production of large and complex parts. By replacing up to 100 individual components with a single die-cast structure, megacasting simplifies assembly, reduces welding and joining processes, minimizes material waste, and enhances vehicle performance through lighter and more rigid designs. This approach also lowers logistical complexity and energy consumption, contributing to more sustainable manufacturing.
With manufacturing sites in Europe, the US and China, Bühler maintains regional production to better serve its customers. Today, more than 900 Carat machines are in operation worldwide, making it one of the most widely adopted solutions in the industry.
Source: RWTH Aachen University
