Rebirth of the 1980s: The Military Industry Empire

Back then, during the First Five-Year Plan, the country undertook a large amount of industrial construction. The First Tractor Factory (YITUO) was also established at that time. It was one of the 156 key projects within the First Five-Year Plan, code-named Factory 081. In those days, it did indeed produce tractors. However, looking at the experience of the old Soviets in World War II, one should know that tractor factories can be converted to tank production at any time. YITUO was naturally no exception.

Factory 617 had unique advantages. Adjacent to the Prairie Steel Plant, it could produce domestically-made rare earth steel for tanks. After smelting, it was directly transported to Factory 617 to build tanks, a one-stop service. However, the prairie offered no natural defenses. In the event of war, a rolling armored torrent could surge from the prairie at any time, impossible to stop.

Under such circumstances, the country naturally had to consider reserve military factories. YITUO was selected as a backup factory, introducing the production technology of the Type 59-2 tank. However, they were, after all, tractor manufacturers, and did not have much advantage in tank production. Therefore, the output was very small, on the order of single or double digits each year.

However, the factory had a strong foundation, and could scale up production if needed.

Therefore, YITUO also received an invitation to this tender. After receiving it, Factory Director Lu Laifu led several of his subordinates and came to the capital with great enthusiasm.

"General Manager Qin is really something, thinking of us for such a good thing. Now that we've come to the capital, we must first visit General Manager Qin at Fangbei Company!" Lu Laifu said to his subordinates after getting off the train.

"Old Lu, are you doing well?" Just then, a voice came from outside.

Lu Laifu looked over in the direction of the voice and saw a familiar figure. He was also very curious: "Old Wang, why are you here?"

"The system is holding a meeting. This is a major event, especially since some units are not our military industrial units and are not very familiar with this place, so I came here specifically to meet you," Wang Lin said to Lu Laifu. "I didn't expect to pick you up. Come on, get in the car. Let's go eat something first, and then I'll take you to the guesthouse."

"Old Wang, are you treating?"

"Of course not. It's all the reception fee given by the system, even food stamps are provided, you don't have to pay. Come on, I'll take you to eat authentic Peking duck."

Wang Lin really splurged this time, but he didn't dare say it was his treat, otherwise they might not have gone.

Lu Laifu followed Wang Lin into Quanjude, eating Peking duck and side dishes, drinking wine, the atmosphere was very harmonious.

"Old Lu, do you know why you were called here?" Wang Lin said.

"Yes, I'm also wondering. Logically speaking, selling tanks to foreign countries is the business of your Factory 617, so why has it come to our Factory 081?"

"This is all a requirement from higher authorities," Wang Lin said. "You also know that we are now starting to engage in military sales. With Fangbei Company supporting us, we can sell a lot of equipment. However, there is a problem with how to distribute the orders. Therefore, the higher-ups decided to hold a tender. Whoever has the lowest price will get the meat."

"Is there such a thing? However, there are too many military factories in our country. Without bidding, there is really no way. Calling our Factory 081 here, is it also for bidding?"

When he thought of this, his mind moved, and he laughed: "We're just here to make up the numbers. When it comes to producing tanks, of course your Factory 617 is the best at it, and you can also reduce the cost to the lowest."

"Yes, but the higher-ups can't directly give this production task to our Factory 617, otherwise wouldn't this bidding become a joke?" Wang Lin said. "So they called you here."

However, this appearance must be made, so that it can be said to be fair, open, and just.

Qin Yang proposed this method in order to make military exports more standardized, and also to avoid everyone gossiping in the future. At the same time, it is also a kind of punishment for Factory 617's behavior of filing small reports. However, the two sides cannot completely break face, and they will still be in a cooperative relationship in the future. Therefore, Qin Yang has to point out this path to Wang Lin and the others. The main meat is still theirs, but they have to put in a little effort.

At this time, hearing Wang Lin's words, Lu Laifu was also thinking rapidly. He really didn't know what had happened here, but Wang Lin's suggestion was indeed worth considering. In this way, both parties would benefit, and his side could also get on the fast track of military sales. However, five vehicles were still too few.

"Factory Director Wang, if our factory is running at full capacity, we can produce dozens of tanks a year. You give us five vehicles, the quantity is too small, and it's not cost-effective to produce them."

"Then ten vehicles, how about that? This time, the customer has placed an initial order for 200 vehicles, and the total number is estimated to be thousands. You can get at least fifty vehicles, which is also a lot. Moreover, the customer wants the Type 69 tank, and there are modifications compared to the Type 59 tank. We will send technical personnel to help you improve it."

After all, YITUO produces the Type 59 tank, and the current tender is for the Type 69 tank. If Factory 617 doesn't help, they may not be able to produce a single one, and they may have to pay compensation to Fangbei Company.

This is just an exchange of benefits. It is impossible for YITUO to eat the entire order. If they really had this idea, they would become mortal enemies with Factory 617. Now, after this exchange, the benefits are allocated, and they can make money together. This win-win ending is of course the best.

"Okay, deal!" Lu Laifu nodded.

The internet sensation of that year, there was a tractor in the village where potato chips were from.