'K-Ramen Leader' Nongshim, First Shovel for Busan Noksan Export-Only Factory.. Annual Export Ramen to Exceed 1.2 Billion Units

[Financial News] Nongshim is tightening its grip on global expansion by breaking ground on its new export-only production base, the 'Busan Noksan Export-Only Factory'. It is Nongshim's third export production base following the Busan and Gumi factories. Once the factory is completed in 2026, Nongshim's annual export ramen production will expand to about twice the current level, reaching 1.2 billion units.
Nongshim announced on the 27th that it held a groundbreaking ceremony for the Noksan export-only factory at the Noksan National Industrial Complex in Busan on the 26th.
The Noksan export-only factory will be constructed on the surplus land (approximately 11,280㎡) of the existing noodle production facility, Noksan Factory, with a total floor area of about 48,100㎡. The goal is to complete it in the second half of 2026.
Nongshim plans to initially operate three lines after the completion of the Noksan export factory to produce 500 million units of ramen annually.
Combining the production volume of the Busan factory (600 million units) and the Gumi factory (100 million units), which have been handling export volumes, Nongshim's total annual export ramen production will increase to 1.2 billion units. This is about twice the current level.
Nongshim plans to increase production by expanding lines according to overseas sales trends.
A Nongshim representative said, "The Noksan export factory can expand production capacity to about three times the current level by adding up to eight lines in line with the growth of overseas markets," and "As we are preparing for a second leap into the global market centered on Shin Ramyun Tumba, we will solidify our position as a leading K-Ramen company with corresponding production capabilities."
The Noksan export-only factory will be built by integrating AI smart factory know-how accumulated over decades of operating domestic and overseas factories. It will apply Nongshim's AI deep learning technology quality inspection system and a system that predicts and responds to potential issues using big data.
It will also acquire global quality certifications suitable for an export-only factory. In addition to ISO 9001 and FSSC 22000 certifications, it will respond to various regulations worldwide and obtain sustainable palm oil (RSPO) and halal certifications. Furthermore, to ensure sustainable management, it will operate as an environmentally friendly factory through energy-saving facilities and optimal energy use.
Nongshim plans to expand sales of major products such as Shin Ramyun in Europe and launch new products tailored to local tastes, aiming to quadruple sales in the European region by 2030. In March, Nongshim established 'Nongshim Europe', a European corporation, in Amsterdam, Netherlands.
A Nongshim representative said, "The Noksan export factory will also support the concentrated attack on the South American and South Asian markets, which have growth potential in the ramen market."


ssuccu@fnnews.com Kim Seoyeon Reporter