SPC Group, the South Korean comprehensive food company behind brands such as Paris Baguette, launched a task force for change and innovation to strengthen its safety management and other key areas.

Heo Jin-soo, chief executive officer (CEO) of Paris Croissant and eldest son of Chairman Heo Young-in, will lead the task force as its chair. The move is viewed as a direct signal of the owner’s commitment to reforming the group amid a series of safety incidents at affiliate factories in recent years that have posed risks to the company.

SPC Group announced on Tuesday that the task force held its inauguration ceremony the previous day and decided to build smart factories as its first project to significantly enhance safety for on-site workers. The group plans to completely upgrade its factories by introducing digital systems such as artificial intelligence (AI), Internet of Things (IoT) sensors, and robots, to ensure a safer working environment for employees.

Specific plans for the new factories will be disclosed in the near future. The task force is also reviewing ways to reduce workloads and working hours for factory employees, including limiting night shifts.

The task force is composed of internal members, including CEOs and executives from affiliates such as Paris Croissant, SPC Samlip, and BR Korea Co., as well as external members such as Kenny Chang, vice president and chief marketing officer (CMO) at Korean Air Lines Co.

Male and female representatives from the group’s labor unions will also participate as committee members to reflect voices from the field.

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