The Fiery Era: Becoming an Industrial Giant

Chapter 246 Kyushu Machine Tool Factory
It's getting worse and worse.

"Hey, Comrade Jianhui."

Wu Jianhong quickly interrupted, then took out a pack of cigarettes from his pocket, offered one to Sheng Jianhui, and then said in a low voice, "We haven't even left Zhonghai Institute yet, what do you want to say!"

"I don't believe the leader didn't see it. He just didn't want to say it. The leader sees them all as comrades, but they don't necessarily see them that way."

After Sheng Jianhui took the cigarette, he let Wu Jianhong light it as well. After taking a puff, he continued, "Did you hear what they were saying just now? They have such high demands. They want the factory director."
"Those are saints; they have to handle technological research and development, consider the overall situation, and follow the rules. If they take it all, how can the Second Machine Tool Plant possibly develop?"

Although Wu Jianhong also disapproved of the two deputy leaders, he still advised, "Forget it, the state leaders are clear-headed. Besides, the Second Machine Tool Factory has already been approved, hasn't it?"

By the way, how did your trip to the south go? Do you have any development plans?

If he didn't change the subject soon, Wu Jianhong felt that his partner would soon start complaining to those deputy leaders at the entrance of the China Ocean University.

"Not yet. It's not just a single city that's lagging behind, but the entire region."

After Wu Jianhong changed the subject, Sheng Jianhui stopped talking about what had just happened and started talking about his previous business trip.

The administrative upgrade of the Second Machine Tool Plant has been finalized and will be announced to the public after the official approval. Zhou Zhiqiang will remain the plant director, with no changes, so they no longer need to dwell on the past.

Just be on guard.

"To boost development there, I think we need to invest in building an agricultural machinery factory. We can use agricultural machinery to drive the development of agriculture in the surrounding area, and once agriculture develops, it can gradually make up for the lack of industry."

"However, if we want to develop industry, we probably need an overall plan. Simply investing in and building factories will not solve the overall problem."

Upon hearing this, Wu Jianhong said, "After we get back, let the directors discuss a few plans. I'll go talk to Comrade Zhou Zhiqiang about the administrative upgrade."

Their factory was lucky; the state leaders unexpectedly added the Second Machine Tool Factory to the list of key investment factories for next year, so they'll probably get at least ten or twenty million yuan.”

"That's true. The state leaders can see the development potential of the Second Machine Tool Plant, unlike the others."

Upon hearing this, Wu Jianhong sensed that Sheng Jianhui was about to bring up Zhao and the others again, so he quickly said, "Let's go, let's hurry back. Speaking of which, what's a good name for the Second Machine Tool Factory?"

If the Second Machine Tool Plant is to be used as a calling card for the industry abroad, then the meaning of this name is somewhat unclear.

"Ask Comrade Zhiqiang; he has more ideas than we do, and he might be able to come up with a good name."

Sheng Jianhui spoke without hesitation.

Wu Jianhong nodded after hearing this. Anyway, he would inform Zhou Zhiqiang later, and he would ask him about it then.

The two then got into the car and went back to the Ministry of Machine Building. After Wu Jianhong returned to his office, he picked up the phone and called the Second Machine Tool Plant.

After the call was connected, Deputy Leader Wu said, "Comrade Zhiqiang, you and Comrade Younian, please come to the ministry now. I have something to discuss with you."

Yes, it's about administrative upgrading. The China Ocean University Institute has already agreed, and now I'd like to explain the specific details to you.

"Okay, come over now. I'll be waiting for you in my office."

After saying this, Deputy Leader Wu hung up the phone and then asked his assistant to go to the archives to find some records of factory units that had been promoted to the rank of director-general, so he could take a look.

"Secretary, Deputy Leader Wu wants us to go to the ministry immediately."

Zhou Zhiqiang knocked on the door and came in, but Secretary Li Younian didn't seem to care at all that Zhou Zhiqiang had suddenly barged in after hearing this.

Instead, he leaned forward and immediately asked, "Is it about the administrative upgrade of our factory?"

Zhou Zhiqiang said, "Yes, the China Ocean Institute has agreed. The next step is to make specific arrangements."

"Okay, okay! Let's go quickly."

Secretary Li slammed his hand on the table in excitement, then immediately grabbed his coat and headed outside.

He was promoted to a high-ranking cadre position; how could he not be excited? A few years ago, when he was at the Second Machine Tool Plant, Li Younian had planned to work like that until retirement.

I never imagined that in his old age, he would get a ride.

When Zhou Zhiqiang came to find Li Younian, he had already asked Zhang Yaoguo to call the driver. Now, after the two of them went downstairs, they immediately got into the car and headed to the Ministry of Machine Building.

The jeep quickly drove towards the Ministry of Machinery Industry.

While in the car, Secretary Li still seemed somewhat excited, but when he turned his head and saw Zhou Zhiqiang beside him looking calm, he immediately felt ashamed, thinking that he, an old cadre, was not as open-minded as the younger generation.

Seeing that it would take some time to drive to the Ministry of Machine Building, Secretary Li Younian laughed and said, "Comrade Zhiqiang, I still can't be as calm as you."

"I'm actually quite excited, but I feel that the upgrade of our factory's administration is a natural progression."

Zhou Zhiqiang smiled and said to Li Younian, "Good results and good prospects. In order to help us develop better, it is only natural to upgrade our level."

It's like knowing we're having braised pork tonight; even if I'm a little happy, there's no need to show it outwardly, but I'm still excited.

Zhou Zhiqiang is now thinking about how to get more supporting resources for the Second Machine Tool Plant, such as recruiting people directly from universities and relocating supporting factories.
These problems can all be solved once the Second Machine Tool Plant becomes a department-level factory.

"It seems I still need to learn some composure from Comrade Zhiqiang. I'm incredibly excited right now."

Secretary Li said with a smile, "Even if I don't deserve half the credit for the administrative promotion, I, as the secretary, should at least deserve one-fifth, or even one-seventh."
However, Zhou Zhiqiang, who deserves the most credit, wasn't excited; instead, he got excited first, realizing that he really needed to learn from this.

"Haha, don't follow my example. I've received quite a bit of criticism myself."

The driver sped along and soon arrived at the Ministry of Machine Building.

After getting out of the car, Zhou Zhiqiang and Li Younian went directly to Deputy Leader Wu's office.

When they arrived at the door, they found the office door ajar, clearly waiting for them.

After knocking, the two pushed the door open and went in. As soon as they entered, Zhou Zhiqiang saw Deputy Leader Wu and Director Ren.

"You're here! You two are quick. Please have a seat."

After speaking with a smile, Deputy Leader Wu's expression became slightly more serious as he said, "Comrades You Nian and Zhi Qiang, I believe you both know this news; the China Ocean Academy has officially approved the Second Machine Tool Plant to be upgraded to a department-level unit."

"The official documents will be issued soon, probably within the next few days." "At that time, your factory will also be listed as a key industrial enterprise under the State Planning Commission's attention, and will be included in next year's list of key investment enterprises. This was personally selected by the state leaders."

Upon hearing this, Zhou Zhiqiang and Li Younian immediately stood up and replied with assurances, "Thank you, leaders, and thank you also for the trust and support of the Central Committee."

"Sit down. I called you to my office because I wanted to have a private talk. Otherwise, we could have gone to the meeting room. There's no need to be so formal."

After speaking, Deputy Leader Wu smiled and continued, "After the factory's administrative level is upgraded, the levels of the factory's Party Committee and administrative team will also be upgraded accordingly."

Comrade Zhiqiang, both you and Comrade Younian have been officially designated as department-level officials. By the way, Comrade Zhiqiang, are you still receiving technical-level benefits?

Director Ren immediately chimed in, "Yes, back then the supply of materials was relatively limited. In order to allow Comrade Zhiqiang to focus on development, we gave him the待遇 of a technical post."

Zhou Zhiqiang's salary and technical staff subsidies combined are equivalent to the treatment of an administrative level seven or eight, which is much higher than that of a department director.

"Let's switch back now, just to be safe."

Deputy Leader Wu began, "The supply of necessities to residents is gradually returning to pre-1959 levels, and the ministry can subsidize some ration coupons. Comrade Zhiqiang will henceforth receive benefits according to the 13th-grade standard."

Today, two deputy leaders of the China Ocean Engineering Consulting Group (COIC) brought up Zhou Zhiqiang, which made Wu Jianhong more cautious.

We should deal with what we can as soon as possible. Before Zhou Zhiqiang and Li Younian arrived, Deputy Leader Wu was already thinking about this matter.

If someone is watching you all the time, it's really hard to defend against; the second machine tool factory only secured a foreign trade order of over 140 million US dollars, yet they are so persistent.

What if we secure another $200 million in foreign trade orders next year?
Will the Second Machine Tool Plant secure a $300 million foreign trade order in two or three years?

I guess they found Zhou Zhiqiang extremely annoying back then.

"Is that alright, Comrade Zhiqiang? Although the salary will be less than the researcher's allowance, the ministry will compensate you in other ways."

Zhou Zhiqiang said with some surprise, "Sure, no need for compensation, the current treatment is already very good."

With this much salary, we could easily support ten children, let alone me, as a clerk; I should set an example.

Their family really didn't need much subsidy, especially since Zhou Zhiqiang knew that there were basically no major natural disasters going to happen and no major events would affect the national grain harvest.

With the increasing supply of materials, Zhou Zhiqiang and his wife's salaries will not require any special care or subsidies.

Many members of their family receive salaries; the father-in-law is a soldier supporting the Northwest, the brother-in-law is a construction team leader, and the wife, Guo Yuting, is a street office worker.

"Okay, I'll explain the reason to you later, but let's change it back first."

Deputy Leader Wu decided to keep Zhou Zhiqiang behind later and talk to him about what happened today.

Knowing what happened today will help us know what to do in the future. However, this doesn't mean we should ask Zhou Zhiqiang to start any struggles; just be a little careful.

Deputy Leader Wu also felt that those people weren't doing their jobs properly; they were tying people's hands and feet and expecting them to run faster—it was like they were dreaming.

"Next year, your factory should be prepared that production planning, major investments, and the allocation of important materials will no longer be entirely directed by the Ministry of Machine Building. The State Planning Commission will also be involved."

Furthermore, your factory needs to submit a plan report before the end of the year, mainly outlining equipment needs, personnel requirements, and suggestions for supporting plant planning.”

Deputy Leader Wu pointed out several important development directions for next year, indicating to Zhou Zhiqiang that these are the key development areas for the Second Machine Tool Plant next year.

"The most important thing is the supporting factories. I remember Zhiqiang, you already had the idea of ​​having the supporting factories build branch factories? Go back and do some research, write a report and submit it, and I'll give you some advice."

Upon hearing this, Zhou Zhiqiang immediately replied, "I understand, boss. I'll definitely send it to you before the New Year."

He originally thought there might not be any major investment activities next year, as the ministry's plans were all completed and there was really no extra financial allocation to the Second Machine Tool Plant.

However, being included in the list of key investment factories by the State Planning Commission means that there is investment and construction funding support from the central government.

Investment and construction of supporting plants, talent training, and equipment procurement can all be carried out simultaneously.

These things require Zhou Zhiqiang, the factory director, to pay more attention to. He needs to put forward a general plan to the Ministry of Machine Building and the State Planning Commission for approval. Once both sides agree, the project will start immediately.

Zhou Zhiqiang talked about many things that the machine tool factory needed to coordinate with external parties, and he even found paper and pen to take notes as he spoke.

As for matters within the factory, their Party Committee can make those decisions themselves; things like building construction, opening several shuttle bus routes within the factory, and the affiliated primary and secondary schools can all be decided at the Party Committee meeting.

"By the way, there's one more thing."

After Deputy Leader Wu listed a series of things to be aware of, he suddenly remembered the factory's name and asked, "The Second Machine Tool Factory is now involved in a large amount of foreign trade business, so it would be best to change its name. What do you think would be a good name for the Second Machine Tool Factory?"

Should we change our name?

Upon hearing this, Li Younian suggested, "How about calling it Huaxia Machine Tool Factory?"

Deputy Leader Wu glanced at Li Younian and then said, "Aren't you afraid that hundreds of factories will jointly object to you choosing this name? Do you think you can easily choose a name that represents a country?"

There are many machine tool factories in China, and they are named after cities and their order. The sudden appearance of a "Huaxia Machine Tool Factory" is like stepping on the head of all machine tool factories.

If the Second Machine Tool Plant could be called that, then before long, a bunch of other names representing China, such as the China Automobile Plant and the China Winery, would appear. I doubt the higher-ups would allow that.

"How about calling it Jiuzhou Machine Tool Factory?"

Zhou Zhiqiang suggested, "Our country doesn't have the Nine Provinces division now, but just hearing the name Nine Provinces tells you it was an ancient administrative division."

Besides, our Second Machine Tool Plant is now undoubtedly the number one machine tool plant in China, so naming it the Jiuzhou Machine Tool General Plant isn't exactly a misnomer.

"Jiuzhou Machine Tool Factory is good, that's great!"

After listening, Deputy Leader Wu pondered for a moment, then nodded and said, "Okay, Jiuzhou Machine Tool Factory. I'll talk to Comrade Jianhui about it later. This is a good name."

It wasn't until almost evening that Deputy Leader Wu finally finished giving all the instructions he wanted to give.

Afterwards, Deputy Leader Wu asked Comrade Li Younian to go back first, but kept Zhou Zhiqiang behind and revealed some things that were discussed at the China Ocean University of China today.

They only mentioned what the two deputy leaders of the China Ocean Institute said about Zhou Zhiqiang, and didn't mention any of the other confidential remarks, which was also to tell Zhou Zhiqiang to pay more attention in the future.

(End of this chapter)