A history of challenge built on honesty and sincerity, and a promise to become a world-class company

Chairman Si Young Jo, founder of Daechang Group, came from Gunsan to Seoul in 1964 and learned metal-related work without pay at an ironworks. In 1968, he installed a crucible furnace and a small extrusion machine in a modest factory in Yeongdeungpo and founded Siyoung Industrial, the root of Daechang Group. In 1974, he established Daechang Industrial and created the company’s 50-year history with a management philosophy built on honesty, sincerity, and challenge.

Chairman Jo participated in the 2008 committee for mid-sized enterprise legislation and the 2013 National Assembly policy relay discussions on the Mid-sized Enterprise Act, and contributed to the enactment of the law and related policy improvements in 2014. After becoming chairman of the Korea Copper Industry Cooperative in 2014, he expanded purchases of electrolytic copper and aluminum through the Public Procurement Service stockpiling joint purchasing program and actively supported the technological competitiveness of member companies. As president of the Seoul Gunsan Hometown Association, he has also provided scholarships every year since 2004 to support education in his hometown through institutions such as Seongsan Elementary School, the Gunsan Education Advancement Foundation, and the Jeollabuk-do Lifelong Education Scholarship Foundation, while also sponsoring community events for senior citizens in Gunsan.

In recognition of these contributions, he received the Proud Jeonbuk Award from the Jeonbuk Residents Association in Seoul in 2016 and the Seoul National University AMP Award from the AMP alumni association in 2019. Most notably, in 2024, while preparing for the next century of growth around the company’s 50th anniversary, he received the Gold Tower Order of Industrial Service Merit at the 10th Mid-sized Enterprise Day ceremony. The award recognized achievements such as the localization of brass products, advancement of Korea’s non-ferrous industry, technological upgrading, and outstanding management performance. Following the Bronze Tower Order of Industrial Service Merit in 2001, it became another of the highest honors of his career as an entrepreneur.

“To stay ahead in increasingly intense competition, we must maintain a company-wide sense of purpose, expand strategic products, and continuously improve productivity. We must also keep preparing for the future. With a bold spirit of challenge, we must pioneer new markets and new businesses and continue to strengthen the capabilities of each and every employee.

Following the Fourth Industrial Revolution, ESG management is now being demanded as a major strategic pillar of corporate philosophy. Activities such as transparency, environmental stewardship, and social responsibility, which were once difficult to quantify, will increasingly become key indicators of sustainable corporate development. Financial performance remains important, but the value of people and the invisible values a company holds will increasingly determine its success or failure.

Daechang has emphasized honesty since its foundation. Even now, we believe that the most important factor in a company’s development is honesty and trust between people, and that will remain Daechang’s most important core value in the future.”

- From the sayings of Chairman Si Young Jo