Although it was scorching hot on the 29th, there was a sense of chilly air that was circulating around Pantech’s factory in Kimpo.
This factory was crowded with 1400 workers at one time that there was even a line to use the restroom. But as company management became difficult, number of workers started decreasing one by one and it came to a point where production line came to a stop. 17 workers came together to production management’s main assembly line in a long time and focused on assembling something while they were seating sparsely. They were working on last shipment of 2380 wireless models ‘Sparkle’ to deliver to Verizon.
Pantech applied for discontinuation of its revival process on the 26th of May. The word ‘bankruptcy’ came hard on many workers’ hearts. They are at a point where no one will rebuke them if they decide not to deliver 2380 models that are the size of a lighter. One can wonder why product line workers came together to factory operation for the last time when they were wandering part time to part time and resting.
Deputy Head Heo Kyung Soo (40), who entered into Kimpo factory in 1996 when he was 21 years old said that the reason is because they have made a promise with the customers. “It was hard to gather workers when they were earning living expenses temporarily at a different job, but they all came because they have a pride and responsibility towards Pantech.” Section Chief Lee Young Ho (39) who entered the company following year and worked as the head of main assembly process, talked about why they ultimately decided to come together to work on the final project.
Modems for Verizon that were produced from the 26th to 30th will be shipped on the 1st from Kimpo factory. If there is not a miracle, then this will be their last shipment.
Deputy Head Heo Kyung Soo said that he was looking forward to work Pantech for his entire life ever since he entered Pantech. He also said that the company was filled with energy in the past, but now it is quiet and empty. Section Chief Kim Jong Won (37), who entered as an intern at an age 19 when he was a senior in high school in 1997, said that he recommended Pantech’s cell phones to his acquaintances in the past, but now he doesn’t have any things that he can boast about.
Deputy Head Heo Kyung Soo, Section Chief Lee Young Ho, and Section Chief Kim Jong Won all have 2 children. Section Chief Lee Young Ho who married at an early age, his oldest son is already in 7th grade. It’s a family that he built by giving up all his youth for about 20 years, but now the company cannot provide them with anything.
Section Chief Lee Young Ho said that he cannot fall asleep because he is worried about what he will do now to support his family. Section Chief Kim Jong Won said that he is worried because he doesn’t know what to do to support his living. Deputy Head Heo Kyung Soo said that he didn’t have time to think about what he will do now because he was preoccupied with the last assembly.
All three of them reminisced about the time when ‘Iron’s release that. They had no knowhow about production since metal body was never released in Korea or any foreign countries. While Smart phones were assembled with them lying down, metal phones were assembled with them standing up. Workers felt much more tired due to this reason, and the process was much slower.
“Because there were so many works that required screw drivers, we needed to work until our ligaments stretched out. When we met our quota in the evening which was not able in the morning, Director of the headquarters bought us sushi and liquor. We visited the sushi restaurant again last year as a commemoration of Iron 2’s release.” Section Chief Lee Young Ho reminisced about his past days at Pantech.
Their faces brightened up and they talked a lot when they reminisced about their prime times. Deputy Head Heo Kyung Soo reminisced about the time when he won Matiz as a present for winning at his company’s sports competition in 2005. Eventually they all came to reality as the present is not the same anymore.
Deputy Head Heo Kyung Soo said that his heart will be calm when Pantech reviews again since he thinks of Pantech as his own children. Section Chief Kim Jong Won let out his regret by saying that he wants Pantech to revive again so he can work because he spent his whole youth for Pantech. “Pantech will revive again.” Section Chief Lee Young Ho left a lingering feeling by giving a short reply.
Staff Reporter Kim, Yongjoo | ky.j@etnews.com