Bühler marks 20 years as Hyundai die-casting partner

Bühler is celebrating two decades of die-casting collaboration with Hyundai Motor Group, a relationship that has delivered 43 systems across South Korea, China and India. The partnership has supported Hyundai’s shift toward electrified, more flexible manufacturing as the automaker targets 5.55 million global vehicle sales by 2030.

Why it matters: - The 20-year partnership shows how long-term equipment and service relationships can shape automakers' manufacturing strategies. - Hyundai has used Bühler systems to support a shift toward electrification, flexible production and higher efficiency. - Hyundai has reported production gains on lines using Bühler technology, including lower scrap and better equipment performance.

What happened: - Bühler is marking 20 years of collaboration with Hyundai Motor Group. - The partnership began with an Evolution 270D installed at Hyundai’s Ulsan complex in South Korea. - Bühler has since delivered 43 die-casting systems to Hyundai production sites in South Korea, China and India. - The installed base includes Carat and Evolution machines. - Hyundai WIA’s facility in Rizhao, China, received six Carat machines. - One Carat machine was installed at Hyundai Motor’s research and development foundry center in Ulsan. - Hyundai Motor Group production sites include operations in South Korea, China, India and other markets.

The details: - Carat is Bühler’s high-pressure die-casting platform for large and complex aluminum and magnesium structural components. - Carat machines offer die-locking forces from 10,500 to 92,000 kN. - Evolution is Bühler’s die-casting system for automotive powertrain, structural and e-mobility components. - Evolution machines offer locking forces from 2,600 to 42,000 kN. - Hyundai’s manufacturing strategy has moved from scale and cost toward electrification, digital integration, autonomous driving and greater flexibility. - Hyundai has shifted its focus in recent years toward regional production capacity and systems that can run electric, hybrid and internal combustion powertrains on the same line. - Naim Selmani said the first machine supplied to Hyundai remains in operation and has recently received a control-system upgrade. - Bühler provides technical support, training and upgrades alongside the equipment. - Jong Cheol Kim said the partnership helps Hyundai maintain excellence in manufacturing and build the future of mobility.

Between the lines: - The partnership is no longer just a hardware supply deal. The emphasis on service, upgrades and technical cooperation suggests a deeper operational tie. - Hyundai’s reported gains in scrap reduction and OEE point to manufacturing efficiency becoming a competitive lever, not just a cost-saving exercise. - Bühler’s role fits Hyundai’s broader push to scale EVs, hybrids and software-defined vehicles while keeping production flexible across regions. - DKSH’s Yongjin Park framed the relationship as a source of value for both companies and for Bühler’s customer support across Asia.

What's next: - Hyundai is targeting 5.55 million global vehicle sales by 2030. - Hyundai plans to expand EV and hybrid production, advance software-defined vehicles, improve autonomous driving capabilities and develop next-generation battery technologies. - Hyundai is also investing in smart manufacturing, connected services and digital platforms. - Bühler said it remains committed to supporting Hyundai’s expansion with technology expertise and innovative solutions.

The bottom line: - The partnership highlights how industrial equipment suppliers can become long-term manufacturing partners as automakers retool for electrification and more flexible production.