From its future base the company hopes to serve the European market and is seeking to expand its activities in the west. Six pioneers will be coming to the Regional Technology Centre in Velsen Noord to investigate possibilities and further detail the plans.

Mr. V. Wanders of consultants Deloitte & Touche will act as contact for the Korean firm, which currently employs over 5,000 people in Asia. According to Mr. Wanders the company already has contacts in the area, in particular with steel manufacturer Corus which buys their materials and uses these in blast furnaces.

Wonjin will not set up a production company in IJmond but a trading operation eventually with 'some dozens' of staff. This could also have a positive effect on indirect employment such as that involved in the supply and shipment of heat-resistant materials. Mr. Wanders says that the Koreans feel positive about the region and its proximity to Schiphol Airport.