Chapter 80: Would You Like to Listen Together?

With a single phone call from Mu Aijun, Deputy Factory Managers Ma Jian and Wang Youchang quickly arrived at the office.

Seeing that Zhao Guoyang was also present, the two deputy managers exchanged knowing smiles.

“Guoyang, you’re back so soon? Why didn’t you stay in Yangcheng a few more days? If word gets out, people at Siyang Group might think our Hongda Machinery Factory is a bit stingy,” Ma Jian said cheerfully, patting Zhao Guoyang on the shoulder.

Wang Youchang nodded in agreement, “That’s right. Traveling back and forth in a small truck is tough. You should have taken a couple more days to rest.”

With such concern from the managers, Zhao Guoyang was naturally moved. He straightened up and said respectfully, “Manager Ma, Manager Wang, I hurried back mainly to report some news to the factory.”

“Siyang Group is very satisfied with the quality of the C100 motorcycle frame we trial-produced. They’ve asked us to quickly manufacture another fifty units in a small batch…”

At this, Wang Youchang and Ma Jian’s eyes lit up. Mu Aijun, seated at his desk, had already heard about this and was much more composed.

“Manager, this is wonderful news! The domestic motorcycle market has been thriving in recent years. If we can deepen our cooperation with Siyang Group and successfully enter their supply chain, our Hongda Machinery Factory won’t have to worry about making ends meet for a long time. In fact, we’ll have new opportunities for growth,” Ma Jian said excitedly to Mu Aijun.

Mu Aijun smiled and nodded, showing his approval of Ma Jian’s assessment, while his expectations for the young Zhao Guoyang grew.

Beside him, Wang Youchang focused on some technical issues and asked Zhao Guoyang whether there were any difficulties in producing the small batch of frames or if improvements were needed.

Zhao Guoyang thought for a moment and replied, “There aren’t really any difficulties, but the manufacturing equipment might pose some trouble…”

He explained the urgent need for a laser spot welding machine for the C100 frame, then spread his hands and said, “If it were just one or two units, we could manage by asking Xiangyang Machinery Factory for help, but fifty units is no small number. They’ve got their own production to worry about, so scheduling would be difficult. Large-scale production in the future would be even more inconvenient.”

Wang Youchang immediately understood Zhao Guoyang’s point and turned to Mu Aijun, saying, “Manager, what Guoyang is saying is indeed a serious issue.”

“The C100 frame has specific technical requirements and needs a laser spot welding machine. We can’t always rely on borrowing Xiangyang Machinery Factory’s equipment; it would be better to buy one ourselves. How about having Ma Jian make a trip to Songjiang to purchase a machine?”

Upon hearing this, Mu Aijun glanced at Ma Jian, who was smoking beside him, then looked at the expectant Zhao Guoyang, and slapped the table. “Yes, you’re right. Our orders have nearly doubled recently, and profits are quite impressive.”

“Given our current development, expanding production after the spring is inevitable, so purchasing a laser spot welding machine is definitely necessary.”

Ma Jian stubbed out his cigarette and nodded in agreement. “The manager is right. Although we don’t have the final financial figures yet, preliminary estimates show our profits for the second half of the year are nearly double those of the first half, far exceeding the production and sales targets set at the beginning of last year.”

“When you earn money, you need to spend it wisely, focusing on what matters. A laser spot welding machine is expensive, but it’s absolutely essential right now. I agree we should buy one.”

Hearing Ma Jian’s words, Mu Aijun’s smile deepened. He casually took out a bright red pack of hard Zhonghua cigarettes from his drawer, opened it, and offered one to each person.

As Zhao Guoyang respectfully accepted his cigarette, Mu Aijun smiled and said, “Guoyang, it’s not just the laser spot welding machine. I’ve been thinking these days and have come up with a more ambitious idea, a grander goal. Would you like to hear it?”

Zhao Guoyang chuckled inwardly, thinking: Manager, with you saying this, how could I refuse?

He immediately responded, “Manager, your ideas are always insightful and farsighted. I’d love to hear them.”

Not only Zhao Guoyang, but Wang Youchang and Ma Jian exchanged glances and became interested as well.

Mu Aijun didn’t keep them in suspense. He lit his cigarette and took a deep drag, then began to share his plan amid swirling smoke.

“Last year, thanks to the efforts of Ma Jian and Wang Youchang, our factory’s production and performance improved significantly, completely reversing the previous downturn.”

“There’s no need to go over the numbers; Ma Jian just explained them clearly. Seeing the factory so vibrant, I’ve had a bold idea: to upgrade all our production equipment and build a brand-new production line!”

Once Mu Aijun started, he couldn’t stop.

His spirits were high, his arms waving as he spoke passionately: “I may not be an expert in mechanical engineering, but over the years, I’ve read many newspapers and technical books.”

“My conclusion is that only when equipment keeps up can an enterprise have advanced productivity and competitiveness, leading to greater profits.”

“I’ve hesitated for a while because a full equipment upgrade requires significant investment. As factory manager, I must be cautious.”

“But today, Guoyang’s words were a wake-up call. Imagine—a small private factory is willing to spend heavily on a laser spot welding machine. Why can’t our decision-makers have the resolve to build a new production line? Are we less courageous than a small factory?”

Mu Aijun looked intently at Wang Youchang and Ma Jian, his voice rising with excitement. “You two are veterans of the factory. You should understand this even better than I do. Tell me, isn’t this the truth?”

After Mu Aijun finished, Wang Youchang and Ma Jian looked at each other, unable to hide their astonishment.

The two had been partners for years, holding key positions before Mu Aijun arrived at Hongda Machinery Factory, so they knew the factory’s situation even more thoroughly than he did.

Both were well aware of the severe issue of outdated equipment, but out of a sense of thrift, they had discussed it several times but never made the decision to purchase new equipment.

Unexpectedly, after just a few years, Manager Mu showed such boldness, which shocked and impressed them.

Ma Jian, more cautious, didn’t immediately express his opinion, worried that Manager Mu was just caught up in the moment and might backtrack once he realized the huge investment required. Agreeing or disagreeing now seemed inappropriate.

Wang Youchang, always straightforward, had no such concerns. After Mu Aijun’s impassioned speech, he slapped his thigh and exclaimed, “Manager, you’re absolutely right—I support this unconditionally!”

“Guoyang, take these next couple of days to make a list of the equipment our factory needs to acquire and submit it to Manager Mu for approval. This time, we’re truly upgrading from birdshot to cannon!”