Rebirth 99 to become a car giant

Chapter 724: Frustrated, in a dilemma, and finally...

Thomas moved quickly.

After calling Sagano and confirming that Nanshan Carbon Fiber had really produced T1200, the world's most advanced carbon fiber material, I immediately found an old acquaintance of mine.

"John, I don't know if you have noticed that China has announced that it has achieved a breakthrough in T1200 carbon fiber technology."

As representatives of the Pentagon, Thomas and John have known each other for many years.

Publicly and privately, Thomas had to go to John.

"I've seen that news."

"After the China Channel report, people from Boeing and Northrop Grumman told me."

"Thomas, I was just going to ask you, when will Hexcel come up with products with the same performance?"

When John asked this, Thomas' face became a little ugly.

Although they have already developed materials with the same performance as T1100, they have launched IM10 carbon fiber.

However, they have not fully developed qualified products for this kind of carbon fiber composite materials. Now they have to consider higher-grade materials, which is not a little difficult.

After being silent for a while, Thomas felt that it was better not to put too much pressure on himself.

If it can't be done, it can't be done.

If you casually promise a date now, it will be even more embarrassing if you can't work it out later.

"From T1100 to T1200, although the performance improvement is not particularly great."

"But the difficulty of this technological breakthrough is definitely several levels higher than the T700 to T800."

"Without detailed reference materials, we estimate that it will be difficult to develop the T1200 within the next three years, or even within the next five years."

"I suggest you help push it forward and ask the relevant departments to strengthen sanctions against Nanshan Carbon Fiber, so as not to allow them any room for further development."

"The best thing is that anything using Nanshan carbon fiber products will not be allowed to enter the international market."

After saying these words, Thomas felt relieved.

It turns out that it doesn’t seem that difficult to admit that you can’t do it.

In his opinion, IM10 has not been used on a large scale anyway, so there is no need to rush to develop higher-grade carbon fibers.

Of course, something unexpected happened now. China came up with the T1200 earlier than us.

But so what?

As long as the other party's materials are not allowed to enter the international market, the final impact will be controllable.

However, this time John's thoughts were a little different from his.

"Thomas, I think before you propose this plan, it's best to communicate with people at Boeing and Northrop Grumman to see if they have similar ideas."

"I heard that Nanshan Carbon Fiber has not only developed the world's number one T1200 carbon fiber, but their T1100 carbon fiber composite materials have also been mass-produced on a large scale."

“People from Nanshan Carbon Fiber even contacted Boeing and expressed their willingness to export T1100 carbon fiber composite materials at reasonable prices.”

When John said this, Thomas's expression immediately changed.

As expected, Nanshan Carbon Fiber has successfully started mass production of T1100 composite materials.

This is very bad news.

For a long time, the carbon fiber used in American military products has been provided by Hexcel.

Even though Hexcel's price is not cheap, the supplier has not changed for so-called safety and other reasons.

Of course, Heshe sells materials at a high price, so not all of the extra money he earns is kept in his own hands.

You want to convince everyone to buy your materials at a high price without any public relations fees?

"John, our military products cannot use materials from China. It's not safe."

"If China cuts off supply at a critical moment, it will directly bring about very bad consequences."

"And China can also infer some of our confidential information through the time and quantity of materials supplied."

Thomas angrily told the dangers of using Nanshan carbon fiber materials.

This is not the first time he has said these words.

But this time the effect was different.

"Everyone has some concerns about using military products, but what about civilian airliners?"

“For example, if Boeing wants to use Nanshan Carbon Fiber’s T1100 composite material in its commercial aircraft, why don’t you want people to buy it?”

"The composite material of your IM10 has not yet been officially finalized. Is it possible to keep Boeing waiting?"

When John said this, Thomas became even more anxious.

After so many years of establishment, Heshe is really in crisis this time.

Of course, he knew that arguing with John at this time would not solve the problem.

The most critical thing is to find carbon fiber users such as Boeing and Northrop Grumman and communicate with them.

So after finishing the call with John, Thomas immediately arranged for someone to book a flight for himself and flew to Boeing in person to communicate with David, the other party's purchasing director.

"Thomas, can you produce composite materials based on IM10 carbon fiber within this year?"

David naturally knew what Thomas' purpose was.

Ordinary people don't care about the news about the successful development of Nanshan Carbon Fiber T1200. Even this news didn't stay on the hot search for long before it was squeezed out by other celebrities' information.

But for carbon fiber manufacturers and manufacturers that use carbon fiber materials, the news is very different.

Almost every company is analyzing the meaning behind this news and its impact on them.

Boeing is no exception.

After all, just because Boeing doesn’t use Nanshan carbon fiber products doesn’t mean Airbus doesn’t use them either, and it doesn’t mean Chinese companies don’t use them either.

"The research on composite materials is a very complex issue and many factors need to be considered."

"Especially for large-scale industrial production, it is necessary to take into account both process requirements and costs. There is no way to mass-produce IM10 composite materials in a short period of time."

David is also knowledgeable, and Thomas naturally does not dare to talk nonsense.

If it can be done, it can be done. If it cannot be done, it cannot be done.

Lying at this time will definitely do no good to Heshe.

"Okay, if you can't do it this year, then I'll assume that you can do it next year, and then mass-produce it on a large scale the year after that."

"We did some relevant testing and verification based on mass-produced materials, and finally put them on the product. It may have been 2015 or even 2016."

"This is still a relatively ideal situation. If something unexpected happens in the meantime, we may not be able to use your materials by 2017."

"What I said is correct, right?"

David looked at Thomas with a calm tone.

Although he had benefited from Thomas in the past, he felt that he had also given corresponding rewards.

So no one owes anyone anything.

Now let's just discuss the matter.

"Yes, your grasp of the relevant schedule is very accurate."

Thomas nodded bitterly, not daring to refute David's words.

"The sales representative from Nanshan Carbon Fiber contacted me specifically a few days ago. Their carbon fiber composite materials based on T1100 are already in mass production and supply to several customers in China."

"If we are interested, the relevant material test reports will be provided soon."

“We can even send them the drawing data of the parts and immediately produce samples for individual product testing.”

"According to this progress, maybe we can use T1100 carbon fiber composite materials on aircraft by the end of this year."

"Carbon fiber is just a raw material. It is not as sensitive as electronic products and chips."

"Nanshan Carbon Fiber cannot leave any backdoor in the material to monitor or control our products."

"The most important thing is that the price of their T1100 carbon fiber composite material is likely to be lower than the price of Hexcel IM8 composite material."

"In this case, if you were me, how should you make a choice?"

David communicated with John rationally.

As Boeing's purchasing director, his most important responsibility is how to purchase qualified materials and parts at a lower cost, on time and with value.

If Nanshan Carbon Fiber had not produced the world's number one T1200, they would not have proactively contacted us to say that they had mass-produced T1100 carbon fiber composite materials.

Then David may be able to continue to cooperate well with Heshe.

But things are different now.

There are obviously better materials, but if Boeing doesn't use them, it would be a bit unjustifiable.

Especially when China purchased a Boeing passenger plane, I don’t know why they specifically asked which parts on the plane were made of carbon fiber and what grade of carbon fiber was used.

David believes that the sales representative of Nanshan Carbon Fiber has not only contacted Boeing, but also other potential customers such as Airbus.

In this case, David did not dare to take risks.

If Airbus's passenger aircraft use T1100 composite material this year or next year, and Boeing is still using IM8 carbon fiber composite material equivalent to T800 level, then the situation will be very passive.

If you are unlucky, you may directly sell passenger aircraft.

This is something that is unacceptable to everyone at Boeing.

"David, is Boeing really ready to cooperate with Nanshan Carbon Fiber?"

"This is a violation of the relevant regulations of the Ministry of Commerce."

At this point, Thomas can only refer to the relevant sanctions requirements.

However, this kind of thing may be effective for ordinary companies, but it has no meaning for Boeing.

"The sanctions against Nanshan Carbon Fiber were pushed by us."

"This time, that time."

"Now that Nanshan carbon fiber materials have entered the United States, it is good for us."

"Under such circumstances, it is obviously inappropriate to continue to maintain such strict sanctions!"

As soon as David said these words, Thomas's expression changed drastically.

Is what I worry about most really coming?

If the sanctions on Nanshan Carbon Fiber are lifted, the situation on Hexcel's side will be very passive.

"The performance difference between T800 carbon fiber composite material and T1100 carbon fiber composite material is huge."

"Thomas, I believe you know this better than I do."

"So unless you can come up with IM10 carbon fiber composite materials this year, we have no other choice."

David naturally saw Thomas's expression changing, so he also made further additions.

It’s not that Boeing doesn’t give you a chance, it’s that Hexcel is a bit unsatisfactory.

If we continue to wait, other customers such as Huaxia have begun to use composite materials based on T1200 carbon fiber. Boeing is still waiting for IM10.

How can that work?

"David, can't you be more accommodating?"

Thomas' tone changed obviously.

But if asking for help can solve the problem, then there won’t be so many problems in the world.

In the end, Boeing will definitely purchase a batch of carbon fiber composite materials from Nanshan Carbon Fiber.

Of course, if there is a breakthrough in Hexcel's materials in the future, it is very possible to abandon Nanshan carbon fiber and use Hexcel again.

So Hershey's life just became difficult, and he didn't collapse immediately.

The United States will certainly not allow a company like Hexcel to fail.

Although Boeing is now considering using some Nanshan carbon fiber composite materials, it does not mean that they will only use Nanshan carbon fiber products.

Unless something like T1100 carbon fiber composite material has not been mass-produced by other manufacturers.

Then there is no other way.

"Thomas, if you have this time, I suggest you lead the R\u0026D team to work hard."

"As long as your technology catches up with Nanshan Carbon Fiber, we are still willing to support Hexcel."

After David said this, he raised his left hand and looked at his Rolex and said, "I'm sorry, I have a meeting to attend. If you need anything, I'll contact you later."

Coming up with an excuse that could be used at any time, David stood up and left the meeting room.

Thomas had no choice but to leave Boeing with a disappointed face.

As for China, unlike Hexcel's loss, the situation at Nanshan Carbon Fiber is completely different.

"Mr. Cao, Boeing's procurement department has contacted us. They plan to use our materials on some parts of the Boeing 787 and 747."

As soon as Zeng Jianying received the news from Boeing, he quickly called Cao Yang to report.

The biggest feature of the Boeing 787 is the extensive use of advanced composite materials to build the aircraft frame, ultra-low fuel consumption, lower pollution emissions, high efficiency and comfortable cabin environment.

Their main competitors are the Airbus A350 and A330neo.

The first Boeing 787 was delivered to All Nippon Airways on September 26, 2011.

It can be said that this is a very new aircraft.

As for the Boeing 747, everyone is more familiar with it.

Boeing's largest aircraft is the 747-8, the latest in the Boeing 747 series, which can carry up to 467 passengers.

In other words, Airbus's A380 can compete with it.

Boeing planned to use Nanshan carbon fiber materials on these two aircraft as soon as they came up, which can be said to be quite bold.

Of course, they say they are ready for use, but when they will actually be used is another question.

Without going through a series of tests and confirmations, Boeing will definitely not easily use Nanshan carbon fiber materials to produce parts.

After all, this is a matter of life and death.

In particular, these high-strength composite materials are all used in critical parts.

If something happened, it would really be a big deal.

"Boeing is not worried anymore?"

"Their carbon fiber in the past was basically supplied by Hexcel America, right?"

Cao Yang did not expect that Boeing would be so courageous and dare to contact Nanshan Carbon Fiber at this time.

"Yes, the other party's attitude seems to be more firm this time. They have already begun to communicate with us about the sample delivery of T1100 carbon fiber composite materials, and also asked us to provide them with a batch of T1200 carbon fiber samples for testing."

Zeng Jianying did not expect that the situation would develop more smoothly than he imagined.

This is definitely a good thing.

As for whether the secrets of Nanshan Carbon Fiber will be leaked after sending these samples, he is not very worried.

If new materials can be produced by looking at samples, then Huaxia's carbon fiber will not wait until Nanshan Carbon Fiber appears to achieve a technological breakthrough.

As for the appearance, you can just look at the sample and then copy it.

But materials are the most difficult thing to plagiarize.

No matter how many samples I give you, it doesn't mean much.

"Maintain communication first and make it clear to Boeing that we are a manufacturer on the list of sanctioned objects. We are only responsible for export customs declarations for all materials. Once they are on board, we are not responsible."

"We only provide FOB quotations (FOB: Free On Board, FOB price refers to the price when the seller delivers the goods to the carrier, which includes the cost of goods, packaging fees, export handling fees, etc.) and does not provide CIF quotations (CIF represents The price at which the seller delivers the goods to the buyer after loading the goods on board the ship and bearing freight and insurance.).”

Cao Yang is also worried that he will be cheated when doing business with American companies such as Boeing.

Therefore, Nanshan Carbon Fiber is required to communicate with the other party from the beginning. After the materials are shipped, even if they are delivered to Boeing, any non-quality problems that arise will have nothing to do with Nanshan Carbon Fiber.

In this way, the risk of sanctions can be avoided.

"I will specifically emphasize this to the people in the sales department and let Boeing be responsible for the import customs declaration-related work."

"But the other party also made a request, which we haven't agreed to yet."

Zeng Jianying thought of the request in the other party's email and felt it was necessary to discuss it with Cao Yang.

"any request?"

Cao Yang asked in a very cooperative manner.

"Boeing hopes to arrange for their personnel to conduct factory audits and confirm that our factory management and production processes meet the requirements before we can enter mass production delivery."

Zeng Jianying knew that this request was a normal request.

Most manufacturers have relevant audit requirements for material and parts suppliers.

But this time the situation is obviously a little different.

"No, we only provide materials and test reports related to the materials."

"If there are some other tests to be done, we can also cooperate."

"But the other party wants to come to the factory for a visit and audit, and we have no way of agreeing to this request."

Cao Yang refused without any hesitation.

Material samples are given to the other party, and it is difficult for them to find someone to produce them themselves based on the samples.

But if they come to visit the production line on site and understand each process in detail, the situation will be different.

Whether it is T1100 composite material or T1200 carbon fiber, the most critical thing is the control of some processes.

This is the core secret of Nanshan Carbon Fiber.

As long as Boeing shares this information with Hexcel, Hexcel will soon be able to produce the same grade of materials.

So Cao Yang will definitely not agree.

"That's what I mean too. Then I'll ask the people in the sales department to reply to Boeing."

Zeng Jianying no longer struggled.

Although people who work in technology may not have that keen sense of business, it does not mean that their brains are not good.

The other party obviously has bad intentions, and Nanshan Carbon Fiber will definitely refuse.

…

"Kevlar, are you also planning to purchase T1100 composite materials from Nanshan Carbon Fiber?"

After hitting a wall at Boeing, Thomas went to Northrop Grumman and paid a special visit to Vice President Kevlar.

However, the information Kefla communicated with him made him very upset.

"I have also communicated with David from Boeing about this issue."

"Nanshan Carbon Fiber's T1100 composite material is the most advanced in the world, and T1200 composite material will be launched soon in the future."

"If we don't use them, the performance of some products will suffer."

"This is very detrimental to the sales of our products in the international market."

Kevlar and Thomas are also old acquaintances.

Almost all satellites on Northrop Grumman use Hexcel's carbon fiber.

But now Kevlar is going to use some Nanshan carbon fiber materials.

This can put more pressure on Hexcel, forcing them to produce IM10 composite materials as soon as possible.

Otherwise, it would be embarrassing if we just wait and be surpassed by China.

"I heard that Nanshan Carbon Fiber has rejected Boeing's arrangement for procurement and quality personnel to visit their factory for inspection and audit. This is equivalent to the other party's unwillingness to develop production line-related information to us."

"Under this circumstance, will Northrop Grumman continue to consider purchasing materials from Nanshan Carbon Fiber?"

Thomas thought that he always entertained the procurement and quality technicians of Boeing and Northrop Grumman with delicious food and drinks, but now his own technology was a little behind, and he was treated like this, which made him feel very uncomfortable.

“The materials that you can produce, we can continue to buy.”

"But we can't wait any longer for materials you can't produce."

"Thomas, you have to understand that sometimes overprotection is not a good thing for you."

"Northrop Grumman would choose to cooperate with Nanshan Carbon Fiber because it was actually forced by you."

Kevlar scolded Thomas very rudely.

What he said didn't make any sense at all.

Among the companies that originally promoted Nanshan carbon fiber, Northrop Grumman's name was also included.

Among the companies that are now cooperating with Nanshan Carbon Fiber again, Northrop Grumman’s name is also there.

To some extent, Northrop Grumman was also slapped in the face.

In this case, Kevlar will definitely be disgraced.

If it weren't for Nanshan Carbon Fiber's material technology being the best in the world, Northrop Grumman would definitely not have chosen to compromise.

Even the current compromise may be just a stopgap measure.

Nanshan carbon fiber can still be abandoned at any time in the future.

Unless the other party can always maintain the world's number one level.

This is very similar to what Cao Yang imagined.

Only by maintaining sufficient technological leadership is the best way to break through sanctions.