Tools such as hammers, screwdrivers, and pliers are easily accessible and are found in just about every household. Outside the household other tools are in daily use which are never seen by the bulk of people but which are essential for maintaining daily life nonetheless. They include saws for which cut concrete or stone; drills and end mills for fashioning steel gods; dies and taps for manufacturing screws.

The cut marks deeply etched into the surface on of a paved road; the marble facade at the entrance of a house, the circular trim of a table glass; the wrist watch crystal. All are created or manufactured by tools. Tools are used to fashion molds in the plastic injection molding industry.

In fact, countless articles in everyday use are are manufactured or processed by tools.

Tools are divided into the following categories: cutting tools; electrical tools; measuring tools; hand-held and measuring tools.

Cutting tools use diamonds, ceramics, and sintered hard metals. Most Korean companies in the tool field are manufacturers of cutting tools. Korean-manufactured diamond tools in particular are renowned in world markets. Because most goods produced in Korea are made under the original equipment manufacturing (OEM) system, users are generally unaware of the origin of their production. Because of a strong history of investment in the manufacture of tools of ultra hardness and industrial diamond tools in recent years, new products have been developed and brought to market..

Korea's tool industry, however, failed to take root until the mid-1940s when firms started to produce farming tools and other as daily necessities for a largely rural population. At that time, there were 12 firms manufacturing taps, dies, saws, knives and files. The industry did not experience any significant growth until the 1960s, individual companies maintaining until then, a relatively small-scale production system with only a small number of employees.

The situation changed drastically and tools firms began to experience a phase of remarkable development during the 1960s, when the nation embarked on a program of economic development plans designed to expedite modernization of the nation. The importance of the tool industry began to be stressed at the same time as the wider drive for the development of the heavy and chemical industry and basic industries such as cement, chemical fertilizers and petrochemicals. However, the tool industry's developments did face limits due to the relatively sluggish growth of the nation's machinery industry, which had been established through programs to offset imports.

In the late 1960s, the automobile industry reached a turning point. With the introduction of the Corona model by the now defunct Shinjin Motors in 1966, and the Hyundai Motors Cortina in 1968, the recognition of the importance of the tool industry was heightened. The demand for the tools also increased drastically at that time, but most of the tool products sold on the domestic market were imported, since locally-produced goods failed to satisfy the demand from industry due to their relatively low quality.

With the start of the third economic development plan from 1972, the demand for tools increased further, mainly because of the state-level drive for the promotion of heavy and chemical industry. The development plan was particularly focused on industrial machines, shipbuilding, transportation machines, steel products, petrochemicals-chemicals and electronics. In particular, a massive industrial complex was established in Changwon City mainly for the manufacture of machinery. Fifty-two companies entered the industrial complex in 1976 and the government embarked on programs to develop the relevant technology in order to support their progress. Despite all efforts, however, the firms in the complex failed to meet the needs of domestic companies because of poor management and manufactured relatively poor quality products. As a result, imports, mostly Japanese, still dominated the domestic mark.

By the late 1970s circumstances began to change. Boosted by government policy to this end, a large number of tools and machinery products began to be produced domestically. A huge demand for tools amid a spate of plant building and modernization of related facilities also spurred the domestic tool production. It was at that time the current leading companies were established. The construction boom in Middle East, and brisk exports of automobiles and electronics goods also promoted the demand for the tools. With the ever-expanding market size, related companies competitively engaged in the manufacture of tools and the development of related technology. Korea was rapidly becoming the world's first nation in terms of diamond tools, and emerged as one of the countries capable of manufacturing world-class high-speed steel tools and sintered hard metal tools as the result of the series efforts from the government and enterprises. In line with the development in the tool industry, there has been considerable progress in development of materials used in their manufacture.

High-speed steel tools were first used as machinery tools and now represent the largest share of the total products today. Sintered hard metal tools, with their expanded applications in many spheres, have begun to offset the use of high-speed steel tools. The brisk development of materials has also enhanced the development of the high-speed steel tools industry.

Hankook Special Tools Co. is Korea's first high-speed steel tool firm. After Hankook was established in 1954, a large number of related companies entered the field. Most of them were small-sized, targeted mainly at the domestic market and exhibited no remarkable progress in their technology. The foundation of Taehwa Machinery Co. in 1979 contributed to changing the situation strikingly. As the nation's largest maker of high-speed steel tools, Taehwa was equipped with an integrated processing, heat-treating and inspection facility and began production of a wide variety of products.

The compay's success prompted the foundation of an increasing number of tool-making companies of relatively larger size and improved facilities.

Y.G-1 Tool Co. in Inchon and OSG Korea Corporation in Taegu are typical in this respect. Y.G-1, in particular, has developed as a world-class firm in the end mill sector and is engaging in manufacturing of various kinds of goods such as drills and taps. From the beginning, the firm was able to maintain a high level technology in its manufacturing processes, due to the leadership of technocrat-turned chief executive officer.

Due to low recognition in markets at home and abroad, the company faced difficulties in exploiting new avenues of business. The company, to cope with management difficulties, left no stone unturned. The company president, Song Ho-keun, for example, visited firms in the United States personally and contacted company officials with the aim of establishing business links with his firm.

``Mr. Song Ho-keun, the president, visited a state of the U.S. and visited all the companies there having the word tool in their names," said executive director Lee Jong-han. "He presented his name card and sample products of our firm and asked them to call if they were satisfied with the goods.'' Thanks to strenuous efforts to this end, the company large clientele among U.S firms.

Y.G-1 also maintains relatively a advanced management style. By taking over Germany's leading tool maker PWA in January this year, the company obtained three branch corporations, including PBC in the United States and Europa Tool in North Ireland. The company plans to produce end mills and gear hobs at the plants for the U.S. and European markets. The firm now exports 70 percent of its total product.

Other companies are focussed solely on the domestic market. One of the leading firms in this category is OSG Korea Corporation in which world famous high-speed steel tools maker OSG Japan has invested. The firm manufactures only for the domestic market in which it takes the largest share. The firm began manufacturing taps and now deals in some 10,000 items. One major factor which enabled the firm to grow to the point of taking the largest share of the local market is that it borrowed technology from Japan and applied it to domestic production.

However, because of dissatisfaction over introducing Japanese technology, OSG Korea has succeeded in developing advanced technology applicable for domestic manufacturing of related goods. Due to its efforts in this regard and in enhancing quality control, the company acquired the Japan Industrial Standard Mark and the ISO9001 and ISO14001.

The firm's technological ability was proven in experiments conducted in Japan. During tests in which end mill products made by OSG Korea were pitted against competing products from Taiwan and Japan, those made by OSG Korea outperformed those made by OSG Japan by 105 percent.

In addition to OSG Korea, a large number of other firms including Dragon Precision Tools Co., Sam Heung Precision Ind. Co., Ltd. and Tong Nam Precision Co. entered the business and as of the end of June 1996, there are now 46 firms active in the sector as of the end of June 1996.

Efficiency has improved continuously through the enhancement of the materials used in the manufacture of high speed steel tools, which still lag behind sintered hard metal tools in terms of hardness. As a result, the range of application of sintered hard metal tools is now expanding. Because of the move of foreign companies into the market, domestic companies have been put on alert, and have mobilized to cope with the changed circumstances.

Korloy Inc. was set up in 1966 as the first firm in Korea in the sintered hard metal tools sector. It is now currently engaged in massive production of diamond coating sintered hard metal inserts. The product is priced between three and ten-fold those for similar items on the market, but its longevity is 10 to 100-fold that of its competitors. Korea is one of only three countries where such products are manufactured. The increasing influx of foreign goods into local markets has prompted the firm to expedite efforts to be acquire leading edge technology.

Korloy's efforts have been focussed solely on expanding its share of the local market, but with the increasing inroads by foreign firms into the Korean market, it has become necessary for the firm to look overseas. The firm has experienced annual increases of 20 to 30 percent, and 80 percent of its export have been made under its own brand, a reflection in itself of the firm's expertise and technological competence.

Korea Tungsten Co. based in Seoul and Taegu is also a leading sintered hard metal manufacturer along with Korloy Inc. Despite its relatively long history, the company did not begin the production of tungsten until 1977. It is now equipped with integrated facilities for the production of tungsten and end-use sintered hard metal tools. The company is also manufactures sintered hard metal, ceramics, PCD (poly crystaline diamond) and CBN (cubic boron nitride) tools and is capable of treating diamond. All told, the firm can manufacture almost all kinds of tool except high-speed steel tools. Taking the largest share in the domestic market, the company has made a huge investments to develop its technological base and new products. Since being privatized three years ago, the company has sought ways to enter the world market, employing aggressive business tactics by times. The company's products are used by the Daewoo Group in its automobile plants in Uzbekistan, India, and Romania.

Automobile production lines are vulnerable to problems in their initial stages of operation, so many potential suppliers are reluctant to offer components at this point unless they are confident of their technology and quality of their products. In this regard, Tungsten Korea's readiness to supply its products goes a long way in demonstrating the company's confidence in their quality. The company also constructed a tungsten plant in China to supply materials for the local tool-making industry.

Ceramic is expected to supercede sintered hard metal because of its superiority in terms of hardness. Industry, accordingly has found more scope for its use. In particular, ceramic tools are used in the production of precision goods, but their weak point is their lack of ``toughness.'' Cermet tools were developed to compensate for the demerits of the ceramic tools. Made of ceramic materials fused with metal particles, the tools are considered to have a high degree of hardness and durability.

Industry analysts in Japan eventually foresee Cermet tools taking 40 percent of the cutting tools market in the near future. In Korea, though, the production of ceramic and cermet is at a nascent stage, and the major emphasis of the Korean industry is in manufacturing sintered hard metal tools coated with diamond.

Diamond tools have been the only products in the Korean tool industry in which exports outpace imports. As mentioned above, the market for high- speed steel tools and sintered hard metal have been dominated by foreign goods, with domestic firms struggling to catch up. At the same time the attention of Korean firms has turned overseas while maintaining an appropriate share in local market, determining they can only survive through competing in international markets in this era of global competition.

However, as early entrants to world markets, Korea's diamond tools manufacturers have been able to establish themselves as leaders, with firms like Ewha, Shinhan and Hyosung having developed a technology way ahead of their foreign competitors.

For example, the super vitrified diamond wheel is a landmark product, creating a world first for Korea by enabling crystal to be processed to thicknesses to less than 0.065mm, and being capable of lapping and polishing without using lapping materials. Use of the product allows companies to significantly save on time and procedures, enhance quality and productivity, and cut down on production costs. It is also an environment-friendly product which can prevent generation of sludge since is used with water. The diamond cutter was developed by company president Cho Kyong-yang and is considered to be a break-through. It was exhibited in hardware fairs in Germany and Japan where it received high commendation from industry professionals.

Dorco Industries and Kukje Diamond Ind. Co. have developed, respectively, a continuous segment turbo cutter, and air hammer bit (100-750mm) while Fine International has introduced a dicing saw for semiconductor wafer cutting. Some 90 companies have engaged in efforts to develop new products based on their own technology.

Ehwa, Shinhan and Hyosung are producing similar products. Industry veteran Ehwa has taken the lead in technological development. It has continuously improved technology pertinent to diamond cutting tool design and the manufacture and development of a diamond wire saw. Each of the three companies operate within the same parameters of technology, but they assert their differences according to variations in their accumulated expertise. Different stone, for example, needs a different approach to accommodate the different characteristics of each material, an area where individual company expertise comes into play in the redesign and manufacture of tools.

Differences in the durability of artificial diamonds are not so great, since a its production is limited to a few nations like the United States. The quality of diamond tools are determined in the process of manufacturing, the chief determinant being the bond between the diamonds and the metal particles which together form the cutting edge of the tool.

The combination of cutting power and durability, in effect two opposites, is what determines the quality of diamond tools. In order to raise the cutting power, the strength of the bonding agent should be mitigated, so allowing worn diamonds to be displaced while exposing fresh, sharp diamonds to the material to be cut. On the other hand, a strong bond will raise the durability of the tool, preventing diamonds from being displaced, but at the cost of having their cutting edges dulled.

Quality in a diamond cutting tool is thus a question of achieving the right balance between cutting power and durability, and expertise in this respect lies in knowing how to mix the bond in an optimal ratio.

Application of mass production methods to diamond wheel manufacturing has enabled the global commercialization of diamond tools, which were previously regarded as high-priced products. In Korea, Ehwa Diamond developed the process. The company is now engaged in developing new products aimed at new markets.

Company director Kim Hyo-young, said the company is targeting niche markets and planning to manufacture miniature goods designed to target DIY (do-it-yourself) markets in developed nations. It is also increasing investment in the development of industrial tools.

The situation for Shinhan Diamond is similar to Ehwa's in that it is also striving for market advantage on the basis of expertise it has acquired in the field of bond mixture. It is especially focusing on enhancing the design of its products, an important factor in the consumer-oriented DIY market.

Hyosung Diamond has been working on enhancing its existing products rather than developing new ones. All work in this regard is geared to construction-related goods despite the generally lackluster market demand for them, the company being motivated by confidence its technological base.

In contrast to the cutting tool makers, the hand-tool end of the business continues to be weak. This is because of the labor-intensive nature of the industry, the resultant high labor costs, and the company's difficulties in procuring materials and resources. As a matter of fact, the number of companies and employees have decreased drastically in this area during recent years, but they continue to maintain their shares in the domestic market through the relatively high degree of recognition of their products enjoy among customers.

Representative firms include Seshin Co. and Samwang Co. who have taken sharply different paths. Samwang has exported since the firm was set up in 1978, but its shipments were hit significantly by a strike in 1988. It is now continuing to produce plier products and responds positively to short-run orders, a reflection of the firm's resolve to survive.

Seshin, although it started business as a small-sized firm manufacturing dishes and other kitchen tools, has emerged as a leading company in the field, capable of producing all kinds of products. It is also playing a determining role in setting the prices of related tools in Korean market. Non-Seshin products on the market tend to be expensive, since they are usually imported. Industry analysts believe once Seshin gets into the production of these goods, prices in this area will be stabilized.

Seshin gets supply of carbon tool steel from Pohang Iron and Steel Co. but has independently developed technology related to heating and forging processes. The firm has seen a decrease in its exports from $1 million to $600,000 per month, as a result of competition with products from China. It is now concentrating on technological development to sustain appropriate shares in overseas and domestic markets. Major efforts in this regard has resulted in the firm acquiring the Japan Industrial Standard mark on five items and is aiming to get the mark in more sectors.

``We put stress on enhancing quality rather than promoting appearance,'' said factory manager Hong Doo-shik. When it began business, the company manufactured tools in stainless steel, but is now briskly producing molding products and automobile components based on its technology accumulated over the years.

Komelon Corporation is a representative Korean tape measure manufacturer with a 34-year history in the business. It is now producing fiber glass tapes and steel tapes and got the JIS mark in the former sector. A world first for the company is the development of a nylon coating method in making steel tapes and the commercialization of products using stainless steel. Its main items are stainless steel tapes applied with nylon coating. It is now operating its own steel mill for the supply of material for the tapes. A major benefit of the firm's steel products are their anti-erosion properties.

The electric tool industry is the most recent development in the sector. Electric tools were not produced in Korea until 1977 until the founding of Keyang Electric Machinery Co. Prior to this, industry had to rely on imports. Keyang has now grown to the point of taking 40 percent of the domestic market. This relatively rapid growth was possible thanks to a series of social infrastructure projects such as the Kyungbu Expressway linking Seoul and Pusan. Construction booms in housing and factory construction amid the national drive for modernization also contributed to the company growth. As the company has been focussed mainly on the domestic market, it has little overseas recognition.

However, it has invested a huge amounts in quality control to receive the second QS9000 in Korea.

It is now producing the kind of state-of-the-art goods which reflect current world trends such as codeless systems which use D.C (direct current) power, and electrical equipment for the prevention of short circuits. The firm boosted its export efforts five years ago and fortified domestic marketing activities to maintain its dominant position through improving its after-sales service. Among the strategies it employed was a program under which company service representatives will get back to customers within three hours of a request for after-sales service.

As previously mentioned, most tool makers are exerting every possible effort to maintain their share in local markets and develop new technology to explore more foreign markets in advance of any further opening of the domestic market. The industry believes survival in foreign markets will ultimately guarantee prosperity in the local market, and to these ends they have made remarkable progress in technological development in the last five years.

In the domestic market, though, the industry faces formidable challenges. Firstly, cheaper Chinese and Taiwanese products have begun to nibble at the shares of the Korean firms. Although domestic firms have succeeded in taking the lion's share in the sintered hard metal and HSS tools markets, it is expected they will meet strong challenges from firms in the developing world. They plan to dominate the local hand tools market but their products sustain low recognition in foreign markets and are outsold by more price competitive Chinese goods. Tool sets mainly designed for gifts are mostly Chinese-made and tools for experts are high-priced imports from developed nations. Given this situation, the trade deficit in tools has widened sharply.

Quality and degree of recognition will determine the survival of the Korean tools in world markets. To cope with the difficult circumstances they find themselves in, Korean firms are now attempting to avoid exporting under the original equipment manufacturing system and at the same time increase shipments under their own brands, with a view to both further exploring foreign markets and protecting their of share of the domestic market.

by Yung-Tak Oh

Ehwa Diamond Industrial Co., Ltd. Ehwa B/D 2nd Fl., 46, Myungil-dong, Kangdong-gu, Seoul, Korea Tel : 82-2-4400-170 Fax : 82-2-4400-111

Established in 1975, Ehwa produces a wide variety of tools for use in stone processing, construction, and industry. The company is considered to have leading-edge technology in the field and is the market leader in Korea. Ehwa has introduced a number of new products to the market, including a low-cost diamond saw. The company obtained the ISO 9001 classification in 1991. In the belief the general consumer market is saturated, Ehwa will focus in the future on more lucrative market for industrial tools. With a view to capitalizing on opportunities presented by niche markets, the company will make short production runs in a further bid to avoid dependence on more crowded sectors of the market.

Hyosung Diamond Industrial Co., Ltd.

Hyosung Co. has specialized in manufacturing construction tools since its inception in 1981, but now the company is gearing up to produce for the industrial market. The company's laser cutter, turbo cutter, rim cutter were certified by the German Grinding Tools Committee (Deutscher Schleifscheiben Ausschuss - DSA) in 1996. Hyosung will operate two different product lines: one is for the specialized, high-end market, where products are prepared by hand; the other for the less expensive DIY market and run automatically. Hyosung Diamond Industrial Co., Ltd. 153 Block, 2 Lot, Namdong Industrial Complex, Namdong-gu, Inchon, Korea Tel : 82-32-811-6826/7 Fax : 82-32-811-6828

Shinhan Diamond Industrial Co., Ltd.

Shinhan Diamond Industrial Co., Ltd. 10 Lot, 36 Block, Namdong Industrial Complex, 　　 Namdong-gu, Inchon, Korea Tel : 82-32-814-3311, 82-2-565-3090 Fax : 82-32-814-1194, 82-2-553-9629

One of leading companies in Korea and proud of its accumulated expertise, Shinhan produces tools for industrial and construction purposes. The glass grove wheel and rotary dresser were innovated by Shinhan and as such are examples the company's mastery of the technology. Established in 1977, the company has acquired the ISO 9001 classification in 1994. With the belief the DIY market will widen in the future, Shinhan is designing its products with aesthetics as well functional in mind. Still with a view to the consumer market, the company will subject its packaging to a makeover, softening its tough, industrial look to something more appealing and user-friendly. Industry observers believe the switch in emphasis by Shinhan will impact on the orientation of the entire wholesale market.

Keyang Electric Machinery Co., Ltd.

Founded only 20 years ago, Keyang from the beginning has strived to achieve the best through its unique quality control concept. The company's dedication has paid off. Keyang acquired the UL mark in 1989, the CSA mark in 1992, the ISO 9001, the BIS mark (U.K.), the RVC mark (Netherlands) and NACCD (U.K.) in 1993, and CCEE and CCIB (both China) in 1996. The company produces a wide variety of equipment for use in the iron, wood, and stone processing industries, and exports DC motors to General Motors. Keyang Electric Machinery Co., Ltd. Haenam B/D 10 Fl., 21, Buckchang-dong, Chung-gu, Seoul, Korea Tel : 82-2-757-8141/4 Fax : 82-2-757-8161

Y.G-1 Tool Co., Ltd.

Y.G-1 Tool Co., Ltd. 378, Chongchon-dong, Pupyong-gu, Incheon, Korea　　　　 Tel : 82-32-526-0909 Fax : 82-32-526-4373

Established in 1981, Y.G-1 Co is a specialized HSS tool maker, rated internationally among one of the top five in the field. It now exports to 45 countries. Industry observers attribute the company's rise to the leadership of its president Mr. Song Ho-keun, an engineering major who was eager to put his theory into practice. Mr. Song spends a third of a year abroad, promoting his company and gauging clients' needs in order to broaden Y.G.-1's share of the world market. A believer in globalization so customers worldwide may easily access its products, Y.G.-1 has established factories in U.S.A., U.K., and Germany.

Komelon Corporation

The bulk of the measuring tapes sold in the Central and South American markets, and 70 percent of the fiber glass tapes supplied to the US market are manufactured by the Komelon Corporation. Established in 1963, measuring tapes are Komelon's speciality. Their tapes come in two types: fiber glass and steel. The company obtained the JIS mark for both items in 1990 and 1991. Komelon achieved a world first by developing a stainless steel tape. Nylon-coating upgraded the product and accorded it a measure of fame worldwide. The company is now working on upgrading the product further, reconfiguring its design to make it more compact and durable. Komelon's earlier product's bear testimony to the company's ingenuity, among them, a tape with an electric calculator, a tape with a level, and a tape equipped with a function for describing a circle. Komelon Corporation Saha P.O.Box 50, Pusan, Korea Tel : 82-51-263-4601/3 Fax : 82-51-261-4257

Seshin Co., Ltd.

Seshin Co., Ltd. 48, Ungnam-dong, Changwon-shi, Kyungsangnam-do, Korea Tel : 82-551-82-6121 Fax : 82-551-87-6555

Established in 1965, Seshin specializes in making hand tools. The company is the largest manufacturer in Korea and hence the market's price leader, the reference point by which all imports are priced. Seshin has accumulated high-level expertise in the fields of forging, heating process, and molding. Based their in-house developed technology, the company caters to the high-end of the market. Despite the inherent quality of the company's product line, Seshin has lost a considerable portion of its custom as a result of labor unrest which hit the company in 1988. As well as striving to make inroads in overseas markets, Seshin is locked in fierce competition at home because of a flood of both high-end and down-market imports. Nevertheless, consumer loyalty deriving from brand-recognition of the company's 'Buffalo' mark has enabled the company to maintain a significant share of the domestic market. At the same time, the company is committed to continuously improving quality. As part of this drive, Seshin has lately acquired the Japanese Industrial Standard (JIS) mark on five items: side cutting pliers, diagonal cutting pliers, long nose pliers, pipe wrenches, and adjust angle wrenches. Seshin also produces hot forged automobile parts, using technology acquired manufacture and development of tools. For the future, the company plans to establish a hand-tool plant overseas as well as continuing to be active in the export market.

Korea Tungsten Co., Ltd.

Korea Tungsten Co. began producing tungsten carbide tools 20 years ago. The company is now equipped to manufacture from raw material to end product, and is able to produce cutting tools of every description and in almost every type of material with the exception of HSS. The company was privatized in 1994, and has subsequently endeavored to make inroads into world markets by continuously developing new products. Korea Tungsten Co. plans to grow to be one of world best 10 companies in 21st century. Korea Tungsten Co., Ltd. Keo-Pyung B/D. B-dong, 203, Nonhyun-dong, Kangnam-gu, Seoul, Korea Tel : 82-2-5190-552 Fax : 82-2-515-3074

Korloy Inc.

Korloy Inc. 1606-2, Seocho-dong, Seocho-gu, Seoul, Korea　　　　　　　　 Tel : 82-2-522-3181 Fax : 82-2-522-3184

Korloy Inc. was the first tungsten carbide tool maker in Korea. The company initially manufactured for the local market, but over the last seven years have made efforts to break into export markets. The company has succeeded in producing diamond-coated carbide cutting tools (namely ND series). A great deal of Korloy's production now goes abroad. Some 80 percent of the company's exports bear its own 'Korloy' brand, the bulk of them destined for markets in the developed world. The company continually strives to develop its tools quality by enhancing their toughness. Korloy has obtained the ISO 9001 classification.

OSG Korea Corporation

OSG was established in 1976 as a wholly owned Korean company, and in 1985 took on Japanese partners. The company has subsequently become a model of successful Japanese investment in Korea. OSG began production manufacturing dies, and now focus production on taps and end-mills. The company has recently succeeded in breaking into the market for tungsten carbide taps and end-mills, even though its expertise has traditionally been in High Speed Steel (HSS) tools. OSG Korea Co. has obtained the JIS mark, and the ISO 9001, and ISO 14001 classifications. The company is continuing to develop its technological base and widen market share in Korea, assisted in this regard by its close partnership with OSG Japan Co. OSG Korea Corporation 358-48, Galsan-dong, Dalseo-gu, Taegu, Korea Tel : 82-53-583-2000 Fax : 82-53-583-2233

Jeil Machinery

Jeil Machinery 519-10, Hyoseong-dong, Kyeyang-gu, Inchon, Korea　　　　　 Tel : 82-32-552-1302/4 Fax : 82-32-552-1305

Jeil Machinery was established in 1976, and since 1986 has been a manufacturer mainly of tool holders, capturing 20 percent of the domestic market. Exports have been buoyant through the 1990s. The company exports goods through their agents, who hold exclusive dealerships for Jeil products in their country of operation. Jeil's first exports were to U.K. in 1988. The company has since broadened its export base, and since 1996 are pleased to count the Mondial Company of Italy and the Cordefer Company of Portugal among their clients. Jeil's has 10 major products, among them, a single milling chuck, a double milling chuck, a hydraulic milling chuck, a spring collect chuck, a morse taper holder, and an end mill holder.