LG Chem plans to construct a smart factory featuring AI and digital transformation (DX) automation processes, aiming to increase production speed by over 25% compared to traditional facilities by implementing real-time anomaly detection, quality control, and productivity management throughout the production line.
As reported by Filtration+Separation, this expansion initiative is part of LG Chem’s strategy to double its current KRW200 billion business in reverse osmosis (RO) membrane technology within the next five years. In addition to serving the existing seawater desalination market, LG Chem intends to tap into the growing industrial RO membrane sector, including industrial water production and wastewater reuse.
Hak Cheol Shin, CEO of LG Chem, emphasized that this additional investment in Cheongju, the company’s RO membrane production hub, will significantly boost production capacity, positioning LG Chem as a global leader in RO membrane technology.
He also expressed the company’s commitment to providing top-tier water treatment solutions to a wider global customer base while aligning with global megatrends, including ventures into areas like lithium extraction and CO₂ separation. Furthermore, LG Chem has set ambitious sustainability goals for its Cheongju RO membrane plant, aiming to operate it entirely on 100% renewable energy by 2030.
