Korean No. 1 dishwasher maker Praim prepping to go global

Praim Co.’s dishwashers [Photo by MK DB]

South Korean industrial dishwashing machine manufacturer Praim Co. is preparing to expand into the North American market after successfully exporting its products to 15 Southeast Asian countries.

The company is in the process of obtaining certification to export its products to the U.S. and Canada, according to Chairman Kim Yo Keun. When the certification is granted this year, some of the company’s products could be exported to the U.S. for the first time, Kim told Maeil Business Newspaper in a recent interview in Incheon.

“Just 52 of our dishwashing machines can fit in one container and we are planning to supply over 500 units annually to the North American market within three years,” Kim said.

Praim has been expanding its services in the local kitchen industry as well. In January, the company launched “Total Kitchen Solution,” providing integrated services for kitchen design, equipment installation and maintenance. The service includes basic blueprint design, interior design, construction, installation of Praim’s flagship products such as dishwashing machines, ovens, steamers and multi-deck rice cookers, as well as after-sales services.

Praim is currently the leading manufacturer of industrial dishwashing machines in Korea and is renowned for its high-quality products that include restaurant ovens, steamers and multi-deck rice cookers.

“Praim is the only company in Korea that is capable of providing such comprehensive services as it is involved in the entire production process of products itself,” Kim stressed.

Praim started business as a company dedicated to industrial dishwashing machines in 1998 and the company has maintained a 30-40 percent market share in Korea, despite fierce competition from over 30 other companies.

Praim has been recognized for its success in the industry by being selected as a “Global Leading Company” by the Korea Industrial Complex Corp. Praim’s industrial dishwashing machines are used by major Korean corporations such as Samsung, LG, SK, POSCO, as well as by mid-sized and small companies, government agencies, schools and golf courses.

“About 60 percent of schools in Incheon use our products and 100 percent of Daemyung Resort facilities uses our products,” Kim said.

Kim’s experience in the dishwashing machine industry dates to the 1980s when he worked for a dishwashing machine company for 15 years. He began to dream of starting his own business and founded Praim’s predecessor, Daeseong Precision, in Incheon in 1997, just one year after the Asian financial crisis.

To dominate the Korean market with industrial dishwashing machines, it is not only important to have excellent technical capabilities but also to build customer trust, Kim said.

Praim has achieved this through its commitment to high-quality products and comprehensive services. With its expansion into North America, Praim hopes to replicate its success in Korea and become a global leader in the industry.

Praim is aiming for 25 billion won ($18.9 million) in sales this year, up from 20 billion won last year. “We will increase our overseas market share and aim to achieve 100 billion won in sales within the next 10 years,” Kim said.