For an automotive company whose business is logistics, being in a logistics hub like Georgia is a distinct advantage. So says Yong Yu, CEO of Sangsin Technology America, a Tier 1 supplier and Georgia GEAR Award winner located in Henry County. Sangsin is the industry’s first to assemble an eco-friendly, copper-free brake pad in the U.S. that is compliant with National Highway Safety Administration (NHTSA) requirements. Its customers are a wide range of companies, from OEMs (original equipment manufacturers) to major national fleets. Copper-free brake pads and air disc brakes are considered exceptionally reliable, providing stable braking with minimal noise and wear.

Winners of the Georgia Emerging Automotive Recognition (GEAR) Awards, presented by the Georgia Department of Economic Development, are voted on by leaders across Georgia’s automotive industry. This group consists of representatives from manufacturing companies, universities, and innovation centers. Sangsin’s manufacturing facility in McDonough employed approximately 30 people when they were selected as winners for the 2020 GEAR Award Supplier of the Year with less than 200 employees.

Sangsin Technology America’s first assembly plant in North America was established in Henry County, part of metro Atlanta, in 2019. The company invested $20 million to build a 220,000-square-foot facility and created 200 jobs. Its parent company, Daegu-based Sangsin Brake, is Korea’s top brake manufacturer. Employing 2,000 workers worldwide, the company makes brakes not only for the trucking industry, but also for railways and wind turbines.

“Georgia has become a hub in terms of logistics,” says Yu. “Often times, we ship using a logistics company that is local, and that has been a huge advantage. Being located so close to Atlanta is the biggest advantage for companies in our industry because of the access to materials and unlimited network opportunities.”

Sangsin produces millions of heavy-duty brake assemblies that are sold across the U.S. and internationally. The company relies on Georgia’s existing infrastructure to efficiently move product via air, truck, or ship.

“We were searching for the best place to locate a factory, and we made the investment in Georgia because the state offered the best environment,” says Yu. “As a company, Sangsin values being a part of the Georgia community because of the opportunities that we offer the local people. Georgia is a beautiful, spacious, and progressive state, and we were grateful to break ground here.”

The company has also benefitted from other partnership opportunities within Georgia. In addition to assistance from the Georgia Department of Economic Development’s International Trade division, the Georgia Department of Labor helped Sangsin recruit workers when operations started in 2019. The company also collaborates with Georgia Tech on OSHA-related issues.

“Sangsin has been a great addition to Henry County's business community,” says Josh Fenn, executive director of the Henry County Development Authority. “Their presence adds leverage to our strong automotive supply chain infrastructure.”

Governor Brian Kemp joined Sangsin at its booth during the Technology & Maintenance Council (TMC) Annual Meeting & Transportation Technology Exhibition of the trucking industry’s leading fleet professionals, vehicle manufacturers, and component suppliers. “That was our most memorable moment in Georgia so far,” says Yu.

“We believe that the GEAR award, which recognizes us on a statewide level, will benefit our company by allowing our customers to rest assured that we provide quality products,” Yu states. “We have been glad to announce this accolade to our customers and partners.”