Inside hy's smart factory producing 2.3M bottles a day
May 6 (Asia Today) -- A major food manufacturer in South Korea is showcasing its high-tech production capabilities at a factory that produces more than 2 million bottles of fermented milk products daily, combining automation with visitor-friendly experiences.
At the Pyeongtaek facility operated by hy Co., 36 large fermentation tanks - each about 6.5 feet in diameter and 13 feet tall - form the core of a mass-production system that begins underground and feeds into a fully automated manufacturing line.
The plant produces about 2.3 million bottles daily, based on a standard 65-milliliter serving, with a maximum capacity of roughly 3.7 million units. Annually, output reaches about 500 million liquid fermented milk products.
Visitors entering the production area must first pass through a "clean washing room" that removes fine dust from head to toe, reflecting strict hygiene standards applied throughout the facility.
The fermentation liquid is transferred to mixing tanks, where it is blended with syrups containing vitamins, iron, dietary fiber and oligosaccharides, then diluted with sterilized water. The company uses its proprietary LF-7 process, which cultures lactic acid bacteria over seven days to reduce sugar content and improve survival rates in the digestive system.
On the second floor, the filling process is fully automated. Containers are ion-cleaned, inspected by vision systems for defects and checked for volume accuracy and expiration date labeling as they move along conveyor belts.
Packaging is also handled almost entirely by machines. Robotic systems lift products, stack them and transfer them to pallets, forming a smart factory line with minimal human intervention.
Finished products are stored in refrigerated facilities below 50 degrees Fahrenheit for quality inspection before distribution. The company maintains a cold-chain system from production to delivery and operates logistics centers equipped to respond quickly to regional demand.
The plant also manufactures its own bottles by melting resin pellets at temperatures between 356 and 464 degrees Fahrenheit, then shaping them with air injection and cooling - a process requiring precise control to ensure consistent quality.
Beyond production, the facility offers interactive exhibits including virtual reality probiotic games, microscope-based bacteria observation and educational zones designed for families and students.
Factory tours are available by reservation, with schedules opening monthly. The company said cumulative visitors have surpassed 700,000 as of last month.
An official said the company aims to highlight transparency in its production and distribution processes and plans to expand programs for international visitors.
-- Reported by Asia Today; translated by UPI
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Original Korean report: https://www.asiatoday.co.kr/kn/view.php?key=20260506010001112
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This story was originally published May 6, 2026 at 7:16 PM.