After expressing his new idea, Li Shaozhong looked at Qin Zongye and said, "Aye, do you want to expand the scale of your bicycle factory? We can cooperate."
Qin Zongye smiled and said, "It seems your new idea is related to bicycles?"
Li Shaozhong nodded. "Bicycles abroad are much more advanced than those in China. Their bicycles are no longer just for practical use; they've evolved into other functions like sports, and many new bicycle styles have emerged. Why can't we innovate in bicycles?"
Ye Shuning took over the conversation and said, "Indeed, the bicycle industry abroad is developing rapidly, and the design, materials, craftsmanship, and styles of bicycle products are also keeping up with market demand. Many high-quality and high-value-added bicycle products have emerged, using new materials, fine processing, ingenious ideas, and high quality.
Bicycles have not only become a means of transportation for people, but have also gradually entered the fields of sports, leisure, entertainment, and fashion, and have incorporated more modern technology and cultural elements, becoming a must-have tool for many families.
I imagine the same is true for the domestic bicycle industry. As people's living standards improve, their demand for bicycles will shift from practicality to diversification. Why not take this step first? I'm sure that even if we don't, someone will soon see the business opportunity in China.
The domestic bicycle market will remain undersaturated for a long time to come, and the market is huge.”
Yan Xiheng, Qin Zongye and Ling Xuan who were present were all knowledgeable people. They understood everything as soon as Li Shaozhong and Ye Shuning explained it.
Yan Xiheng said, "This is indeed a promising project. Shaozhong, Xiaoning, you decide how to do it, and we'll all participate. We're not collaborating on a single project anymore."
Ling Xuan also said: "Exactly. My grandfather said that money in the bank is just dead. It has to be put into circulation in order to make money. I believe in the vision of Sister Xiao Ning and Brother Li San, so I will follow suit."
Qin Zongye smiled and said, "Since you all voted in favor, of course I have to follow suit. Let's just do it."
Li Shaozhong said: "Building a bicycle factory is just the first step. The purpose is to accumulate experience and accumulate funds. There will be bigger projects next."
The government was planning to build a joint venture with a foreign company in Haizhou to produce sedans, and they wanted me to participate in the negotiations. They had originally wanted me to work at the new plant, but I declined. I planned to develop engines and other auto parts, aiming to promote domestic production of sedans in the future.
This time I went to Kyoto to discuss this matter. As long as the auto parts I develop and produce meet the standards, the country will strongly advocate the use of our domestic parts, thereby promoting the improvement of the domestic auto parts industry."
Yan Xiheng was quite shocked when he heard this. "You're going to start another big project with this one. But this one is not easy to handle."
Qin Zongye said, "Yes, not to mention the engine, the technological content of every single one of the other components is incredible. The world's famous car manufacturers invest a huge amount of money in research and development of new technologies every year. I'm afraid we don't have enough."
Ye Shuning also looked at her husband. Li Shaozhong had called her earlier in Kyoto to share his desire to build a smelting plant. Because no matter what parts were being produced, the materials had to meet standards first. This was the foundation. She was very supportive. Then they talked about getting into the bicycle business.
This time, Li Shaozhong submitted a new material technology to the country. Ye Shuning also supported his approach. Li Shaozhong also raised the idea of building a smelting plant with his superiors, and the country also supported it.
Ye Shuning looked at her husband encouragingly and told him to say whatever he wanted.
Li Shaozhong looked at his wife's encouraging eyes and smiled. "Have you forgotten what I do? How could I boast to the country without some confidence? My first job after graduating from university was in an automobile factory. Although I later worked elsewhere, I never gave up my research on automobiles.
I've done some experiments in the lab before and made some great discoveries. The equipment I purchased this time is for building my own lab.
Besides, things have to be done step by step. Let's practice with the bicycle factory first. I'm also building the smelter to prepare for the next step. Once the domestic auto parts industry reaches a certain level, I'll build my own auto factory."
Yan Xiheng laughed and said, "You're making one thing after another. So, you've already negotiated with the higher-ups before going to Kyoto? And have you received their support?"
Li Shaozhong nodded. "Although my goal is ambitious, it's not difficult to achieve. In my opinion, it's just a matter of time."
Qin Zongye said, "You are so confident. I believe you. What materials do you plan to produce when you build the smelter?"
Li Shaozhong said, "I plan to produce materials such as aluminum alloy and titanium alloy, initially for use in bicycles. Currently, domestic bicycle frames are mainly made of chromium-molybdenum steel. It has good torsional and tensile properties, is not affected by high temperatures during welding, and is inexpensive. However, it is heavy and prone to oxidation and rusting.
Aluminum alloy frames are not only lightweight and high-strength, but also maintain their appearance over time. Titanium alloy is a more advanced material that can be made into lightweight and high-strength frames that are rust-resistant.
We use different materials depending on the bicycle's purpose and form. We've designed several lightweight bikes, mountain bikes, and variable-speed bikes that are sure to be popular nationwide."
The bicycle factory invested in by the Qin family has already started production, but it also produces the most common bicycles in the mainland. After hearing what Li Shaozhong said, Qin Zongye felt that the bicycle industry has great potential for development.
Qin Zongye said, "I'm in charge of the bicycle factory. I'll make the decision on how we can work together to expand the scale and produce new products."
Yan Xiheng and Ling Xuan both asked to participate.
Qin Zongye said, "That's no problem, we can all make money. Shaozhong will have to work harder. Let's build the smelter first."
Next, everyone began to offer suggestions and discuss the construction of a smelter.
After the smelter project was agreed upon, Yan Xiheng and his team went to negotiate the site. Furthermore, Li Shaozhong had Yan Xiheng contact several foreign companies for bidding, hoping to have a professional company undertake the project.
Li Shaozhong was involved in the installation and commissioning of equipment at the chemical fiber factory.
During the equipment installation and commissioning, Li Shaozhong, Liu Bokun, Zhang Jianshu, and several other newly hired technicians were on-site every day to familiarize themselves with the equipment and to ensure Li Shaozhong would make timely suggestions for improvements.
With Li Shaozhong and his team involved in the installation and commissioning, the installation went much faster. Li Shaozhong also wanted the chemical fiber plant to be operational as soon as possible so he could focus on the smelting plant.
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