The Korea Ready-Mixed Concrete Industry Cooperative Federation said on the 10th that it will hold the 2025 ready-mixed concrete management innovation forum under the theme "Change together, trust for tomorrow" at Maison Glad Jeju from the 10th to the 12th.
Now in its 12th year, the forum drew more than 300 industry representatives to seek ways for small and medium-sized ready-mixed concrete companies to overcome the crisis and craft survival strategies amid a sharp downturn in the construction market.
The forum consisted of a comprehensive discussion and lectures with participation from the government, academia and industry.
On the first day, at the "comprehensive discussion on future growth of ready-mixed concrete," Sejong Ready-Mixed Concrete CEO Lee Gi-yeol delivered a keynote presentation titled "The current status of the small and medium-sized ready-mixed concrete industry and exploring paths to sustainable management."
The subsequent panel discussion was chaired by Korea Concrete Institute President Hong Geon-ho and focused on industrial policy, safety and directions for technological innovation. Participants included Kim Hyeon-dong, director of market policy at the Ministry of SMEs and Startups; Kwon Dae-hyeon, Deputy Director at the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport; Choi Won-il, head of support planning at the Korea Occupational Safety & Health Agency (KOSHA); Yang Chan-hoe, head of the innovation growth division at the Korea Federation of Small and Medium Enterprises (K-Biz); Kang Gyeong-hun, CEO of procurement firm Gangsan; Seo Cheol, CEO of Urim Ready-Mixed Concrete; and Lee Won-gok, CEO of SHLab, who discussed current issues facing the small and medium-sized ready-mixed concrete sector.
On the 11th, the second day, Korea Concrete Testing Institute President Lee Han-baek will give a lecture on "changes in the management paradigm to overcome the crisis in the ready-mixed concrete industry," along with a variety of programs including networking events to promote exchange and cooperation within the industry.
In his opening remarks, Bae Jo-ung, president of the Korea Ready-Mixed Concrete Industry Cooperative Federation, said, "With capacity utilization falling to 14% in the third quarter this year, the ready-mixed concrete industry is facing its worst crisis since the IMF era, while changes in market conditions and public procurement systems are underway, such as easing standards for on-site batching plant installation and promoting autonomy in local government procurement." He added, "At times like this, we must cooperate with one another, and the industry itself must work to restore trust."
Bae also said, "AI transition is no longer a choice but a matter of survival," adding, "Small and medium-sized ready-mixed concrete companies must recognize the need for AI transition and move quickly to prepare."