Apple Manufacturing R&D Support Center said on Monday it will hold an "SME Week" support programme for small and mid-sized companies. The event is designed to strengthen the competitiveness of South Korean small and mid-sized manufacturers.

Apple Manufacturing R&D Support Center is a manufacturing-focused R&D support centre created by Apple, the first of its kind in the world. Located at Pohang University of Science and Technology, it has built smart manufacturing equipment and provides free education, consulting and analysis services to small and mid-sized manufacturers.

The event will consist of practice-focused lectures by the centre’s lab engineers. It will cover smart data, smart processes and smart quality. Outside experts will also take part, delivering lectures on green smart manufacturing strategy and AI from the perspective of ESG management.

A special lecture will also be offered to review smart manufacturing cases at large companies. Participants will be able to see, through specific examples, how technological innovation on the factory floor leads to cost reductions, stable quality and operational efficiency. Cases will be introduced of companies pursuing sustainable manufacturing strategies and efforts to secure future-oriented competitiveness.

Training programmes developed by the centre’s smart process and quality labs will be unveiled for the first time at the event. The programmes are built around practical content that small and mid-sized companies can apply immediately, including smart factory implementation and data-based quality operations management.

Lectures will be held over two days on March 24 and 25, and a one-on-one consulting session with centre engineers will be offered on March 26. Participating companies will be able to discuss their manufacturing environments and technical challenges directly and seek practical directions for improvement. The consulting sessions will close on a first-come, first-served basis and can be requested through advance registration.

A session will also be provided on the latest trends in smart manufacturing and changes in the industrial environment. Participants will be able to find insights and technology directions that can be applied to manufacturing sites. Opportunities will also be offered to expand networking between the centre and participating companies. Participation is free and includes meals. Applications can be made on the Apple Manufacturing R&D Support Center website.

Centre head Deok-young Kim (김덕영) said, "SME Week is a place where small and mid-sized companies can access the latest technologies and operating cases in smart manufacturing in one setting." He added, "As it provides practical insights that can be used immediately on the factory floor, we hope for strong interest and participation."