The Fiery Era: Becoming an Industrial Giant

Chapter 176 Reporting to Mr. Zhou
"Leader Sheng, Deputy Leader Wu, I'm here."

After Zhou Zhiqiang entered, he greeted everyone and then immediately looked around the room.

Besides the two leaders, there was another young man in the room, but judging from the way he was holding paper and pen, he was probably the clerk in charge of taking notes.

But should their internal conversations also be recorded?
Zhou Zhiqiang didn't quite understand, but he still sat down in the chair next to Deputy Leader Wu.

"Comrade Zhiqiang, Comrade Jianhong said that you plan to persuade us to go with you to report a major engineering project to Mr. Zhou today."

If it's to be completed, it will require coordination and research among several departments, universities, and research institutes. I'd really like to hear your explanation of why you're so certain that we absolutely need to develop CNC machine tools right now.”

"Because machine tools are the mother machines of industry, we cannot develop industry without machine tools!"

Even if our country had 100 million workers, and all of them were grade eight skilled workers, it still couldn't compare to the driving force of machine tools on industrial development.

As Zhou Zhiqiang spoke, he took out a report he had compiled from his briefcase, which discussed the future prospects of machine tools and the impact of CNC machine tools on the country's industrial development.

"To develop industry, machine tools are an indispensable option, and the future of machine tools will inevitably move towards CNC, thanks to the demand for industry from our country's population and economic development."

Zhou Zhiqiang explained to Leader Sheng and Deputy Leader Wu from various perspectives the necessity of developing CNC machine tools.

Simply put, this is the only way they can develop; otherwise, they will never catch up with foreigners in industry.

They are now developing and manufacturing several high-precision machine tools because large-scale CNC automated production has not yet been implemented abroad.

If we wait until foreigners create automated production lines, then they will witness what an industrial revolution truly is.

If we wanted to catch up then, we would be forced to import technology, but that would take too much time.

If they were to achieve automated production ahead of us now, given the sheer size of China's industrial base, it would be a game-changer for foreign companies.

Moreover, China's development also requires CNC machine tools. Now, all regions need to develop industry, and relying solely on ordinary machine tools and workers will lead to too slow development.

Whether considering the current domestic environment or future industrial development, CNC machine tools are an inevitable path.

"Sir, there's one more thing, which Mr. Zhou noticed a long time ago."

Zhou Zhiqiang concluded by saying, "Isn't the Canton Fair supposed to require the Second Machine Tool Plant to bring two high-precision machine tools to showcase, thereby breaking the international blockade?"

If we develop and manufacture CNC machine tools, their powerful productivity will be even more helpful in breaking the international blockade.”

There was one more thing Zhou Zhiqiang didn't say: after they fell out with the Russians, and then demonstrated such strong industrial R&D and manufacturing capabilities, the US might try to win them over a couple of years earlier.

Moreover, they might be able to use CNC machine tools to exchange for technology with Russia through fraternal countries.
Although this behavior is tantamount to aiding the enemy, the Russians generally do not wage war indiscriminately; they only take a hard line when they bully countries that have joined them.

They don't have the same courage to confront countries that dare to break with them.

However, as the Russians have become stronger, the ones who are most worried are not them, but the Americans.

If the Russians become powerful, America will be the first to wet its pants, after all, the Russians are communist leaders.

However, the specifics are up to the higher-ups to decide. Zhou Zhiqiang wasn't very knowledgeable about this; he was just suggesting a possibility and asking the higher-ups to assess its feasibility.

Zhou Zhiqiang talked a lot, and by the end his mouth was dry; he hadn't stopped talking for two hours.

After he finished speaking, he subconsciously touched the table in front of him, but did not find the water glass.

"Xiao Liu, go and pour Deputy Factory Director Zhou a glass of water."

After Leader Sheng spoke, the clerk who had been taking notes immediately got up to pour Zhou Zhiqiang a glass of water.

"It was my oversight that I didn't even prepare a glass of water for Comrade Zhiqiang after he talked for so long."

"It's alright, boss. I got a little carried away with my words. Anyway, the CNC machine tool project is extremely important."

"The sooner we develop it, the sooner we'll have an advantage."

After Zhou Zhiqiang finished speaking, he took a sip of water and then looked at the two leaders to indicate that he had finished speaking.

"To be honest, Comrade Zhiqiang, after listening to what you said, and based on the information and materials collected by the ministry, it is indeed very necessary."

However, the situation in China is also complex. Resources are scarce; there are only so many resources available for development, and most of the current projects were planned last year.”

Leader Sheng paused for a moment, then continued to say to Zhou Zhiqiang, "Comrade Zhiqiang, what I said today, once you leave this door, do not tell anyone."

To put it simply, supplies this year will likely be just as scarce as last year; and the investment in your factory was squeezed out from other areas.

"After discussing it with Comrade Jianhong, we stopped an industrial development plan in the south and transferred the share there to your factory."

The Ministry of Machine Building alone simply can't provide the support you need, even if it's from Mr. Zhou's side.

Deputy Leader Wu, who was standing to the side, also chimed in, "That's true. If you had said it six months earlier, there would still have been some hope this year, but the plans for this year were already made last year."

Your project has already been cut short; if it were submitted, Mr. Zhou would likely be in a difficult position.

Where can we find the supplies and resources to support this effort?

I wouldn't support it, but developing machine tools is an essential step in industrial development.

"Next year... I think that's a bit late. Our neighbors might have already started their research and development projects by now."

Zhou Zhiqiang sighed and said, "It's already two years too late. If it's another year too late, then we'll be lagging behind at every step."

Besides, no one can guarantee that the research and development will definitely be completed next year, and Zhou Zhiqiang also wants to try his best.

Furthermore, if the CNC machine tool R&D project were established a year later, what would Zhou Zhiqiang do during that year-long hiatus? Continue developing large machine tools?

That's possible, but the Second Machine Tool Plant's production has reached its limit, and some machine tool plants have already started developing large machine tools. It won't be long before they can fill the gap in large machine tools.

In comparison, CNC machine tools are more important.

"Since you still insist, then go and report to Mr. Zhou first."

Leader Sheng said, "However, if Mr. Zhou says it's not possible, then it really is not possible."

If the chief steward thinks postponing it is appropriate, then there are definitely domestic needs for development that have an even greater priority than CNC machine tools. Therefore, it can only be temporarily included in the year-end engineering project plan, and implementation will begin next year. After making the decision, Leader Sheng picked up the phone, dialed, and immediately said after the call was connected, "Mr. Zhou, this is Sheng Jianhui from the First Ministry of Machine Building. I have some things I'd like to report to you. I wonder if you have time now?"
Okay, I'll go there right away. Actually, it's a colleague from the ministry who wants to organize a major national engineering project, so he wanted to report it to you.

"Okay, let's go there now."

After hanging up the phone, Leader Sheng said, "Comrade Jianhong, let's go together."

"Well, I've finished my work this morning ahead of schedule. If Mr. Zhou agrees, then there's no need to relay the message to me, hehe."

However, Deputy Leader Wu knew that the chances were slim, and persuading Mr. Zhou to change the plan he had made last year was no easy task. Ultimately, it was because they had reported too late.

Then, Leader Sheng arranged a car, and Zhou Zhiqiang got into the car from the Second Machine Tool Plant, and they drove together towards Zhonghai.

Upon arrival, Zhou Zhiqiang and his group were checked by security before continuing their journey inside.

After getting off the car, Zhou Zhiqiang followed closely behind Deputy Leader Wu.

Deputy Leader Wu asked with a smile, "Comrade Zhiqiang, are you nervous?"

Zhou Zhiqiang said, "It's not that I'm nervous, it's just that the security here is very tight."

Deputy Leader Wu said, "Of course, you'll get used to it. If you come, it's simple, just report directly."

Zhou Zhiqiang nodded without saying anything more. He followed Leader Sheng and Deputy Leader Wu for a while and soon arrived at a house guarded by security guards.

After the assistant knocked on the door and went in to ask, Leader Sheng and Deputy Leader Wu went in, and Zhou Zhiqiang followed.

Upon entering the room, they saw Mr. Zhou busy at his desk. Mr. Zhou stood up and smiled, saying, "Comrade Jianhui, and Comrade Jianhong, what brings you all here together? And who is this comrade?"

Zhou Zhiqiang immediately said, "Sir, I am Zhou Zhiqiang, the deputy director of the Second Machine Tool Plant."

"So it's Comrade Zhiqiang. I've known you for a long time, but this is the first time we've met."

Mr. Zhou walked up with a smile, shook hands with Zhou Zhiqiang, and continued, "You have led the Second Machine Tool Plant to great success, with new achievements constantly emerging. I remember you also participated in the large hydraulic press project two years ago."

The big boss even mentioned you; you asked him for that bamboo stick, which he treasured for a long time, and you ended up getting it from him, haha.”

Zhou Zhiqiang said somewhat embarrassedly, "Back then, when the leader asked me what I wanted, I thought of bamboo sticks and just asked."

"Sit down and talk."

Mr. Zhou gestured for everyone to sit on the sofa. After his assistant brought the tea, he said, "It seems the main reason you came to see me today is related to Comrade Zhiqiang. Why don't you tell me first?"

Upon hearing this, Zhou Zhiqiang saw Leader Sheng waving at him to speak first, and without further ado, said, "Mr. Zhou, the main reason I've come to see you today is that there's a major engineering project that needs your support."

I plan to develop a CNC machine tool, the same one that Tsinghua University manufactured two years ago, but I want to develop one that is more mature and can be easily put into industrial production.

"This is the report I have compiled. Please take a look, Mr. Zhou."

After saying that, Zhou Zhiqiang took out the data report from his briefcase and handed it to Mr. Zhou.

"Then I'll take a look first."

After Mr. Zhou finished speaking, he took the report and began to read it.

Zhou Zhiqiang used many cases from other countries for comparison, but these were all materials obtained from the ministry.

For example, the development of CNC machine tools by Amer has been prompted by the small-scale development of CNC machine tools since two years ago.
Zhou Zhiqiang had no idea how the ministry obtained this intelligence; they were still able to find out about it even though diplomatic relations had been severed.

But it was indeed similar to what he remembered, so he included it in the data in the report.

The large house fell silent; apart from Mr. Zhou turning the pages, there was almost no other sound.

After a while, Mr. Zhou finally spoke up and said, "Comrade Zhiqiang, I have finished reading the report. CNC machine tools are indeed of paramount importance."

Actually, a couple of years ago, some research experts reported to me on the necessity of developing CNC machine tools, but at that time, due to other limitations, many technologies could not be realized, so it was shelved.

"However, I saw in your report this time that you listed many research and development details in detail, and you seemed to have a lot of confidence?"

After Tsinghua University developed its first CNC machine tool, it suggested that they continue to conduct in-depth research.

However, without keeping up with semiconductor development, no matter how much research and development they conduct, they cannot bypass semiconductors and will never be able to put them into actual production applications.

You can't put three CNC machine tools in one workshop, with the electron tube CNC system taking up 70% of the space, and then replace and repair them every two days. The accuracy of the products produced is still not very good.

Such CNC machine tools would be a burden.

So this matter was temporarily put on hold, with the intention of picking it up again once the semiconductor industry catches up.

"Yes, I am very confident about it."

After thinking for a moment, Zhou Zhiqiang said, "Before I came, an elder reminded me not to exaggerate in front of you, Mr. Zhou, and to only eat as much food as I was confident of."

So what I'm about to say is a judgment based on complete confidence regarding the development of CNC machine tools: our country already possesses the conditions for researching and manufacturing CNC machine tools.

The problem is a lack of research and development direction. Without a clear research and development direction, it is necessary to continuously perform calculations and experiments to determine the most suitable research and development and manufacturing direction.

This stage often wastes the most time; it wasn't until 1962 to 1966 that integrated circuits were finally put into practical use.

However, Zhou Zhiqiang can provide mature research and development directions, which is why he is confident that he can compress the time to achieve research results to within two years.

If results are achieved four or five years ahead of schedule, then the country will have four or five years earlier to develop its industry and other aspects of the domestic economy.

"Mr. Zhou, if possible, I hope you can give me five months, no, two months."

I need to produce results within two months that can convince all the engineers and R&D staff on the project team, and then let the project team convince you.

After hearing Zhou Zhiqiang's words, Mr. Zhou thought for a moment, then smiled and said, "Comrade Zhiqiang, you've gone around in circles. Let me confirm the personnel list for the project first."

Zhou Zhiqiang said somewhat embarrassedly, "Mr. Zhou, you saw through me. But two months is enough."

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(End of this chapter)