Rebirth in 1960, My Industrial Age

Chapter 336: Conversation, Contracting an Electrical Appliance Factory
At FAW Automobile Manufacturing Plant, all workshops are now working in full swing.

We didn’t dare to start production before, for fear that we wouldn’t be able to sell the products, so most of the workshops were in a semi-shutdown state.

But things are different now. The Ministry of Foreign Trade has already notified FAW Automobile Factory of the export orders for foreign exchange earnings. After the news spread, there are still some units that want to place orders for cars, and the calls come in continuously.

All of them have been noted down by FAW Auto Works, and the number of orders is increasing almost every day.

Now, Yang Tianbing, the factory director, wishes he could work 24 hours a day.

Zhou Fengnian came to inspect the factory today. When Yang Tianbing heard the news, he immediately put down what he was doing and came to accompany him.

Zhou Fengnian had just entered the factory when he saw Yang Tianbing jogging over. He couldn't help but smile and said, "Comrade Tianbing, I'm just strolling around to see the progress of the factory's robot workshop."

If the Robotics Research Institute wants to promote and develop, it must have a lot of experiments and data support. Domestic factories with large production workshops are suitable for establishing robot production workshops.

It was Zhou Fengnian's idea to have FAW Auto Factory build an unmanned production workshop. He was also the director of the Robotics Research Institute and had to help the institute gain some benefits.

Opportunities are rare, so don't miss them every time.

"I don't have much to do over there, so I just wanted to walk around the factory and supervise the production."

Yang Tianbing finished speaking with a smile, and then leaned over to Zhou Fengnian's ear and whispered, "Leader, I heard about another batch of 'mountain products'. They are not very expensive this time, they are all cheap. I will have someone..."

"Comrade Tian Bing, just once will do. You don't have to do it every time."

Zhou Fengnian shook his head and said, "Compared to ginseng and other things, I now hope that you can lead FAW to become a 'northeast benchmark'. I can see that you are an ambitious comrade.

If you can achieve this, you may have to call me Comrade Fengnian in the future."

Those who call him like this are basically at the same level. Zhou Fengnian's words basically make it clear that if Yang Tianbing can make FAW a benchmark in Northeast China, he may be the same as him in the next ten years.

In the next ten years or so, Yang Tianbing will have the opportunity to catch up with several issues such as the younger generation of cadres and rapid economic development.

The prerequisite is to make FAW Auto Plant a benchmark for Northeast China, rather than a benchmark for a province.

After all, before Zhou Fengnian came, FAW Automobile Plant was already a benchmark factory in the province, and hundreds of supporting parts factories depended on FAW for their livelihood.

"Leader, I will definitely work hard!"

Yang Tianbing was so excited after hearing what Zhou Fengnian said. If that day really came, he could retire successfully.

After expressing his opinion, Yang Tianbing whispered again: "Leader, we have already bought those mountain products, a total of several hundred yuan. Why don't you take them back first? Then send the money when you get back."

The several hundred yuan was a discount, and the original price was over a thousand yuan. Yang Tianbing knew that Zhou Fengnian had to pay for things, so in order to express his gratitude, he said a lot less.

".Okay then, we can't waste it if we buy it, so take it away."

After Zhou Fengnian finished speaking, he pointed to the robot production workshop and asked them to go over there to take a look. He then continued: "Don't ignore the interests of the workers. This is one of the fundamental purposes of the reform."

"Leader, don't worry. The Shenzhou Computer Factory has set such a good example before us. How can we not learn from it?"

Yang Tianbing quickly said that although the profits from cars and computers are not at the same level, it is impossible to build welfare buildings in large numbers like the Shenzhou Computer Factory.

But Yang Tianbing will not miss any of the benefits that should be given to the workers; he has been following Zhou Fengnian for some time and knows that he cares more about the interests of the workers.

I heard that the welfare building at the Shenzhou Computer Factory was the most difficult building to get into through connections, and it was related to Zhou Fengnian, who gave a strict order that the building could only be given to workers and technicians.

"There is also a robot workshop. I have a little idea for this. It can help develop the Robotics Research Institute. It can indeed improve production efficiency. The freed-up workers can work in shifts. You can make the arrangements in this regard."

Yang Tianbing nodded and said, "Yes, leader, I understand."

"My boss called me earlier and told me that I should go back after the year-end summary report is completed."

Zhou Fengnian's sudden words startled Yang Tianbing, and then he felt a little reluctant.

Yang Tianbing was surprised and said, "Ah? So fast."

Although Zhou Fengnian is in charge of a lot of things, it will have no impact at all as long as you don't retaliate against the law.

Moreover, the benefits Zhou Fengnian brought to FAW Auto Factory were clearly visible to the naked eye; technological innovation, optimization of production processes, and the city's green light all the way. In any case, Yang Tianbing really couldn't bear to give it up.

This is a big Buddha. You can feel some of the 'Buddha's light' if you get close to it!
"That's not fast at all. I originally planned to stay for four or five months, but I ended up taking on a bunch of tasks before I left. If it weren't for the reform of the entire city-owned factory, I should have gone back a long time ago..."

Zhou Fengnian shook his head and said, "There are still a lot of things over there, all waiting for me to deal with when I get back."

Government affairs can be handed over to others, but technical issues can only be solved by him; if he knows how to do it, he can do it, and if he doesn’t know how to do it, he doesn’t know how to do it.

Yang Tianbing calculated in his mind that the annual output value report would be compiled in the next few days, so it wouldn’t take long.

"Then leader, I will prepare a farewell banquet for you when the time comes."

"Forget it, don't do that. Your factory doesn't have much money right now, so just develop it well."

Zhou Fengnian refused, saying that the main reason was that there was nothing delicious in the local area and he had already taken his family to try some of the local specialties.

Either just eat something casually, or eat the best. Zhou Fengnian doesn't really like dinner parties that involve drinking, so he would postpone this kind of thing if possible.

Afterwards, the two of them visited the robot workshop under construction. Zhou Fengnian gave some additional advice on paying attention to technological innovation before leaving the FAW factory.

------

"What? You're not participating in the work assignment. Why?"

At Tsinghua University, Director Luo from the School of Computer Science was so excited after hearing Zhou Xianyang's words that he almost stood up from his chair.

"Student Xianyang, job allocation is a national policy. It is not just our school's business. We also need to coordinate with local units. This is a big project."

This statement is true. It has only been a few years since the college entrance examination, and college students are still valuable.

Those who have connections and perform well will either stay in the main city or be assigned to better units in other places.

Those who don't have any connections may report to more remote places to help underdeveloped areas recruit talents.
For someone like Zhou Xianyang, he will probably go through various departments for training in the future and then gradually improve himself.

"Director, don't be anxious. I know this is a big deal, so I told you in advance."

Zhou Xianyang quickly comforted him, saying, "If the allocation list comes out next year, it will be a bit late then, but isn't there still a long time before the allocation? I don't mean that. Can you just not report my name?"

The allocation of college students is still highly controlled. If Zhou Fengnian just gives a nod, it can be done. He is proposing a quota, not adding one.

But Zhou Xianyang forgot to tell his father at that time, and now he didn't want to trouble him with everything, so he went directly to see the dean of the college.

However, in the eyes of the dean of the college, Zhou Xianyang's behavior was a huge waste of his own abilities. Although Zhou Xianyang was often teased as "Professor Zhou's son", this was a derogatory title given to him by others out of envy.

Zhou Xianyang is the top student in their college, and he often leads poor students to earn living expenses.

Such a person would basically be the object of competition among various departments, especially since his father is Zhou Fengnian. Grabbing him and establishing a good relationship with him is a gesture of goodwill.

"Student Xianyang, you should reconsider this. In your situation, it is possible to get a slight exception after graduation."

The dean of the college advised that outstanding graduates from each college should be taken care of, after all, there are only a few in a school.

Most college students start working as level five clerks, but if they are recommended as outstanding ones, they may be promoted to level three.

There are fewer cadres in some places, and you can get an exceptional promotion if you go there.

"No need, Director. I have already thought about how to develop in the future. No matter what position I am in, I will serve the people."

Zhou Xianyang said firmly: "You'd better help me with it. Otherwise, if you assign me there after graduation, I will also have to apply for suspension and retention, which is a roundabout way."

"Okay, okay, since you have a strong desire, I will help you apply."

The college director had no choice but to help Zhou Xianyang apply to cancel his graduation assignment.

Canceling it is also a troublesome matter. College students are an important talent resource for the country. The four-year subsidy is not for white-collar workers. We cannot train you and then just stop working.

Generally, they are not allowed to pass, but Zhou Xianyang’s case should be no problem.

By the time the news spread in the Computer Science School of Tsinghua University, Zhou Xianyang had already left the school.

Many people wanted to find him but couldn't find him. Although he had a few courses in his final year, he was sure to get enough grades.

The classes in school were not very important, so Zhou Xianyang took Hong Sanqiang and went directly to find Bai Kang. When he arrived at the Foreign Trade Department, Hong Sanqiang's eyes widened when he saw the tall buildings in front of him. He grew up in Hongjia Village, and the most luxurious building he had ever seen was the four-story building of the fertilizer factory.

After arriving in Sijiu City, his eyes were finally opened.

Zhou Xianyang called out, "Let's go, Sanqiang. The person you're going to meet is my wife's uncle. Don't worry, I'll let you know when it's time to act."

"Okay, Xianyang, I'll do as you say."

Hong Sanqiang nodded to encourage himself, and then suddenly thought of an idea, and said to Zhou Xianyang: "How about I use the excuse that I am dumb? Then you can legitimately help me speak."

"Don't bother with that. Can you keep silent for the rest of your life? As long as the procedures and processes are correct, it will be fine."

Zhou Xianyang waved his hand and continued, "Besides, no one is fighting me to death. I don't have any enemies. My father..."

Speaking of this, Zhou Xianyang was suddenly stunned. Could it be that his father had any enemies?

Let’s wait until he comes back. Since he is not the contractor, there will be no problem.

"We'll talk about it later. By the way, shall I enroll you in a school? It's really not good to be uneducated these days. Even if you want to learn to drive, you have to learn to read."

After hearing Zhou Xianyang's words, Hong Sanqiang didn't hesitate and quickly agreed: "I'll listen to you, Xianyang."

When he came out, Hong Changshan had reminded him many times that this was his chance. He was the only one in the entire Hongjia Village who could follow the Zhou father and son, so he had to hold on well.

When the two arrived at the entrance of the foreign trade department, Zhou Xianyang said to the guard, "Comrade, we have an appointment with Director Bai Kangbai. I am Zhou Xianyang."

"Wait a moment. Register here."

The security guard on duty checked the visitor notifications, found Zhou Xianyang's name, and took out the registration book for them to register.

After writing down their identities and time, Zhou Xianyang and Hong Sanqiang were brought in.

The department is so strict. They even require us to show our IDs, etc. But even so, we cannot run around. If we do, we will be arrested directly.

Zhou Xianyang felt a little more relaxed only when he was at the Fourth Ministry of Machine Building, with his father's secretary helping him lead the way.

After sitting in the reception room for a while, Bai Kang pushed the door open and came in. He greeted Zhou Xianyang and said, "I was delayed by something just now. This is..."

Zhou Xianyang said, "Uncle, this is the person who contracted the first electrical appliance factory that I told you about before."

"Oh, okay."

Bai Kang nodded, and then asked Zhou Xianyang solemnly: "Xianyang, have you made up your mind? If you were to go into politics, I'm afraid you would be in my position in less than 20 years."

"Forget it, uncle, I haven't thought about it at all."

Zhou Xianyang shook his head and refused. If he was a little hesitant, it would mean that he had not thought about it, but he had never thought about going into politics.

"You kid."

Bai Kang pointed at Zhou Xianyang. He still hoped that Zhou Xianyang and his son would complement each other and serve as a helper in the future.

His son is six years older than Zhou Xianyang and is now a section chief in the district government. The two younger generations get along well, but Bai Kang did not expect that Zhou Xianyang would not be willing to go into politics.

It's a bit of a waste of their two families' resources. Although his uncle is about to retire, Zhou Fengnian is still in his prime.

"Okay, now that you've made up your mind, come with me to meet someone."

"Uncle, are we going now?"

"Then how long do we have to wait? I just happen to have time now, so I can find someone to finalize the matter."

Zhou Xianyang quickly said, "That's fine. Fortunately, I have prepared all the information."

After Bai Kang finished speaking, he stood up and walked outside. Zhou Xianyang called Hong Sanqiang to follow him.

Bai Kang is also busy now, because Zhou Fengnian has caused quite a stir at FAW, causing their foreign trade department to also work overtime.

However, Bai Kang is happy to work overtime. Every day he works overtime is a political achievement. Although the amount accruing to him is small, it will be enough when accumulated.

The group got into Bai Kang's car and soon drove to the Municipal Bureau of Industry. The factory reform was led and promoted by the Bureau of Industry, and the Ministry of Light Industry only controlled the overall direction.

When we arrived at the Industrial Bureau, under the leadership of Bai Kang, we soon met the relevant leaders in charge of factory contracting.

"Director Bai, I'm surprised you came to my house so suddenly. If you have anything to say, you can just call me."

Deputy Director Cheng Jie of the Reform Group smiled and said to Bai Kang that he had dealt with Bai Kang often before and they could be considered old acquaintances. Moreover, Bai Kang was now one level higher than him, and since he had come to him in person, Cheng Jie would definitely have to meet him.

If there is anything, I will try my best to get it done, just to maintain the relationship.

"Director Cheng, I came to see you this time because of what I asked you last time."

Bai Kang paused for a moment, motioned to Cheng Jie to bring Zhou Xianyang and Hong Sanqiang, and then continued

"If the Electric Appliance Factory No. 1 really intends to outsource the business, then Director Cheng, would you consider these two?"

Cheng Jie looked at Zhou Xianyang and Hong Sanqiang and said, "Who are these two?"

"Director Cheng, we are from the same village. I am a senior student at the School of Computer Science at Tsinghua University."

Zhou Xianyang and Hong Sanqiang introduced themselves respectively.

Cheng Jie nodded after listening, and then asked with some doubt: "Comrade Zhou, why do I feel that he doesn't want to be the contractor, and you are the factory director who wants to be the contractor?"

Before Zhou Xianyang could speak, Bai Kang explained in advance: "Director Cheng, I am not satisfied with you either. There will be no problems if we hand over the factory to them. Xianyang cannot be the factory director due to family reasons."

"Not suitable?"

Cheng Jie quickly remembered that at the beginning of the year, it was said that cadres were prohibited from doing business, and then it was said that the wives and children of cadres were prohibited from doing business. This person was probably the son of some cadre.

And they are not small cadres. Low-level cadres do not need to consider those things at all. Only high-level cadres will consider these impacts.

Cheng Jie called Bai Kang out the door and whispered, "Director Bai, tell me the truth, which company is it from? Do they want to run the business well, or..."

It’s not that the children of cadres had not approached him, but Cheng Jie was not very willing to contract the electrical appliance factory with a good foundation to them.

It's obvious at first glance that they don't intend to run the business properly. It would be a bad thing to hand over the electrical appliance factory to them.

"The one who worked at the Shenzhou Computer Factory before also helped me to establish the First Electrical Appliance Factory."

".Hey, I understand."

Cheng Jie suddenly felt relieved. No wonder they said it was best to hand over the Electric Appliance Factory to him. It seemed that there was someone to back him up.

If the business is not doing well, go home and talk to someone, maybe you can revive it.

Zhou Fengnian’s recent reputation has made everyone in Beijing know that the FAW car factory has become popular in half of China this year and will be popular throughout the country next year.

After returning to the house, Cheng Jie's attitude became much better, and he soon talked to Zhou Xianyang about contracting the No. 1 Electrical Appliance Factory.

After all, this was one of the few large factories in the old city. After Bai Kang left, it was handed over to the second factory director, and it began to decline at that time.

After the third factory manager took over, the decline became even faster and the company is now making losses.

Changing the factory manager again probably won't help, and many people are worried that the more changes there are, the more losses will come. Not only will they not be able to hand over profits, but they will also have to make subsidies.

Therefore, taking advantage of the reform trend, many people proposed to contract out the first electrical appliance factory.

Now with Bai Kang acting as the middleman, the contractor negotiations were quickly finalized.

Guarantee the workers' profits and retain the trade union, but the trade union must respect the opinions of the factory director; a fixed profit of 6 million yuan shall be handed over each year, and the excess shall be at the disposal of Hong Sanqiang (Zhou Xianyang).

Six million was the profit of the Electrical Appliance Factory No. 1 five years ago, and it was also the last year of profitability. Since then, it has been making losses all the way.

As of last year, Electrical Appliance Factory No. 1 had an annual loss of four million, and this year it may be even more.

Therefore, Cheng Jie had an explanation for contracting out the Electrical Appliance Factory No. 1 with a profit of 6 million.

(End of this chapter)