Hanon Systems shares AI thermal management technology with suppliers, raises W80m fund

Hanon Systems held a forum to share AI data center thermal management technology and automotive parts aftermarket business strategies with its suppliers, while also raising about 80 million won ($59,600) to support vulnerable communities.

Hanon Systems, an affiliate of Hankook & Company Group, announced Friday that it co-hosted the "2026 Shared Growth Nanum" event with its supplier council over two days from Oct. 29 to 30.

Now in its 16th year, the event drew 107 attendees — 22 Hanon Systems executives and employees and 85 supplier representatives. Marking the company's 40th anniversary, Vice Chairman and CEO Lee Su-il attended in person to discuss key issues with supplier representatives.

A seminar on the first day at Daejeon Techno Dome focused on shifts in the automotive industry and the new business opportunities they present.

Participants shared updates on the business operations of Hankook & Company Group affiliates, along with aftermarket business directions and procurement strategies. Presentations also covered the AI data center thermal management market, related technology trends and major issues facing the automotive sector. The event concluded with an awards ceremony for suppliers.

The aftermarket refers to the market for products used in the maintenance and parts replacement of vehicles already on the road, rather than in new-car production. Hanon Systems is expanding beyond supplying parts to automakers and into the repair and replacement parts market.

This year, the company began selling products domestically through T'Station, Hankook Tire's automotive service network. It is also pursuing overseas distribution channels, having secured its first supply order from European automotive parts distributor Intercars.

Hanon Systems also participated in AAPEX 2026, an automotive parts trade show held in Las Vegas from Tuesday through Thursday, alongside Hankook & Company and Hankook Tire. The company showcased thermal management components — including electric compressors, radiators and cooling modules — as it targets the North American aftermarket.

The company is also pushing into non-automotive sectors. Hanon Systems has begun developing cooling solutions for energy storage systems (ESS), power conversion systems and solid-state transformers, drawing on its existing vehicle thermal management technology. It is also exploring a phased entry into the AI data center server thermal management market.

On the second day of the event, a charity fundraising event was held for vulnerable members of local communities.

A total of about 80 million won was raised, including a 10 million won contribution from Hanon Systems. The funds will be distributed to several organizations, including the Incheon Catholic Children and Youth Foundation, to support those in need.

Hanon Systems and its supplier council have maintained supplier exchange and social contribution activities since 2011. Last year's event raised a similar fund of about 80 million won.

Meanwhile, Hanon Systems reported improved profitability in its third-quarter earnings released Thursday. Consolidated sales fell 1.8 percent year-on-year to 2.66 trillion won, while operating profit rose 26.6 percent to 120.6 billion won.

Cost reductions and operational efficiency improvements contributed to the earnings improvement. The share of sales from electrification vehicles — including electric vehicles and hybrids — rose from 31 percent in the second quarter to 33 percent in the third quarter.

Hanon Systems said it plans to improve profitability in its core automotive thermal management business while expanding into new areas such as the aftermarket and AI data centers to build a foundation for growth.

"In a rapidly changing automotive industry environment, the experience and trust we have built together with our suppliers are more important than ever," Vice Chairman Lee said. "We will continue to communicate consistently with our suppliers, understand each other's challenges and maintain a relationship in which we grow together."