Samsung Electronics Co. which greatly helped local mask producers when they struggled to meet explosive demand by rationalizing factory structure to hone productivity is lending expertise to overseas factories in similar stress.

The South Korean tech behemoth said Monday that it sent its engineers to Poland to help the country’s fashion company PTAK that has been manufacturing masks since May improve production efficiency with its experts and solutions on automated production for higher efficiency.

Samsung Electronics aided the Polish firm to optimize its manufacturing facilities and enhance efficiency in logistics. It also shared its know-how in how to handle unexpected failures.

Thanks to the advice and support, PTAK tripled its daily mask production volume from 23,000 pieces to 69,000. Samsung Electronics plans to give a follow-up support soon after the Polish company adds a new facility.

The tech giant pledged to help small companies to accelerate their factory automation in 2018 as part of its 180 trillion won ($148.8 billion) worth social responsibility investment program. In Korea, many firms including E&W, Loess Tech, Evergreen and HJ Tech have received help from Samsung Electronics to improve their mask output capacity by more than 50 percent. Coronavirus test kit maker Solgent also saw its productivity rise 73 percent after establishing a smart manufacturing system with help from the company.

Samsung Electronic Vice Chairman Jay Y. Lee said in February that the company would make an all-out effort to extend its help for COVID-19 containment measures. It has made financial donation, provided medical supplies and supported mask and test kit manufacturers. It also offered masks, protective gears and financial support to China when the virus outbreak was in full swing in the country.

By Chun Gyung-woon and Choi Mira

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