LG Chem chief stresses new businesses amid uncertainties

By Yoon Sung-won

LG Chem Vice Chairman Park Jin-soo has highlighted the importance of boosting new businesses to fight uncertainties.

The nation’s leading chemical materials company said Park has visited its plants in Ochang and Cheongju, North Chungcheong Province, where it produces secondary cell batteries and water treatment filters.

“We need to prepare for the secondary cell battery business to strengthen leadership in the markets of electric vehicles and mobile devices,” Park said, Wednesday. “We also need to boost competitiveness of the water treatment filter business in the early stages to become the global leader by 2018.”

Park’s visit to LG Chem’s new business sites was his first official act this year, which is comparable with previous years when he visited petrochemical production plants first.

Park called for an acceleration of the drive to solidify technological capabilities to survive the uncertainties of global markets.

“Uncertainties such as the global economic slowdown and fluctuating oil prices are greater than ever. But we cannot lead the market if we continue to crouch down,” he said, asking for the securing of talented employees and a strengthening of research and development.

On Wednesday, Park inspected the water treatment filter plant’s manufacturing and safety departments and met executives and employees to encourage them.

LG Chem said Park will visit other manufacturing facilities in Seosan, South Chungcheong Province, and plants overseas.

“The Vice Chairman plans to visit not only manufacturing plants but also other sites to meet with LG Chem employees and clients,” the company said.