[Video] Master Key for Manufacturing Applied to Virus Test Kits

In recent times, KogeneBiotech and SolGent, both small, Korea-based makers of virus test kits, have been extremely busy. After Korea’s extensive testing regime, now dubbed by some as “K-prevention”, proved effective in curbing the spread of COVID-19, these companies experienced a significant surge in global demand for their test kits. This led to both companies struggling to meet the demand – even after reallocating resources to help with production – largely because their manufacturing processes required large amounts of manual labor.

That was until Samsung stepped in, with the electronics maker dispatching teams of manufacturing experts to the companies to help them find ways to boost productivity. The Samsung experts identified system inefficiencies and helped address production issues by optimizing container molds and improving logistics and packaging processes, while facilitating automation of certain parts of the testing kit production process. Following Samsung’s six-week-long assessment and improvement program, SolGent reported a 73 percent jump in productivity. KogeneBiotech is expected to increase output by 79 percent when it finishes implementing the suggested upgrades at the end of August.

With its potential to drastically improve processes for the greater good, Samsung’s Smart Factory program demonstrates the importance of collaboration between SMEs and companies with significant scale and expertise. In the video below, we introduce the groups and individuals who are helping in the global fight against COVID-19 by producing the reliable test-kits the world needs.