Bühler celebrates 20 years of die-casting collaboration with Hyundai

“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,” said Jong Cheol Kim, Production Team Senior Manager at Hyundai.
 

At the center of the industry’s evolution

Over the past two decades, the automotive industry has shifted from a model focused primarily on scale and cost to one increasingly shaped by electrification, digital integration, autonomous driving, and the need for greater production flexibility. 

Hyundai's manufacturing strategy has evolved alongside these developments. Founded in 1967, the transformation of the company into a premium global brand reflects its decades of investments in quality, design, and innovation. In the early 2000s, the company concentrated on expanding its global production while maintaining consistent quality. In recent years, it has focused on electrification, regional production capacity, and more flexible manufacturing systems, which can run electric, hybrid, and internal combustion powertrains on the same line.

Bühler’s solutions have supported this transformation. In total, 43 die-casting systems were delivered over the 20 years, including six Carat machines to Hyundai WIA’s facility in Rizhao, China. Hyundai WIA is an affiliate of Hyundai Motor Group specializing in automotive components. In addition, one Carat was installed at Hyundai Motor’s Research and Development foundry center in Ulsan. Carat is Bühler's high-pressure die-casting machine platform with die-locking forces from 10,500 to 92,000 kilonewtons (kN), designed to produce large and complex aluminum and magnesium structural components. 

A total of 36 Evolution machines were also supplied to Hyundai. Evolution is Bühler die-casting system designed for automotive applications such as powertrain, structural, and e-mobility components, offering locking forces 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.”

Customer impact 

Over the last years, Hyundai has reported operational improvements on production lines equipped with Bühler technology, including a reduction in scrap rates of up to 50% and an increase in overall equipment effectiveness (OEE) of around 10%. 

“These results show the value of efficient and reliable production. Improvements in productivity and material usage help manufacturers like Hyundai reduce costs, make better use of resources, and stay competitive in a fast-changing industry,” said Naim Selmani.

Support for long-term performance

Bühler also provides related services including technical support, training, and upgrades. This continuous support has also been a defining element in the collaboration, helping ensure long-term performance and operational reliability. Hyundai Motor Group, including Hyundai Motor Company and Hyundai Wia, operates production facilities across South Korea, China, India, and other markets.

“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,” said Yongjin Park, Director Business Unit Technology at DKSH, partnering company of Bühler in Korea.

Supporting Hyundai’s 2030 goals

Hyundai has set out an ambitious growth trajectory for the coming years, targeting global vehicle sales of 5.55 million units by 2030. Central to this strategy is a rapid expansion of its electrified vehicle portfolio, with a strong focus on increasing EV and hybrid production, advancing software-defined vehicles, enhancing autonomous driving capabilities, and developing next-generation battery technologies. The company is also concentrating on smart manufacturing and new mobility ecosystems, including connected services and digital platforms. As a long-term partner, Bühler keeps committed to supporting Hyundai’s expansion through innovative solutions and technological expertise.