Seoul Metropolitan Government and SBA seek out 'Seoul-type family and specialist root companies' to lead the future of the root industry
Selected companies with proven history and expertise to receive brand value enhancement and commercialization support
Applications open through July 24; designees receive certificates, business incentive grants and tailored promotional marketing support
The Seoul Business Agency (SBA), led by CEO Kim Hyun-woo, has launched a recruitment drive to select "Seoul-type family root companies" and "Seoul-type specialist root companies." The initiative aims to spread positive awareness of Seoul's root industry, strengthen the technological credibility of root companies, and drive their commercialization and growth.
The root industry covers the foundational manufacturing processes — casting, molding, welding, heat treatment and more — that underpin key sectors such as automotive, shipbuilding and electronics. Beyond traditional metalworking, it now encompasses technologies that digitize and automate manufacturing processes, including robots, sensors and industrial AI software.
Despite its importance, the industry faces persistent challenges: a negative image as a so-called "3D" (dirty, dangerous and difficult) sector, disruptions in family business succession, and limited capacity for scale-up due to the small size of most firms.
Two-track approach to identify outstanding companies through 'family succession (tradition)' and 'technical expertise (innovation)'
This year's recruitment drive aims to overcome these challenges and build a virtuous cycle within Seoul's manufacturing ecosystem. SBA will identify outstanding companies through a two-track approach: family succession (tradition) and technical expertise (innovation).
Companies that have operated for 20 or more years and have completed — or are planning — a second-generation or later family succession will be designated as "family root companies." Those with skilled technicians of 10 or more years' experience and core technologies or advanced manufacturing processes will be designated as "specialist root companies." Both categories will receive tailored support to accelerate their growth.
Brand recognition and tailored support to drive growth and improve perceptions of the root industry
Selected companies will receive a designation certificate and plaque, and will be authorized to use the "Seoul-type family/specialist root company" brand to enhance their corporate value and technological credibility.
Family root companies will receive growth incentive grants to encourage succession, while specialist root companies will be given priority consideration when applying for automation and smart manufacturing support programs, strengthening their commercialization capabilities.
In addition, SBA will produce customized branded content for each company — story-focused for family root companies and technology- and process-focused for specialist root companies — and distribute it online while supporting media coverage, with the aim of boosting sales and attracting young talent. A network council for designated companies will also be established, with regular roundtables, training sessions and seminars.
Applications accepted through July 24 on the SBA website
The public notice and application for the "2026 Seoul-type family and specialist root company designation" are available on the SBA website through July 24.
"Seoul's root industry is the core of our manufacturing competitiveness and the source of national competitiveness," said Ahn Se-hun, a senior manager on SBA's root company development team. "Through this recruitment drive, we will spare no effort in actively supporting family succession companies that carry on tradition and specialist root companies that lead innovation, helping them enhance their brand value and grow further."
seouldream01@heraldcorp.com
