GNS NA, A Korean Owned Company In North America

In 1971, ByungChae Kong, an accomplished automotive supply chain manager, embarked upon a dream to own his own company. He resigned from his role with automotive Original Equipment Manufacturer Daewoo Motors in South Korea, where he was a Purchasing Manager and acquired Young Shin, a small metal stamping fabrication plant and automotive supplier in Seoul Korea. Over the course of its first 20 years of existence, Young Shin systematically expanded its production capabilities to include small to mid-size body components and fabricated metal instrument panel component assemblies.

In 1990, MoonGyu Kong, the son of BC Kong, began working at Young Shin while still attending University and in 1995 began his full-time career at Young Shin.

During the 90’s Young Shin developed growth strategies with a focus on new technologies and solutions for automakers; an approach that would form the very core of GNS and product offerings to come. This resulted at that time in business expansion via the manufacture and supply of ultra-high tensile strength tubular door impact beams, stainless steel fabricated exhaust manifolds, and vehicle cabin air filters.  

In 2002, MG Kong assumed the role of CEO from his father who remains with the company today in Korea as its Chairman. The company at that time, changed its name to GNS to better reflect its developing product brand. GNS, defined as Green and Safe, reflects in the value created by our products for the automotive OEM customers. GNS products create value by improving passenger safety, and reducing mass resulting in less fuel or battery consumption at a competitive cost.

In 2005, GNS embarked upon market and technology studies to develop its business globally. It’s growth strategy also centered around technology. The international expansion was largely a response to the Chaebol supply chain alignment in Korea which restricted future growth for GNS and limited exposure to global market trends and opportunities. Hot stamp technology, which was becoming popular in the automotive industry, was identified as a target technology to pursue as part of its strategy.

Expansion into North America

MG Kong had his own dream to own a company in the United States. In 2009, he followed this aspiration and established GNS North America. Long-term friend and automotive industry executive and consultant, Tom Palumbo, identified a Holland, Michigan metals stamping and tooling company for acquisition that aligned with the growth strategy. GNS acquired the company and GNS North America was incorporated. GNS NA began operations in August of 2009 with 27 of the 55 employees from the prior company. The intention was to establish a presence in North America and to immediately invest in Hot Stamp Technology. Today, Palumbo remains on the GNS NA Board of Directors and serves as its Secretary.

After installing its first Hot Stamping Line, favorable customer response was immediate. GNS NA received its first Hot stamping order from a large Tier 1 supplier for Body In White components for two General Motors vehicles. This was the foundational step in becoming established as a Tier 1 to the OEMs. This led to successful customer expansion and growth as a Tier 1 to 4 OEM’s and ultimately four hot stamp lines in Holland; a new facility in Canton, Michigan in 2011 which now has 8 Hot stamping lines; and a plant in San Jose Iturbe, Mexico in 2015 which eventually grew to 4 Hot Stamping lines. The tooling capability evolved  later with the formation of Quincy Tool and Engineering, Inc. in Holland, Michigan.

An Evolution for the Future

This rapid growth in North America created new challenges for GNS NA. To address these issues GNS brought in an experienced industry executive Michael J. Alcala in November of 2019. Alcala led the reorganization and restructuring of GNS North America to operate at this expanded level and to build the foundation for future growth. Alcala led the restructuring plan which included building a performance oriented organization team, sustainable business processes, and team oriented organizational behaviors which has transformed the company. Alcala accepted the invitation to become the President and Chief Executive Officer in early 2020, a role he served in until retiring from CEO in 2024. He  now serves as the Vice Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Emeritus.

Today, GNS North America is recognized as a high performance Tier 1 supplier in the North American industry supplying more than 11 million PHS door impact beams, A/B Pillars, and body structural components to a range of OEM customers. Testaments to further achievements include being recognized consistently as one of the “Best and Brightest Companies to Work” for in the Greater Detroit region for 3 years, the West Michigan region for 10 years, and at the national level. In addition, GNS NA has been awarded the prestigious General Motors Supplier of the Year award for the past four consecutive years and 11 years overall for GNS. GNS NA also holds Equovadis Bronze medal recognition for sustainability.