Rebirth 99 to become a car giant

In 2014, the automobile industry changed from the decline of previous years, and the entire industry once again ushered in rapid development.

There are endless news reports about various OEMs building new factories and various suppliers building new factories.

This has allowed various equipment manufacturers to reap a wave of dividends.

"Mr. Cao, our new factory will officially start production next week. Are you free to come over and give us some guidance?"

Zhang Sheng, the general manager of Ji'er Machine Tool Factory, and Cao Yang are old acquaintances, and they communicate directly on the phone on many matters.

In recent years, Ji Er Machine Tool Factory has followed the pace of Nanshan Equipment and has continued to grow and develop. Now it is second only to Nanshan Equipment in the domestic stamping industry and other machine tool equipment fields.

The various incidents in which machine tool giants such as Yamazaki Mazak and Deutsche Simm bullied domestic users can basically no longer be found.

That kind of software you spend a lot of money to buy, but you don’t know how to use it, and people deliberately jam you.

There are also operations such as the device being locked after being moved, which is becoming increasingly rare now.

The most critical thing is that there are fewer and fewer companies importing machine tools from abroad.

In the past, China had to spend a lot of foreign exchange to import machine tools and equipment from Japan, Germany and other places every year. Now the foreign exchange funds saved in this area are more than 10 billion US dollars every year.

Here, companies such as Nanshan Equipment and Ji'er Machine Tool Factory have naturally made great contributions.

Domestic manufacturers have begun to accept domestic equipment, and the capacity utilization rates of related equipment manufacturers have naturally soared rapidly.

At the beginning, the factory area of ​​Ji'er Machine Tool Factory was very large, and a lot of construction land was reserved.

Now that everything is almost used, we started to consider building a new modern factory.

Cao Yang is also very supportive of this.

Because during the construction process of this new factory, many of the equipment imported were produced by Nanshan Equipment.

"The commissioning of Ji'er New Factory is a major event for our Chinese machine tool industry, and I will definitely come to participate."

Although Cao Yang is very busy, he still needs to go to some activities that should be attended.

In this new factory of Ji Er Machine Tool Factory, 80% of the various equipment were purchased from Nanshan Equipment.

After all, although Jier produces machine tool equipment, the equipment needed for production and assembly equipment is not their area of ​​expertise.

Products such as various control systems and robots are not produced by Ji Er himself.

So to a certain extent, the new factory of Ji'er Machine Tool Factory can be regarded as a demonstration project of Nanshan Equipment.

At that time, you can take it out and introduce it carefully, so that other customers can also consider purchasing the entire factory production line from Nanshan Equipment.

This kind of "turnkey" project is definitely very attractive to some customers who are not short of money.

For example, some new car-making forces have just entered the automobile industry, and the company's employees come from all over the world, poaching people from all over the world to form a team.

The abilities of these people actually need to be observed.

If they were directly asked to be responsible for the construction of the new factory, something might go wrong.

At this time, if all the complete sets of equipment are handed over to Nanshan Equipment, things will be much simpler.

This is not the first time Nanshan Equipment has done a similar project, and its reputation in the industry is still good.

Overall, if it is left to Nanshan Equipment, the final cost will probably be lower.

After all, Nanshan Equipment already has its own fixed industrial chain and suppliers. The equipment it can produce will be made by itself, and the equipment that cannot be produced will be left to cooperative suppliers.

In the end, the cost is lower than Party A finding suppliers to supply equipment one by one.

"Mr. Cao, Nanshan Equipment is now the largest equipment manufacturer in the world."

"From now on, our new factory's orders will depend on you."

Although a small part of the products of Ji'er Machine Tool Factory overlap with Nanshan Equipment, they are considered competitors.

But more often than not, the cooperative relationship between them is very close.

For example, in automobile factory construction projects, stamping workshops generally use TDM presses to form stamping lines. This type of equipment is what Jier is good at, and Nanshan Equipment is basically not involved here.

In the past, it was not the first time that Nanshan Equipment obtained the entire factory project and then handed over the stamping equipment to Jier for production.

That's why Zhang Sheng said such words.

"Today's presses are all transforming into servo presses. If Ji Er can keep up with the pace in this regard, there is actually no need to worry about orders."

"The quotations from Japanese and German stamping equipment manufacturers are still too high."

"Most of the new factories being built now are customers from countries with less developed economies, and their price sensitivity is still relatively high."

"At the same time, everyone still has a relatively high pursuit of technological advancement."

"This somewhat contradictory demand is most suitable for our Chinese equipment manufacturers to deal with."

Cao Yang is as optimistic about the equipment industry as ever.

Whether it is the United States, China, or Tianzhu and Africa, everyone will continue to realize that industry is actually very important.

Therefore, support for industry will only be strengthened, not weakened.

To develop industry, various machine tools are absolutely inevitable.

Zhang Sheng naturally recognized Cao Yang's reminder.

However, with Ji'er Machine Tool Factory and Nanshan Equipment constantly expanding their production capacity, other manufacturers are having a hard time.

For example, Schuler, which plays a decisive role in the global stamping equipment industry, is now almost unable to survive in the Chinese market.

"Lucas, now even the suppliers of Spring City Volkswagen and Modou Volkswagen are using a large number of presses produced by Ji'er and Nanshan Equipment. If the headquarters does not give us more authority, Schuler's life in China will be very difficult in the future. ”

As one of the earliest employees of Schuler China, Xu Dacheng is now regarded as a bitter daughter-in-law and a mother-in-law, and has become the sales director of Schuler China.

Lucas, his original boss, is now the general manager of Schuler China.

Therefore, the relationship between the two of them is very close, and they can communicate about anything in private.

You can even talk casually about which of the girls yesterday was more beautiful and which scene you want to change next time.

"The headquarters has already put part of the stamping equipment for production in China, and even some of the more critical parts have been purchased in China."

"What kind of greater authority do you think is needed?"

Lucas frowned and looked at Xu Dacheng, feeling a little at a loss of ideas.

As the world's largest stamping equipment solutions provider, Schuler had a very good life.

But in the past ten years, the situation has gone from bad to worse.

Now they can no longer even maintain their top three positions in China.

The key is that the market share of the first and second players is higher than that of all other manufacturers combined.

It can be said that the alliance formed by Nanshan Equipment and Ji'er Machine Tool Factory has almost eaten up the market share of the high, middle and low levels in this industry.

What was left to Schuler were mainly some orders from German-related investment companies.

But even this basic base is now unstable.

"Establish a R\u0026D center in China, benchmark Nanshan Equipment and Ji'er Machine Tool Factory, and promote the comprehensive localization of all parts."

"At that time, we will control the production cost of the equipment to the same level as that of Ji'er Machine Tool Factory and Nanshan Equipment, and the quality will not be worse."

"In this case, combined with our Schuler brand influence, I believe many Chinese companies will consider choosing us again."

"Otherwise, our selling prices will always be several percent higher than others, which is completely uncompetitive."

Xu Dacheng's plan is to comprehensively turn Schuler into a Chinese enterprise.

Except for shareholders, everything else must be consistent with Huaxia Enterprises.

Only in this way can Schuler remain competitive enough.

"The headquarters actually doesn't have much opinion on the goal of 100% localization."

"But it is estimated that it will be difficult to put all the research and development work in China."

"This means handing over some of Schuler's core design information."

Lucas joined Schuler after graduating from university. He worked in Germany for more than ten years and then worked at Schuler in China for more than ten years.

He has a very good understanding of various internal situations at Schuler.

For many equipment industries, R\u0026D design is the core resource.

As long as you master this part of the resources, processing and assembling the equipment is actually not that difficult.

When most foreign-funded enterprises entered the Chinese market, they only brought the production link to China.

In terms of research and development, people are not willing to bring it in easily.

Although there have been a lot of changes in recent years, for example, Volkswagen and BMW have set up R\u0026D centers in China and have begun to put the research and development of car models in China.

But for most manufacturers, they are still reluctant to do this.

"If you are not willing to do research and development and production for the Chinese market, then I suggest that the headquarters comprehensively lower the control requirements for equipment sales profitability."

"As long as we can avoid losing money, we can consider selling the equipment to maintain our market influence."

"Otherwise, we will slowly become a marginal brand in the market."

Although Xu Dacheng is not a stubborn person.

But if some things are not explained clearly, he feels that the days to come will be even more difficult.

In particular, the brand-new factory of Ji'er Machine Tool Factory is about to be put into operation. By then, the production capacity will be greatly expanded, and the production cost will definitely be reduced significantly.

In order to utilize the production capacity of its new factory, a price war is almost inevitable.

And this is the situation Xu Dacheng least wants to see.

The equipment they sell no longer makes much profit.

If you continue to cut prices, you will really lose money and make money.

"If the Chinese market cannot bring benefits to the headquarters, then it is likely to consider a comprehensive withdrawal from the Chinese market."

"Xu, you also need to consider where you want to go in the future."

When Lucas said this, Xu Dacheng's expression changed drastically.

Is this day finally coming?

This is not the ending he wants to see.

During my time at Schuler, although it was sometimes uncomfortable to be suppressed by competitors, the overall income was not greatly affected, which is very important.

At Schuler, although sales staff receive bonuses, most of their income is in their basic salary.

Therefore, even if the bonus coefficient is not ideal, the overall income will not have a particularly big impact.

Otherwise, Xu Dacheng would probably not be able to continue working.

"Lucas, is the headquarters officially considering closing the China branch?"

Xu Dacheng is still very positive about matters related to his own future.

If you understand the situation in advance, you will be able to take some initiative no matter what countermeasures you take to deal with it.

"Although it has not been finalized yet, if there is no way to make a profit, then there is no point in staying in the Chinese market."

Lucas knows that the situation in the Chinese market is no longer what it used to be.

Schuler no longer has any technical advantages, nor does it have any cost advantage.

In this case, it's almost a matter of time before you can't survive.

Many Japanese home appliance companies have gradually withdrawn from the market in recent years. In fact, the situation is similar.

If you have no technical advantages or cost advantages, customers will naturally not choose you.

If your customers have abandoned you, then it’s naturally time for you to quit.

"At that time, will you consider layoffs or a complete exit from the market?"

Xu Dacheng further confirmed the follow-up arrangements, but Lucas did not give him any accurate answer.

Schuler's situation is actually just a microcosm of the changes in China's stamping equipment market.

Aida Press, which also produces stamping equipment, officially announced its closure plan on the day when the new factory of Ji Er Machine Tool Factory was officially put into operation.

"Liu Sang, if you are willing to follow me back to Japan, then I can help find a way to transfer you back to work at the headquarters."

"Otherwise, we will have to accept this shutdown plan."

Kato Ichiro is still very concerned about Liu Wenfei, who has mastered many of his affairs.

Although Aida Stamping is preparing to completely withdraw from the Chinese market, only a few after-sales personnel will be retained to cope with the situation in the next few years.

In this case, there is no need for Ichiro Kato, the vice president of sales, to exist.

Liu Wenfei has followed him step by step from the most ordinary employee to the head of the sales department over the years, and has helped Kato Ichiro do a lot of things.

Even when Kato Ichiro's girlfriend came to make trouble, Liu Wenfei helped to settle the matter.

Kato Ichiro is still willing to continue using familiar hands.

Anyway, after he returns to the headquarters, he can continue to serve as the deputy director of the Aida Stamping Sales Headquarters, which is equivalent to being promoted by half a level.

The performance of the Chinese market was sluggish, but he was able to upgrade half a level and return to the Japanese headquarters.

There is no doubt that there is someone behind him.

Otherwise, how could you get this treatment?

"Mr. Kato, although the company is preparing to shut down related factories and completely withdraw from the Chinese market."

"However, after-sales business for the equipment sold in the past still needs to be continued, and the company will also retain part of the after-sales team."

"I think even after-sales work actually requires communication with customers."

"Can you lay off the person in charge of after-sales service and leave the remaining personnel to me?"

Although the compensation plan provided by Aida Stamping is very good, it directly reaches the 2N level.

This condition leaves many people speechless.

However, Liu Wenfei still wondered whether he could continue to stay in the company.

Because if the remaining people are put in charge of him, it basically means that he will be the actual person in charge of Aida in China from now on.

There aren't too many specific things to do every day, but you can continue to receive your salary.

One day he really completely withdraws from the Chinese market, and he can still continue to receive compensation conditions that are no less than the current ones.

Based on these premises, Liu Wenfei hoped that he could continue to stay.

Anyway, for Kato Ichiro, this is within the scope of operation.

"Aren't you going to look for some new opportunities while you're still young?"

"Or follow me back to Japan?"

Kato Ichiro did not directly agree or reject Liu Wenfei's proposal, but continued to confirm the things he cared about.

Just as Liu Wenfei thought, it was not difficult for Kato Ichiro to help solve this matter.

"Although I speak Japanese very well, the living environment in Japan is very different from that in China."

‘I am very willing to travel frequently to report to you, but if I want to work in Japan, I may not be able to consider it for the time being. ’

"As for looking for new opportunities outside, I have not considered this for the time being."

"I have become accustomed to working for Aida Press over the years, and I hope to continue working for the company."

Liu Wenfei answered Kato Ichiro's question half-truthfully.

In fact, he goes on business trips to Japan many times every year, and he has a very good say in the living environment of the two places.

If he went to the Japanese headquarters like this, he would definitely be an ordinary sales person.

The atmosphere in the Japanese office is relatively depressing, and it's not like the Chinese one at all.

He was really not used to not being able to speak loudly.

Coupled with the price difference, he is not very interested in going to work in Japan.

This is a bit different from some people.

After hearing Liu Wenfei's choice, Kato Ichiro did not force it.

As long as you can appease this subordinate and don't suddenly cause trouble for yourself, that's fine.

…

"Mr. Cao, Huida Stamping has announced that it will withdraw from the Chinese market. Schuler may not be able to hold on for long."

"In the field of stamping equipment, basically no one can threaten our position."

"However, we have not yet formed a monopoly advantage in various CNC machine tools, and we are ready to continue to strengthen it."

"On this basis, we have also continued to expand equipment in new fields. What we are reporting to you today is artificial diamond production equipment."

Taking advantage of the turbulent changes in the stamping equipment industry, Pan Jinxing reported the latest research and development results of Nanshan Equipment to Cao Yang.

As the largest equipment manufacturer in China, Nanshan Equipment launches new products every year.

Some are specially developed equipment based on the needs of various affiliated companies of the group, and some are specially developed based on the needs of customers.

There are also some areas that are completely in the areas that Nanshan Equipment wants to tackle.

In all walks of life in China, many large manufacturers have become accustomed to the need for special equipment to produce parts. However, when similar equipment cannot be purchased on the market or they are dissatisfied with the equipment on the market, they will turn to Nanshan Equipment to find solutions. Habit.

This can be regarded as supporting the special status of Nanshan Equipment in China's equipment industry.

There is obviously no problem in describing Nanshan equipment as "timely rain in the equipment industry".

"Man-made diamond production equipment?"

"There should have been companies researching this thing many years ago, right?"

Artificial diamonds are nothing new.

In 1952, William Everso, a scientist at Federal Silicon Carbide Company, discovered synthetic diamonds for the first time using chemical vapor deposition.

Later in 1954, Dr. Hall, the head of General Electric's "Super Pressure Project", led the team to achieve further development in the field of artificially grown diamonds, making great contributions to future generations of artificially grown diamonds, and the first diamond was born. A "high temperature and high pressure synthetic diamond".

And in 1970, General Electric successfully cultivated the first large gem-quality diamond through improved technology.

After years of development, the technology of synthetic diamonds has become more and more sophisticated, so synthetic diamonds have gradually entered the market.

And in normal life, compared with naturally formed diamonds, artificial diamonds are basically the same in shape, color and size.

Without some professional instruments for analysis and testing, it would be impossible to identify it with the naked eye.

Some people even think that the color and quality of diamonds are far higher than natural diamonds.

"Yes, people have been working on artificial diamonds for a long time, and there are even some in our country that are pretty good."

"But the price of man-made diamonds is still too high, almost one-third to one-half of that of natural diamonds."

"And the technology for artificial diamonds with large grains is not particularly mature yet, and the production cycle is a bit long."

"Our Nanshan equipment produces a variety of machine tools, whether they are lathes or grinders, all of which require the use of diamond as a material to produce cutting tools."

"It can be said that diamonds are a relatively important raw material for us and also a relatively important raw material for many of our customers."

"In addition, the jewelry market has developed rapidly in recent years, and the demand for both artificial diamonds and natural diamonds is relatively strong."

“So we thought about developing our own equipment to efficiently produce large-grain diamonds.”

"The equipment we are currently developing can produce large-grain diamonds in the shortest possible time, reducing diamond production costs by more than half on the current basis."

"And our diamond cultivation workshop can realize unmanned production and continuously provide a large number of diamonds."

"To put it bluntly, when our unmanned diamond cultivation factory reaches full mass production in a few months, the number of diamonds cultivated in our factory alone will exceed 30% of the world's man-made diamonds."

"As long as we are willing, there is no problem in occupying 90% of the global artificial diamond market in the next three years."

"The price of diamonds will definitely plummet further by then, which will greatly reduce our usage costs."

When Pan Jinxing said this, Cao Yang became interested.

Diamonds are not only an ornament, but also an industrial product.

If you take advantage of it, there are really many things you can do.

He even thought of the special uses of diamonds, which could lay another foundation for Venus Technology's technological leadership.

This matter can be arranged as soon as possible.