“We will do our utmost to grow into a transformer manufacturer recognized not only in Korea but around the world through AX, or AI transformation.”

International Electric, originally established in October 1946 as the International Transformer Manufacturing Works—Korea’s first transformer manufacturer—is celebrating its 80th anniversary this year. Since relocating its headquarters to 98 Singaecheon-ro, Geumwang-eup, Eumseong-gun, Chungcheongbuk-do, in 2001, International Electric has grown alongside the local community for the past 25 years. Today, its employees continue to work tirelessly toward the company’s goal of leading the global transformer market. In an interview on July 22, Sun-ho Kim, 49, CEO of International Electric, said, “The greatest driving forces behind International Electric’s growth throughout its 80-year history, despite numerous industrial changes and crises, have been its persistence and passion for technological development.” He emphasized, “Since its establishment, the company has manufactured transformers using its own technology. Rather than remaining complacent in a single field, it has continuously acquired the technologies required for related industries and products.”

 

 

Sunho Kim, CEO of International Electric / Photo by Seung Tae Hong

 

 

International Electric is a specialized transformer manufacturer that produces a wide range of products, including distribution transformers, pad-mounted transformers, and power transformers. CEO Kim explained, “Global demand for transformers has been growing rapidly, driven by the expansion of the AI industry and data centers, the replacement of aging power grids in the United States, and increased investment in power infrastructure. We have successfully established ourselves in the U.S. market, which currently accounts for approximately 70% of the company’s total revenue.” He continued, “The company has also accumulated extensive experience and technological expertise in transformers for railway vehicles. As Korea’s only manufacturer specializing in transformers for railway vehicles, we contribute to the development of the domestic railway industry by supplying transformers used in high-speed trains and other rolling stock. We also continue to participate in overseas railway projects, introducing our products to markets around the world.” Thanks to the efforts of CEO Kim and approximately 300 employees, including those based at the Eumseong headquarters, the company’s revenue increased from approximately KRW 90 billion in 2024 to KRW 142.5 billion in 2025. 

  A view of IEC in Chungcheongbuk-do, South Korea / Photo by IEC

 

 

CEO Kim said, “As exports account for the majority of our revenue, customized information and one-on-one consulting provided by relevant organizations, including the Chungbuk Regional Office of the Korea International Trade Association, have been extremely helpful in resolving challenges encountered in the field.” He added, “It is particularly meaningful that International Electric and the Korea International Trade Association were founded in the same year. I would like to take this opportunity to congratulate KITA on its 80th anniversary and express my gratitude.”

International Electric is also stepping up its efforts to recruit local talent and contribute to the community. CEO Kim said, “As a local company, we continue to work with institutions such as Chungbuk National University through job fairs and employment-linked programs to identify talented individuals in Chungcheongbuk-do. We also engage with local residents by participating in various events and community activities in Eumseong-gun, where the company is located. We will continue recruiting local talent, promoting industry-academia cooperation, and engaging with the local community to create a virtuous cycle of shared growth.”

AX is currently one of International Electric’s key priorities as it seeks to grow alongside the local community and lead the global market. CEO Kim said, “Interest in AI is extremely high across all industries. International Electric does not view it as simply a passing fad or technological trend, but as an important transformation that will determine corporate competitiveness and widen the gap between companies in the future.” He added, “To drive organizational change, we have reorganized our existing IT Office into the AX Promotion Office and are expanding the relevant workforce.” He continued, “Over the next two to three years, the competitive gap between companies will widen significantly depending on how quickly and systematically they integrate AX into their organizations. Through this initiative, the company will take its productivity, quality, and customer responsiveness to the next level and turn these improvements into tangible competitive advantages.”

Sunho Kim, CEO of International Electric / Photo by SeungTae Hong

 

 

Lastly, CEO Kim said, “The primary reason the company has been able to continue its long history is the dedication of our employees, who work tirelessly day and night. We will continue to devote all our efforts to growing into a company that leads the global transformer market through a wide range of research and development activities.”

 

 

Source: Translated from an interview feature published by Dongyang Ilbo on July 22, 2026. (Article)