Jowat SE is widening its international footprint in Asia with the launch of a new subsidiary in South Korea, marking another strategic step in the adhesive specialist’s global growth journey. The Detmold-headquartered company, recognised across woodworking, furniture production and industrial manufacturing, has established Jowat Korea Co., Ltd. in Seoul to serve one of Asia-Pacific’s most advanced industrial markets with stronger local support and tailored adhesive solutions.
For the woodworking and furniture sectors, the move carries clear relevance. Adhesives play a decisive role in modern furniture manufacture, from edge banding and lamination to assembly, surface bonding and interior applications. By strengthening its South Korean presence, Jowat is positioning itself closer to manufacturers who demand reliable bonding systems, technical consultation and innovation-led product development.
A Stronger Asian Base for Industrial Adhesives
The new Seoul-based subsidiary will be led by Dr. Ralf Schelbach as managing director. With extensive experience in the adhesives industry, Dr. Schelbach will oversee market development and the establishment of the local organisation. His role will be central to building customer relationships, identifying sector-specific demand and supporting Jowat’s long-term development in the country.
South Korea has built a powerful reputation as a global manufacturing hub. Its advanced industrial base, high research and development activity, and technology-driven production environment make it an important market for companies supplying critical process materials. For adhesive manufacturers, this creates opportunities across sectors that require precision, consistency and innovation.
Jowat’s expansion is therefore not only a geographical move. It reflects the growing need for adhesive suppliers to operate close to their customers. Local presence can improve technical response times, support efficient project development and help manufacturers adopt adhesive systems that match regional production needs.
Woodworking, Furniture and Packaging Opportunities Grow
Jowat’s solutions are already used in woodworking and furniture manufacture, as well as in paper and packaging, graphic arts, textiles, automotive and electrical applications. This broad application base gives the company a strong platform in South Korea, where industrial sectors continue to invest in quality, faster processes and improved material performance.
“With the foundation of our subsidiary in South Korea, we are consistently advancing our international growth strategy,” says Klaus Kullmann, member of Jowat SE’s Board of Directors. “The South Korean market offers significant potential for our innovative adhesive solutions, particularly in the sectors automotive, electronics and packaging. Our local presence enables us to engage more effectively with our customers and to develop solutions tailored to their specific requirements.”
For woodworking businesses, this customer-focused approach is especially important. Furniture producers and component manufacturers are under growing pressure to improve productivity, maintain surface quality and meet evolving technical standards. Adhesive performance has become a key factor in achieving durable, clean and efficient production results.
Legacy Strength Meets Future-Focused Expansion
Founded in 1919, Jowat SE has developed into one of the world’s leading suppliers of industrial adhesives. The company manufactures around 100,000 tonnes of adhesives annually and employs approximately 1,300 people. Alongside its headquarters in Detmold, it operates manufacturing sites in Detmold and Elsteraue in Germany, as well as producing subsidiaries in the United States, Switzerland, Malaysia and China.
Its global network now includes 26 companies plus solution partners, enabling local service and close customer contact across key international markets. The establishment of Jowat Korea Co., Ltd. adds further depth to this network and highlights the company’s confidence in Asia-Pacific as a growth region.
For the international woodworking industry, Jowat’s South Korean expansion signals how adhesive technology is becoming more global, more localised and more closely aligned with manufacturers’ production realities. As furniture, packaging and industrial sectors seek stronger performance and responsive technical support, Jowat’s new subsidiary places the company in a stronger position to meet demand in one of Asia’s most innovation-driven economies.
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