Today, competition in the global industry is no longer determined solely by the volume of natural resources, but also by the ability to process them deeply and transform them into high-value-added products. Particularly in high-tech sectors such as the automotive, electrical engineering, and machinery industries, powder metallurgy is recognized as one of the most promising production technologies. According to analysis, the powder metallurgy market is projected to nearly double by 2034.
The capacity for high-quality metal powder production is concentrated in a few regions of the world, and global supply chains remain highly sensitive to geopolitical factors. In this context, the Smart Powder project is being implemented by the Uzbekistan Technological Metals Complex (TMK) as part of the execution of President Shavkat Mirziyoyev's instructions to accelerate projects for producing powder metallurgy parts and other high-value-added products. This project is a significant milestone in developing the production of high-value-added goods in our country, shaping a modern industry, and strengthening Uzbekistan's position in global value chains. The project aims not only to establish the production of modern powder metallurgy products but also to make Uzbekistan a reliable participant in global supply chains. The long-term goal is to build the largest and most advanced powder metallurgy center in Central Asia.
For the first time in our country's history, this project will establish the industrial-scale production of high-precision spare parts for automotive engines using powder metallurgy technology. This initiative represents a significant industrial transformation that not only launches a new manufacturing enterprise but also elevates Uzbekistan's industry from a raw material exporter to a producer of high-tech products.
Towards High Added Value
In today's global economy, the greatest revenue is generated not from extracting raw materials, but from the finished goods created through their deep processing. The SMART POWDER project is based on this very principle. By converting iron and other metal raw materials into high-precision automotive spare parts, the product's value increases severalfold. As a result, the nation's economy will gradually transition to a modern industrial model that creates high added value. This enables not only the production of import-substituting goods but also the creation of competitive export products for international markets.
A New Stage of Production Based on Modern Technologies
The enterprise will introduce high-pressure pressing of metal powders, automated sintering furnaces, atmosphere control systems, high-precision calibration equipment, geometric control laboratories, and digital production monitoring. Quality management will be organized according to international ISO and IATF 16949 standards, ensuring that the products fully meet the requirements of the global automotive industry.
Global Expertise and Technology Transfer
A strategic partnership with Korea Powder Metallurgy (KPM), one of South Korea's leading powder metallurgy companies, is a key advantage of this project. KPM is an internationally recognized Tier-1 supplier, providing products to the world's leading automakers such as Hyundai, Kia, and Toyota.
This partnership involves not only the transfer of advanced technologies but also the implementation of practical training programs, technical internships, and international certification systems for Uzbek engineers and specialists.
Furthermore, a guaranteed purchase agreement has been signed with KPM, signaling the formation of international markets for the project's products.
New Opportunities for Local Industry
The Smart Powder project aims to create not just a single enterprise, but an entire industrial ecosystem. As a result of the project, a new cooperative chain will be established between our country's automotive and electrical engineering industries. These products are distinguished by their high strength, resistance to friction, high-temperature performance, precise geometry, and long service life. Furthermore, the low cost of production compared to traditional manufacturing technologies enhances the project's competitiveness.
Localization and Export Strategy
The project will be developed along two main lines. In the first phase, the products manufactured will support localization programs by meeting the needs of
UzAuto Motors Powertrain. In subsequent phases, there are plans to export products to South Korea, Iran, Malaysia, the USA, and other foreign markets. Initially, some metal powders and technological components will be imported. However, as the project develops, the share of domestic iron powders, molds, auxiliary materials, and engineering services will be gradually increased. This will create more added value within the country and strengthen the industry's domestic expertise.
Investment in Human Capital
The driving force behind any high-tech manufacturing is skilled specialists. In the project's first phase, 47 new jobs will be created. Additionally, practical training programs, technological internships, retraining courses for engineers, and international certification systems are planned to be introduced with the involvement of Korean specialists. This will help form a new generation of powder metallurgy engineers in our country.
The New Industrial Hub of Central Asia
As a long-term strategic goal, Smart Powder aims to become the largest powder metallurgy center in Central Asia.
In the future, the plan is to expand the product range to more than 50 items, significantly increase the share of exports, and further strengthen the company's status as an international Tier-1 supplier for the automotive industry.
This will transform Uzbekistan into one of the region's key industrial centers for high-tech metal product manufacturing.
An Investment in the Industry of the Future
Smart Powder is not just a simple manufacturing project. It is a strategic initiative aimed at shaping a new industrial philosophy based on technology, innovation, and high added value.
Through this project, Uzbekistan will, for the first time, launch the production of high-precision parts for the automotive industry using powder metallurgy. This will expand the manufacturing of import-substituting products, increase export potential, and elevate the technological level of local industry.
Most importantly, Smart Powder is a significant step toward transforming Uzbekistan's natural resources into high-value-added industrial products, positioning the country as a reliable manufacturing hub for future technologies.
