The first and the largest independent machine tool builder in Korea, vertically integrated Hwacheon produces machine tools that are characteristically highly stable, and long-lasting. Each machine is carefully engineered and assembled by Hwacheon in Korea, resulting in a level of very high quality, durability, and performance that assures a total cost of ownership much lower than any other brand machine tool. No step in producing, assembly or design is outsourced to others. Mechanically, Hwacheon machine tools are second to none. The company produces all major components from casting through machining and assembly, including all its spindles (5000-32000rpm), machine bases, columns, and components, and geared transmissions. Established in 1952, Hwacheon operates eight plants, delivering more than 3000 CNC machine tools worldwide annually. Half of these are installed in Korea at automotive, die and mold, and machining job shops. Hwacheon, a mid-sized machine tool builder employing 1000 persons, is unusual in that it is deeply vertically integrated, operating not only machining and assembly floors and spindle production, but also a foundry in which it casts high quality grey iron machine bases and columns