Ensuring the highest quality in battery mass production requires proactive management of each component and its suppliers. Meet Pro Hyung-kyu Nam and Pro Hyeon-u Hwang who travel across the globe to secure battery component quality. 

Q. Please introduce the SQE Group and your responsibilities. 

Pro Hyung-kyu Nam) SQE stands for Supplier Quality Engineering. Our group is responsible for securing the quality and reliability of components supplied by partners and approving them for mass production. As of 2024, we approve approximately 900 components annually. Our role is to ensure quality based on QCD (Quality, Cost, Delivery), foster suppliers to deliver competitive pricing while meeting production schedules, and provide process development and technical support as needed. My specific role is to establish and support the APQP (Advanced Product Quality Planning) process to prevent workflow confusion. 

[An interview with Pro Hyung-kyu Nam at Giheung Office]

Pro Hyeon-u Hwang) I am responsible for the approval of components for EVs. EV batteries consist of various components, including press tool, injection molding and assembly. When a development project begins, we get involved early to ensure suppliers can meet our quality standards. My main responsibility is to communicate the detailed specification of various components that our company requires from suppliers. 

Additionally, I share past failures and production issues with suppliers in advance, helping them improve their processes ahead of time. Through this approach, we ensure that the best components are approved and delivered on schedule during the mass production of EVs.

[An interview with Pro Hyeon-u Hwang at Giheung Office]

Q. What challenges you the most in your work?

Pro Hyung-kyu Nam) One of the biggest challenges was adapting the APQP process, initially designed for EV batteries, to small batteries and ESS batteries. We had to completely replace the existing approach with a new framework, which required significant effort to convince suppliers and establish a new approval process. However, seeing the APQP process now well-established across all suppliers makes me feel extremely proud. 

Pro Hyeon-u Hwang) Since we work closely with suppliers, maintaining balance between the company and suppliers is the most difficult part. When speaking to suppliers, I represent the company’s stance, and when discussing matters with the company, I represent the suppliers’ stance.

Also, frequent business trips abroad presents challenges. Many suppliers are based overseas, and particularly for SDIHU, where suppliers operate in Slovakia, the Czech Republic, and other countries, business trips are often necessary. I once spent 300 days in Hungary for a long-term business trip. But, despite the difficulties and occasional loneliness, the strong support from my team back in Korea always helped me stay motivated. 

Q. What has been the most rewarding moment in your work? 

Pro Hyeon-u Hwang) Since I primarily work on EV batteries, I frequently travel to Europe. When I drive during these trips and spot an EV model I worked on, it’s an incredibly rewarding moment. It feels like witnessing the culmination of our team’s and our suppliers’ hard work firsthand. Knowing that our collective efforts resulted in a successful product on the road motivates me to continue giving my best. 

[Pro Hyung-kyu Nam (Left) and Pro Hyeon-u Hwang (Right)]

Q. What mindset do you have when working at SQE?

Pro Hyung-kyu Nam) The role of the SQE group is similar to that of an orchestra conductor—ensuring that every component is precisely tuned, just as a conductor harmonizes instruments for a flawless performance. My goal is to optimize every component for the best battery production conditions, ultimately contributing to our company’s technological edge in the industry. 

Pro Hyeon-u Hwang) I always remind myself that our company and suppliers must work together to achieve the highest-quality battery production. I make a conscious effort to respect suppliers as true ‘partners’. The simplest and most effective way to do this is by actively listening. I believe that true understanding and respect begin with listening.