Reborn in 1985, starting from a machine factory

Factory Director's Office.

Secretary Liu stood in front of the desk, while the factory director stared intently at the reports before him. After a while, he took off his glasses and asked, "Are you saying that the aid project to Africa still faces the risk of delays?"

"Yes, Production Department 3 is currently working hard to catch up on the schedule, but the delay was too long before, and it will be difficult to make up for the lost time."

"Why don't Director Li and the others extend their night shifts?" The factory manager threw his pen on the table.

"Factory manager, in my opinion, this matter could be a big deal or a small deal. The problem lies in the workshop, so we might as well let it continue to develop," Secretary Liu said.

"Go on!"

"Factory manager, do you still remember Engineer Yang from the Equipment and Power Department?"

"Just say what you have to say!"

"The production department and the technical department are both under your jurisdiction. For example, Production Department 3 requires your personal supervision. Only capable people can repair the equipment."

"Neither of these two ministers showed up at all, as if they knew nothing about the matter."

"I think, factory manager, you should make use of them," Secretary Liu said in a low voice.

"Use them? How do we use them?" The factory manager leaned back in his chair. "Missing shipping schedules and wasting national assets, and that's how we get them used?"

"The workshop is responsible for its own issues, and the technical department is responsible for its own issues. This is precisely why we should clarify this matter, Factory Manager," Secretary Liu stated.

"Besides, factory manager, we can earn back the country's lost assets through other channels."

As he spoke, he handed several sheets of draft paper to the factory manager.

The factory manager glanced at it casually, and then suddenly sat up straight.

Manual lever-type honeycomb briquette machine

These words came to mind. Director Zhao had grown up in the countryside and knew coal briquettes very well.

Even now, his parents still have to make coal briquettes regularly. Last year, the old man strained his back while trying to break open a coal briquette.

The equipment is very simple: a lever drives a compression mold to compress the semi-finished coal into the shape of coal balls in one go.

This step is also the most tedious one in making coal briquettes.

It seems that this step was not as difficult as breaking the coal or stirring the loess and coal.

However, only those who have done it know that the wind in Northeast China is like a knife, and you can't wear gloves to do this job.

Only when the coal briquettes are made properly will they be pressed into neat shapes; otherwise, they will have to be reworked.

Having this would make things much simpler.

After looking at it once, the factory manager looked at it carefully again: "You don't understand machinery, who wrote this?"

"It was written by Chen Mo," Secretary Liu said. "He calculated that he would most likely be assigned to the Equipment and Power Department, and he wants to switch departments."

"What do you mean?" The factory manager picked up his white porcelain teacup.

"Chen Mo would be better off going to the Equipment and Power Department and becoming neighbors with Engineer Yang. With his abilities, he could potentially take over the technical department office of a workshop in the future."

"Only through close cooperation between the technology department and production can we maximize value and improve efficiency."

The factory manager took a sip of tea and looked at the draft again: "The market feedback on this product will definitely be very good. It's a pity that light industry is more suited to tinkering with these kinds of things."

"Yes, factory manager. I'll contact the light industry department right away and have Chen Mo transferred over later."

"Snapped!"

The factory manager slammed his teacup back onto the table: "What are you thinking? We finally have someone useful, and you want to transfer him out?"

"Then transfer the technology to them? Let Chen Mo guide them?"

"Use your brain, will you!" The factory manager looked up. "We also have empty workshops, why let others operate them?"

"As for Chen Mo, do as you say for now, become Yang's neighbor, and have someone secretly pass on a message to Yang."

"Huh?" Secretary Liu's eyes showed a hint of panic.

"Chen Mo got his position by stepping on the technical department. If Engineer Yang knew that Chen Mo would take over the office, Chen Mo would have a very hard time."

"Young people need to experience some hardships. You can lend a hand when it matters."

"Besides, it's just an office!"

"I think someone should take over this new workshop to facilitate the integration of technology and production. But this person needs to be quite capable."

The entire workshop plus the technical office?

Secretary Liu was momentarily taken aback, but he quickly composed himself and nodded gently, "The factory director is right."

"Feiyue brand TVs are really popular lately. Also, I noticed Chen Mo walks to and from get off work; does he not have industrial vouchers yet?"

"Factory manager, we have no reason to give him these now," Secretary Liu said, looking troubled.

"Next month, this document will be finalized after some internal discussion. Anyway, we don't need to make coal briquettes today." The factory manager said without looking up, his fingers lightly tapping on the document.

"Yes, Factory Manager," Secretary Liu replied.

"And I've heard that some people are discriminating against the working class. Has anyone reported this?" the factory manager asked.

"Yes." Secretary Liu immediately understood: "I'll bring it to you later."

Go!

Secretary Liu walked to his office in a few steps, opened the door, and a smile instantly appeared on his face.

His room was small, and there were documents everywhere.

Chen Mo sat properly on the sofa where guests were entertained.

"Chen Mo, the factory manager praised you, saying your design is very ingenious."

"This is exactly what the people need."

As soon as Secretary Liu entered, Chen Mo stood up immediately: "It's just a trivial skill, Secretary Liu. I think there are many workers in our factory who would like to use it."

"We can produce the first batch and distribute it as employee benefits at a low price to the factory workers."

"With so many people in our factory, once we start using this, it won't be long before the whole of Beiyang City knows about it."

Secretary Liu gestured downwards with one hand: "Sit down, sit down, sit down."

"That's right, but there's no rush. The factory manager has arranged for me to coordinate with the production department to find an available workshop later."

"Once the workshop is coordinated, we will organize an internal review. At that time, mass production should be possible soon. You will have to put in a lot of effort then, as you will need to manage everything from top to bottom."

"A workshop?" Chen Mo asked.

"Yes, one workshop. There are hundreds of thousands of households in Beiyang. Each household needs at least one, and the whole Northeast needs them."

"We're even worried that one workshop won't be enough."

Chen Mo nodded slightly.

"However, Chen Mo, before the workshop coordination and approval are completed, we'll have to trouble you a bit and have you stay in the Equipment and Power Department for a while."

"After all, the factory manager had already announced it in front of everyone. If he took it back in front of everyone, he wouldn't be able to save face."

Chen Mo frowned slightly, then quickly relaxed his brow: "Then, Brother Liu, please let me know later. I'll stay in the workshop for a few more days."

"I'm afraid that won't work!" Secretary Liu shook his head. "Is your salary tied to this process, or are you planning to take the technician's salary for a longer period of time?"

"Don't worry, I'll help coordinate with Engineer Yang. This is just a temporary measure."

A conflicted look appeared on Chen Mo's face; what Secretary Liu said made a lot of sense.

You can't afford to mess with money, no matter who else you're at odds with.

In those days, wages were the main source of income; otherwise, one could easily fall into speculation and profiteering, ending up working as a sewing machine operator.

"Take care of me, Brother Liu!" Chen Mo said.

"What's so troublesome about it? I've been in the factory longer, and the factory manager is new. We need more outstanding talents to emerge."

"Our factory belongs to the state, and we must serve the people. We can't waste national resources," Secretary Liu said.

"But don't worry, Chen Mo, the factory manager and I will consider everything that needs to be considered for you."

"Putting everything else aside, do you know what the factory manager said to me?"

"Hmm?" Chen Mo turned his face away.

"The factory manager said, 'Why doesn't Chen Mo even have a bicycle? Is he short of money or industrial vouchers?'"

"Don't worry." Secretary Liu patted Chen Mo on the shoulder.

"Thank you, Brother Liu."

Chen Mo agreed and then left the office.