Back to the 80s Machinery Factory

Chapter 504 The war eagle flies to the car; don't be afraid of major surgery.
The woman by the window chimed in: "I work in light industrial machinery."

"Last year, we completed the transformation of three glass bottle cold-end spraying production lines, increasing the yield rate to 98.7% and reducing energy consumption per bottle by 7%. We also provided a fully automatic filling and capping machine for the Ministry of Light Industry's 'Three Excellences Project,' which is now in mass production and ready to be shipped to Southeast Asia."

Another middle-aged representative grinned: "We are from the textile industry. Last year, we organized a team to tackle key problems and reduced the breakage rate of cotton spinning machines by 28%, increased the first-grade yarn rate to 96%, and pioneered a multi-head joint automatic stop system, which can save the entire industry thousands of tons of cotton yarn loss every year."

Wow...!
Wang Qingzhou, Dong Jiangchao, Director Niu, and even the driver were shocked.

You won't believe it until you hear it!
Every single person sitting in this car is an amazing person!
Everyone is usually engrossed in their own research areas, so it's a rare opportunity for people from all over the country to get together, and they immediately started chatting away.

The bus swayed and bumped along the way, finally coming to a slow stop in front of the East Annex Guesthouse.

Two wall lamps were lit at the entrance, casting a pale golden light on the edge of the snow.

"Comrades, we've arrived."

The driver slammed on the brakes, turned around and called out, "The road is slippery, everyone be careful when getting out of the car."

As soon as the train door opened, a blast of cold air rushed into the carriage, and the delegates quickly wrapped their coats and hats tighter around themselves, then filed out with their luggage.

A receptionist stood at the entrance of the guesthouse, holding a registration form and checking everyone in to arrange rooms.

After the signing was completed, the receptionist greeted them warmly:
"Director Wang, you're from the mechanical system group, and you live on the second floor of the east building. Rest tonight, and report to Conference Room 5 at 8:30 tomorrow morning. Please bring your letter of introduction."

"Okay." Wang Qingzhou nodded with a smile, then took out a few cigarettes from his pocket and offered them to the staff.
"Young comrade, you've worked hard. Standing at the door to greet and see off people in the dead of winter, this is no easy job."

The receptionist was surprised to be offered a cigarette and instinctively hesitated to accept it.

However, Wang Qingzhou warmly offered the cigarette, and the young clerk who was receiving them smiled shyly and excitedly, took the cigarette and put it in his chest pocket.

The room has been tidied up.

Wang Qingzhou, Dong Jiangchao, and Director Niu went downstairs to find a restaurant to have a meal.

As soon as I entered the lobby, I saw several people coming towards me.

The leading man was burly and composed. He glanced at him and asked:
"Are you Director Wang from the provincial machinery factory?"

Wang Qingzhou was taken aback, then politely replied, "I am Wang Qingzhou. May I ask who you are?"

"Shougang, Lu Yongqiang." The other person extended his hand, his tone steady and firm.

Wang Qingzhou straightened his expression and quickly stepped forward, grasping his hands:
"I've heard so much about you, Director Lu. It's great to finally meet you today."

Lu Yongqiang smiled and said, "Director Wang, you're too kind!"

"Your provincial machinery factory has put airplanes in the sky and cars on the road, spreading out 'in the sky and on the ground,' that's really amazing!"

Wang Qingzhou smiled as well, his tone now tinged with admiration:
“We’re just small-scale operations. Shougang’s furnace is supporting half of the country’s heavy industry. Without your support, even if we’re the most advanced equipment manufacturers, we can’t get anywhere.”

Lu Yongqiang waved his hand and laughed, "There's no such thing as 'bottom line' or 'bottom line'."

“We are all contributing to the country. Once the steel is produced, it needs to be usable and installed by you all for it to be considered a complete system.”

"Lu Chang is too modest," Wang Qingzhou said with a smile.

"I heard that your hot strip mill line just finished its technical upgrade, and then you immediately took on several urgent orders for military and energy projects. Several key projects in the south have had their chassis plates and pipes supplied by you."

"If it weren't for you stabilizing the country's material supply, those subsequent projects, production, and construction wouldn't have been able to continue."

Lu Yongqiang laughed and said, "We just set up the furnace and delivered the materials. We did the basics, nothing special."

"If we're really talking about who's really capable, then it's Factory Director Wang who's got the talent and the most people under him!"

He paused, his gaze falling on Wang Qingzhou, his smile deepening slightly:
"Chen Luyang alone has mobilized resources from half the city. Even the technical school next to our factory is now working for Director Chen."

Upon hearing the other party mention Chen Luyang, Wang Qingzhou smiled slightly and praised him generously:
"I wouldn't call myself a talent, I just love to stir things up!"

“Back when he worked in our factory, even the deputy factory director had to be ordered around by him to do his work.”

A hint of surprise flashed in Lu Yongqiang's eyes, then he smiled and said:

"It has to be said that Director Wang is a good leader. He has a stable team, his subordinates are responsible, and he is willing to let go of capable young people."

"It's more than just being willing to let go!" Wang Qingzhou said happily, pointing at Dong Jiangchao.
“Our Deputy Factory Director Dong almost lost his life when he accompanied Director Chen on a test drive.”

At this point, Dong Jiangchao, his face dark with embarrassment, could only manage a wry smile.

Previously, we test drove cars at the factory.
Chen Luyang almost had herself crushed to death in front of everyone in the factory, young and old.

However, as retaliation

He put the helicopter propeller in the ditch at the entrance of the fusion workshop and let it spin for a whole week!
They're so annoying!

After exchanging pleasantries, Wang Qingzhou began to steer the conversation back on track:

"Speaking of which, I should thank you on behalf of Xiao Chen. He troubled you a lot with his work on the generic parts..."

Before he could finish speaking, a gruff voice called out.

"He's not helping at all!"

Wang Qingzhou and Lu Yongqiang instinctively looked towards the door.
Then He Dahua strode over menacingly:
"If I hadn't made the contact, where would your factory have found the parts for trial assembly!"

As he spoke, He Dahua glared at Lu Yongqiang.

Because Chen Luyang called him "Uncle Lu," Lu Yongqiang kept bringing up that title, which messed up the seniority!

Wang Qingzhou was unaware of the complicated history and grudges involved.

Chen Luyang didn't tell him about the prototype either.

Suddenly being confronted by He Dahua's sharp rebuke put him in a rather passive position.

However, Wang Qingzhou still smiled and took over the conversation:

"Then I really have to say thank you."

“This child is usually busy with this and that, and he never tells me such details. If you hadn’t mentioned it today, I really wouldn’t have known that he came all the way to Xishan to bother you.”

He Dahua said indifferently:

"This is no trouble at all, it's just a matter of building a bridge and connecting the dots."

Lu Yongqiang scoffed, "It's such a small thing, just helping someone make a phone call. Why are you making such a fuss about it?"

He Dahua glared at him and cursed:
"You think everyone's like you, doing nothing but relying on the name 'Uncle Lu' to get by!"

Wang Qingzhou watched the two of them exchanging words.
If it weren't for my good relationship with He Dahua and knowing what kind of person he was,
Otherwise, people would think these two don't get along and have come here to start a fight.

"In any case, I want to thank both of you on behalf of Xiao Chen."

Wang Qingzhou sincerely said, "This child is young and doesn't think things through. He's been able to get by smoothly thanks to the support of so many seniors like you."

"It is Chen Luyang's good fortune to meet you all, and it is also a good fortune for our provincial machinery factory."

Lu Yongqiang waved his hand and said with a smile, "Don't say that. Although one of us is in Beijing and the other is in the province, we are still family."

"Those in the machinery industry, those in steel, those in equipment manufacturing, and those in production should all work together as one. No matter where they are in the country, they are all doing things that are part of the national strategy."

“When we encounter a young man like Xiao Chen who is willing to run, can charge, and can do something, we should not block his way, let alone stand idly by.”

"You push people forward, we lend a hand, and things will get done naturally."

"If we should help, we should help. That's the rule for us state-owned workers."

Although He Dahua outwardly opposed Lu Yongqiang, he also agreed at this moment:

"Old Lu is right. We are all in the state-owned system. No matter where we are, we all eat from the same pot."

"If a company is doing something worthwhile and that benefits the entire industry, then it's not just their business, it's our business as a whole."

As he spoke, He Dahua called out:
"Old Wang, it's rare for you to come all the way to Pian'er City. After the meeting, please take some time, and I'll treat you to a meal!"

"Let's find a place to sit down and have a couple of drinks."

Wang Qingzhou said happily, "Great! Then I must thank the leaders of the capital for giving me this opportunity to learn from them face to face."

He Dahua laughed and retorted, "What kind of leader is he!"

"The three of us—one who flies airplanes, one who makes steel, and one who works with a mixing machine—what kind of leaders are we in the capital? At most, we're representatives of the working people of the capital!"

Lu Yongqiang also laughed and said, "Brother He is absolutely right. The three of us together are at most three factory badges, and we are far from being leaders."

"Go to hell! You take advantage of me every day without ever feeling guilty." He Dahua cursed back when he heard this.

Wang Qingzhou was unaware of the past conflict between He Dahua and Lu Yongqiang. Seeing that the two were about to start arguing again, he quickly spoke up:

"Alright, alright, let's have a drink together with the three of us from the same company, and forget about who's in charge."

Lu Yongqiang smiled and said, "Then it's settled. Let's make it clear that I'll come!"

"Get out of here and stop arranging things! I already said I took care of everything, why would I let you lift a finger?" He Dahua cursed.

Unable to out-argue him, Lu Yongqiang could only say, "Fine, fine, come on, come on, come on."

"If this angers our factory director He, he might just put a bowl of plain cabbage on our table, and that would be quite a show."

Wang Qingzhou smiled and said, "Then I'll gladly accept your offer and have a meal with you two after the meeting."

Having arranged the dinner, the three waved goodbye to each other.

……

The next day, Wang Qingzhou and his entourage, as arranged by the conference organizers, were honored to participate in the commendation ceremony in the Great Hall of the People.

After the meeting,
Wang Qingzhou didn't dare to delay and immediately went to the Ministry of Industry to pay his respects to the leaders.

The winter sun slanted through the windows of the Ministry of Industry office building, casting its light on the simple wooden table.

Minister Yuan smiled and said:

"Old Wang, your provincial machinery factory really made a name for itself at this commendation ceremony. Aircraft and automobiles, both thriving – well done!"

Wang Qingzhou quickly stood up and smiled as he moved aside, saying, "This is all thanks to the overall coordination of the ministry. The leaders set the direction, provided the necessary resources, and assigned responsibilities."

"If the ministry hadn't properly deployed the plans, materials, targets, and blueprints, our factory wouldn't be where it is today."

Minister Yuan smiled and waved his hand: "I won't say any more modesty. The plan was issued by the ministry, and the materials were allocated by the ministry. If we really want to get things done, we still have to rely on the people in your factory to work hard step by step."

"However, this commendation is an affirmation, but it is not the end; on the contrary, it is the beginning."

Minister Yuan stopped speaking and began:

“Your machinery factory is now a benchmark for military-to-civilian conversion. Nowadays, people are not only looking at whether you can produce vehicles, but also whether you can make this path work.”

"To fly from the military's 'war eagles' to the people's 'horse-drawn carriages,' it's not enough to just fly high; you also have to run steadily."

"I'll tell you the truth." Minister Yuan gently set down his teacup, his gaze sharp.

"Although your cars have achieved several targets this year, the quality, parts, and civilian product channels are not yet running smoothly. Next year, we will tackle these three tough challenges."

"First, we need to establish a genuine civilian vehicle assembly line."

“Your factory’s production line can produce cars and keep up with the pace. But it’s actually still a transitional line from military to civilian production. The front part relies on the production line, while the back part still requires manual maintenance. Many inspection procedures have been modified according to the military product approach.”

"Only by building or completely transforming a production line that is geared towards the civilian market, capable of stable mass production, and with adequate supporting facilities and after-sales service can we truly complete the transformation from military to civilian use."

Wang Qingzhou nodded seriously: "Understood."

"We will go back and draft a plan, and once the ministry approves it, we will start construction immediately to ensure that the first batch of cars that are fully compliant with civilian standards will be produced before the end of the year."

Minister Yuan grunted in agreement: "Don't be afraid of major surgery. The transition line can handle the trains, and the civilian line must guarantee the quantity and quality for the next three to five years."

"These two types of standards and two sets of tactics should not be mixed up."

"Second, we need to encourage you to collaborate with local suppliers on research and development, including engines, tires, and interior parts. You can't always rely on your own workshop to work on these."

Minister Yuan pressed down on the cup lid, his gaze lowering:

"Third, importing does not mean becoming dependent."

"We used technology from Japan and Italy, which is correct and a necessary step to catch up; but ultimately we have to walk the road ourselves."

"The technology needs to be digested and localized, and in the end, we still need to present our own products to the world."

He paused, then slowed his voice:
"Don't just focus on the business at the factory gate."

"This year, the foreign trade system will organize a preview exhibition of machinery products for export, which is a good opportunity."

"Your cars are not just for domestic use; you should think about going abroad to earn foreign exchange."

Wang Qingzhou immediately replied, "Minister, rest assured, the factory has made the latest improvements and upgrades to the cars in preparation for this preview. We will definitely do our best to seize this opportunity."

Minister Yuan nodded, clearly satisfied with Wang Qingzhou's answer.

"Old Wang... what you do is guide and guide the way."

“Dozens of military factories across the country are watching you. If you can make this path work, others will know that the conversion of military to civilian use is not just a slogan; if you go astray halfway, it will serve as a warning, and no one will dare to jump in easily again.”

The air seemed to freeze for a few seconds.

Wang Qingzhou held the teacup in both hands, her palms were a little hot, and a layer of fine sweat appeared on her forehead.

He gritted his teeth, his voice low but firm:
"Minister, rest assured, our factory will tackle these three tough challenges one by one, without any hesitation. By the end of this year, we will strive to ensure that you see the first official mass production line."

(End of this chapter)