The Industrial Giant Reborn - Chapter 597
c589 Visit Haier and invest
In Yanjing, there is actually nothing too big. Except for the Shanghai-Hangzhou-Ningbo Expressway, the rest is just to visit a few of my factories and check out some of the courtyard houses or courtyard houses that my subordinates have bought for me over the past year. Ancient building assets, etc., and the International Trade Center, which is more than half built, is basically about to be topped out. The next six months will be various internal renovations. After all, it is an external project, not an office building to be rented out. As for the renovation, It is still taken very seriously, so it will take some time.
In the absence of any other big plans, a trip to Haier is even more important. The potential of these companies is actually higher than that of the “Guomao Tower”, and may not be as good as the top buildings in terms of net profit, but In terms of the entire industrial chain, employment control or economic stimulation, ten rent-collecting buildings cannot compare to one industrial giant. Even a company like Haier can become one of the cornerstones of the country. Although it is relatively small, the number is large, and it is also Any representative of national competitiveness, and even many heads of state, mainly bring businessmen with them when they go to other countries for state visits.
After the relevant personnel notified the relevant leaders of Yanjing City, Chen Zhiwen and others headed to Qingdao City, led by several police cars to clear the way. Naturally, Qingdao City also knew about it and immediately began to prepare for the event.
The road was a bit difficult to walk, and when it was almost dark, the group arrived at Qingdao City. At the gate of the city hall, Chen Zhiwen and others also received a warm welcome.
Qingdao City officials naturally attach great importance to Chen Zhiwen, but currently there is not even a decent Western high-end hotel in Qingdao, so Chen Zhiwen and others can only live in a high-end guest house.
Chen Zhiwen didn’t pay much attention to the place where he lived, as long as it was clean. The next day, Chen Zhiwen set out for the place where the Haier factory was located.
At the entrance of the Haier factory, factory director Zhang Ruimin and a group of people waited at the door for half an hour. One of his subordinates said: “Director, I don’t know when the city’s cars will arrive. Why don’t you go in and rest for a while?” , I will notify you when they arrive?”
“It’s too late. It’s just around the corner. Hong Kong rich people come to Haier. If I, the factory director, don’t greet you at the door, won’t I be causing trouble for the government?” Zhang Ruimin shook his head and said, “Besides, it’s okay just to stand for a while. What’s going on? Not very hot.”
“I’m afraid you’re tired.” The subordinate said quickly, “I don’t know why Chen Zhiwen suddenly came to our place.”
The afternoon before yesterday, they were still discussing whether to introduce a Japanese refrigerator production line. Suddenly they received an urgent call from the city government, saying that patriotic Hong Kong businessman Chen Zhiwen was coming to the Haier factory. This was a big shock to them!
Who is Chen Zhiwen? At present, many people in China do not know it, but as long as they have some information about the outside world, everyone knows that although Haier’s products are not exported, they have purchased foreign equipment and have been exposed to the world. Naturally, they know Chen Zhiwen , not to mention that the largest joint venture home appliance factory in China is owned by Chen Zhiwen.
These factories that make home appliances are not afraid of imported appliances from abroad, because their prices are extremely high and have nothing to do with their own products. The beautiful difference is that they are also produced domestically and on a larger scale.
But fortunately, Midea is also taking a high-end route. Their domestic factories are taking a mid-to-low-end route. They have always been indifferent. But if they want to recruit people, they will go to Midea, but the probability of success is very low. .
In any case, even if Haier and Midea are somewhat related, one is in the sky and the other is on the ground. No matter what, they will not let their big boss come in person.
“It’s probably because we smashed the refrigerator before.” Zhang Ruimin said thoughtfully.
The Haier factory is somewhat famous in nearby provinces and cities, but not outside. Even in big cities like Yanjing or Shanghai, they have not yet entered. With this kind of popularity, it is estimated that some people from the Midea Yanjing factory They may not even like it, let alone Chen Zhiwen.
However, just two months ago, he discovered a batch of poor-quality refrigerators, but all his employees refused to scrap them. He felt that there was no problem in selling these refrigerators, so he immediately asked in front of all the workers. The people who made these refrigerators all smashed them.
This matter was published in the People’s Daily for some reason, and then it became a big news in the country. It was this possibility that attracted Chen Zhiwen’s attention.
“I guess so.” The assistant nodded and said, “Director, you are really awesome. You smashed 76 refrigerators and made our Haier appear in the People’s Daily. This time you also attracted Hong Kong’s rich people. You are really a mastermind! ”
“What a brilliant idea, don’t talk nonsense.” Zhang Ruimin was too lazy to say anything else. If he continued, others might think that he was deliberately creating news at that time.
After a while, a police car turned around the corner of the street, and then several cars appeared behind it.
Zhang Ruimin had been abroad and recognized it at a glance as a German luxury brand Mercedes-Benz. This car was a rarity in China, and even domestic officials would not ride in this kind of car.
After the car stopped, several people got off the car, and several of them were relevant leaders of Qingdao City. Zhang Ruimin naturally recognized them. After smiling at them, he immediately looked at the young man in the middle, who was Chen Zhiwen.
Zhang Ruimin didn’t know Chen Zhiwen’s portrait or photo, but he seemed to be 30 years old, but he could attract so many people around him. Who else could be there besides Chen Zhiwen.
“Mr. Chen, let me introduce you.” Director Zhao, who is in charge of Qingdao City’s industry, introduced: “This is Mr. Zhang Ruimin, the director of the Haier factory. Director Zhang, this is Mr. Chen Zhiwen, the Hong Kong rich man.”
“Hello, Mr. Chen, I have admired your name for a long time.” Zhang Ruimin said. This is not a flattery. As an entrepreneur in China who dares to independently contract domestic factories, Zhang Ruimin is naturally knowledgeable and understands the economic situation of Hong Kong. , Chen Zhiwen is naturally one of the top priorities. The more he understands Chen Zhiwen’s past, the more he admires him. As a Chinese, he completely defeated the British capital in Hong Kong. How many Chinese people are dissatisfied with this experience?
“Director Zhang, your angrily criticizing 76 inferior refrigerators has been well-known throughout China!” Chen Zhiwen laughed and said: “I am also an industrial enterprise, and I attach great importance to quality. Here in China, after understanding your company After the situation, I am a little impressed by your operation.”
In fact, this is a very good reason, because this matter made the headlines of the People’s Daily and shocked many entrepreneurs across the country at that time. After hearing about it, Chen Zhiwen took the initiative to come and take a look. Although it was still a bit of a fuss, given his status It was a bit strange to come to such a small company, but it finally made sense. It was Zhang Ruimin’s “quality-oriented” attitude that aroused Chen Zhiwen’s curiosity.
Others around him immediately understood.
“Yes, we who make products should make the best products. Although it is not as good as your Midea, it is also because the price positioning is different, and we must have our own internal standards.” Zhang Ruimin followed.
“This sentence is true. In overseas markets, this sentence is definitely what every company pursues, or at least what it should pursue.” Chen Zhiwen nodded and said: “But in China, it is another matter. When there is a shortage of supplies and you don’t have to worry about selling any goods, if you can still persist in this, it is very special, and it can also be said that you have a very forward-looking vision.”
The pursuit of quality is the goal of every company, but many of them are slogans. Most companies are unwilling to invest heavily in quality. Even if the remaining few do, they may be forced by customers. They can do it without any pressure. Under such circumstances, it is very rare to take the initiative to do this.
The current Zhang Ruimin is naturally one of them. You must know that in the 1980s, it was called a paradise for resellers and entrepreneurs. The fundamental reason was that productivity was very low, there were few factories, or the technical capabilities were insufficient. As a result, some people had no money. It was impossible to buy things, or even because there were too few supplies and too much money, so various “food stamps, cloth stamps, soap stamps, meat stamps, tobacco and alcohol stamps, tea stamps” and so on were derived, all because of the lack of supplies.
People born in the 1970s may also have the impression that when they go to small shops to buy things, they are separated by cabinets and the clerks are indifferent to customers. This common phenomenon is also caused by the shortage of supplies. Many strange things in society in the 1980s Things may seem unbelievable to later generations, but actually they are quite reasonable when analyzed from the fundamental issues.
In factories of this era, as long as the quality is not ridiculously poor, there is no need to worry about selling the things produced. However, the refrigerator that Zhang Ruimin arranged for the workers to smash was actually not a big problem. It was just that the noise was too loud and the appearance was not very good. Small problems such as these are absolutely not acceptable in foreign markets, but in China, it would be great if some merchants can sell them to you.
“I just did what I should do.” Zhang Ruimin said with a smile, but he was still very happy in his heart. It was also a great honor to be praised by Chen Zhiwen. At the same time, even if it was just this conversation, if word spread, I am afraid that many People will think that they have a little relationship with the other person, even if the relationship is very weak or even never exists in the future, but others don’t know that with this tiger skin, it is estimated that it will be much more convenient to do many things in the future.
“Mr. Chen, it’s windy and sunny outside, let’s go in.” Zhang Ruimin said again, although the temperature is not very high now, the sun is very strong, and it is not good to stay in the sun for a long time.
“Okay, I also want to go in and see what this quality-focused company in the mainland is like.” Chen Zhiwen said with a smile. This is considered to be a gold medal for Haier. Whether it is true or false, if word really gets out, It can be regarded as advertising the Haier brand. In the long run, it may not have much effect, but in the short term it is definitely still very important.
“Please, everyone.” Zhang Ruimin guided the direction and led Chen Zhiwen and his party into the factory. At the same time, everyone also visited and chatted.
It wasn’t just Chen Zhiwen who came here, there were also big leaders from Qingdao City and even Lu Province. After the introduction, Zhang Ruimin was also covered in sweat. If anyone here came to his company, they would have to receive the most solemn reception, but Chen Zhiwen Here, these leaders have become supporting roles. Although I didn’t talk to Chen Zhiwen for a long time just now, they obviously didn’t care that I seemed to be ignoring them. This was actually because the introducer in this city didn’t introduce him immediately.
In front of the world’s super rich, and this man also has a good relationship with the mainland’s top executives, no one present is trying to steal the limelight from Chen Zhiwen, and there is no need.
The Haier factory is pretty good among domestic home appliance brands. It was once a large local enterprise in Qingdao City. Last year, it introduced an old Italian production line from the early 1970s. Many of its technologies also come from abroad, but the core The compressor is not.
“Is this compressor beautiful?” Chen Zhiwen asked after seeing the sign of a compressor.
“Yes, Mr. Chen, not only our company, but basically all refrigerators and air-conditioning compressors in China are purchased from Midea factories in Yanjing or Shenhai, because they do not require foreign exchange.” Zhang Ruimin said, “It’s just a lot of manufacturing. The same goes for electric fans or washing machines, and many motors.”
“Well, I would also like to thank you for your recognition of my brand.” Chen Zhiwen said with a smile.
Midea’s domestic terminal sales can only take the high-end route. This is a government requirement, but there are no restrictions on various parts and components.
In this era, it is impossible to make good compressors in China. Even if a relatively simple motor can be made, it will definitely not be as good as Midea’s more than ten years of high R&D investment. This leaves Midea’s compressor and motor factories There is a lot of space. Although the profits of these Midea parts are not low, they are still much cheaper than imported ones.
To a certain extent, it has suppressed the research and development of domestic domestic brands. Facing Midea, which has scale and strong technical funds, who can develop a compressor that can compare with it? On the other hand, when it comes to motors, it is unlikely that Midea will have a monopoly. The market is too broad and no one can do it all, but it is okay to control a part of it.
For this kind of indirect monopoly, Midea also deliberately controls it internally, which itself is what it deserves. The market results are obtained purely by relying on technology and cost. For the mainland government, this can also save a lot of foreign exchange, and the factory is in the country. There is only one difference in ownership between creating employment and owning it yourself. In addition, this foreign investor is also a Hong Konger, which makes it even more reassuring.
A win-win situation.
Haier’s crude production lines are not attractive to Chen Zhiwen. What he values is not Haier’s present, but its future. Just like Jianlibao, the talents in the team are the most important, and the most important person in Haier is naturally Zhang Sharp.
After viewing the workshop, Chen Zhiwen and Zhang Ruimin came to a three-story office building in front of the factory. Zhang Ruimin took out a bottle of iced Jianlibao and said with a smile: “Mr. Chen, this is a unique drink in our mainland. Please try it.” taste.”
Originally, he naturally wanted to make tea, but Chen Zhiwen refused. Maybe because the workshop was relatively hot, he asked for an ice drink, so he brought Jianlibao.
“Jianlibao.” Chen Zhiwen was a little surprised and said with a smile: “Of course I know. It can be said that half of it is my company.”
“Your company?” Zhang Ruimin was stunned for a moment. Obviously, he didn’t know about this.
This is normal. Jianlibao’s headquarters is in eastern Guangdong Province, thousands of kilometers away from Qingdao City. It is an unrelated company. Naturally, he does not know the other party’s situation. He also knows that since last year, Jianlibao has become popular. He also likes to drink a lot from all over the mainland, so he keeps some in the office.
“I invested more than a year ago.” Chen Zhiwen said with a smile: “Director Zhang, this time I came to Haier, I actually had the same idea. What do you think?” (End of Chapter)