Chapter 179: New Project

By the time Zhou Ming and Su Han returned to Factory 760, it was already evening. The delay was due partly to the underdeveloped transportation of this era, especially in remote mountainous areas like Yangbei County, and partly because they had to wait for Director Deng to prepare the documents from the Xiling Canning Factory.

Thinking about their encounter at the Yangbei County government, Su Han was quite displeased. "That Director Deng is really a sycophant. At first, he refused to agree to anything we said and even demanded a bribe. But once Mayor Chen made a call, he quickly resolved everything."

Zhou Ming saw through it clearly. "This is how officials are these days. They hold iron rice bowls and are indifferent to matters that don't benefit them personally. It's no wonder bureaucracies are hard to enter, hard to please, and hard to handle. Generally, the poorer the area, the more corrupt its officials are. They've been poor for so long that they're eager to grab money whenever they can."

"That Director Deng could never have imagined that Zhou Ming, you're not an ordinary person who can even get the mayor involved. That's impressive!" Su Han said admiringly. "Just thinking about how eager he was later, it's so disgusting. He even insisted you call Mayor Chen. That was truly nauseating."

"Actually, he overestimated the situation. I would have called Mayor Chen anyway once the matter was resolved. I had no reason to make trouble for him just because of this."

Zhou Ming said this truthfully. After receiving the documents from Director Deng, he promptly called Mayor Chen to inform him that the matter in Yangbei County was resolved and to express his gratitude.

The next day, Zhou Ming arrived at the factory early. His first task was to have the office send out a meeting notice to all departments. Shortly after, when Zhou Ming and Su Han arrived in the meeting room, all the department heads were already there, sitting attentively.

This made Su Han look at Zhou Ming with great admiration. Just two days ago, when Zhou Ming had returned from Nanjiang, he also called for a meeting. However, they had waited a long time in the meeting room with no one showing up. The contrast with now was striking. The people not only showed up for the meeting but were also very serious, a testament to Zhou Ming's influence.

Thinking of this, Su Han felt even more respect for Zhou Ming.

After Zhou Ming and Su Han were seated, the office staff called the roll as usual. Zhou Ming then spoke, "The reason for this emergency meeting is to discuss an important issue with everyone."

"All of you here are cadres of Factory 760. I believe you already know that recently, the Linyang City and Nanhui County governments have issued documents canceling our factory's qualification as a designated production enterprise. This means that from now on, Factory 760 must be self-sustaining. Whether we can pay wages depends entirely on ourselves," Zhou Ming said.

Although everyone already knew this news, they still gasped when Zhou Ming spoke. The transition from a public institution to a private one was difficult for them to accept.

"To maintain normal production at Factory 760, I have decided to launch a new project in the factory: producing eight-treasure porridge. I have already contacted a canning factory in Yangbei County, and their canning production equipment will be moved here in the next few days."

As Zhou Ming spoke, he had the office distribute documents to everyone present. These documents had been prepared by Zhou Ming overnight after returning from Yangbei County.

Seeing the documents, everyone furrowed their brows and looked at each other in silence.

Zhou Ming knew this was because his dismissal of Cai Zhongxian had established his absolute authority in their minds, so they did not dare to question his decisions.

"Don't be shy. I can see you have some opinions. Feel free to voice them. Director Yuan, you are the head of our Sales Department. Please, lead the discussion," Zhou Ming said directly.

Director Yuan Zhigang, who had been called out, hesitated and then said, "After the county and city governments canceled our factory's designated production enterprise qualification, we lost our largest source of income. It is necessary to launch new projects. If we stick to the old ways without innovation, it will be very difficult for us to survive."

"Director Yuan makes a good point," Zhou Ming said, then changed the topic. "However, the purpose of this meeting is to discuss issues. If Director Yuan has any concerns, please state them."

Yuan Zhigang paused for a moment and then said, "Boss Zhou, I just reviewed the materials for the Xiling Canning Factory you mentioned. It seems to be a company with very poor performance. Not to mention their production technology, just their sales are probably worse than ours. Our Factory 760 was originally a metalworking plant and has never been involved in food sales. Now, suddenly introducing their equipment to produce eight-treasure porridge makes me worry about potential issues in sales."

"Director Yuan's concern is valid. We are a metalworking plant and have never dealt with food sales. This does present challenges."

Zhou Ming applauded Yuan Zhigang and said, "However, since Factory 760 reformed and left the government budget, we have faced market challenges. Therefore, I believe whatever we do now will have difficulties. To survive and thrive, we must adjust and change our mindset. We can't avoid trying something new just because we haven't done it before. Only by being brave in innovation can we find a way forward for Factory 760!"

After Zhou Ming finished speaking, the meeting room erupted in applause. Zhou Ming raised his hand to signal for silence and continued, "Director Yuan, I understand that the leap from metalworking to food production is significant, and you will face difficulties. But I believe you can resolve them."

"Of course, I won't put all the pressure on you. I will also contact CCTV to promote our factory and various products through advertising, which will increase our visibility and make sales easier," Zhou Ming said. "Additionally, I will contact Lingnan, a pioneering region in the reform and opening-up era, where the consumer mindset is more advanced. Selling our products there will be easier."

Hearing this, Yuan Zhigang stood tall and said to Zhou Ming, "Okay, Boss Zhou. I will ensure that the Sales Department makes adjustments promptly to meet the factory's sales goals."

Zhou Ming nodded and added, "Director Yuan, the Sales Department can also implement a salary reform, using a base salary plus commission system and providing travel allowances. This will boost the Sales Department's motivation. Don't always carry the burden alone!"

Yuan Zhigang agreed, and Zhou Ming continued, "Since we have decided to launch the new project, the Production and Logistics Departments must also be prepared. Director Li, you need to set aside a workshop for canning production and select additional workers who can handle canning. Speed is not the priority, but quality is essential."

Turning to the other side, Zhou Ming said, "As for the Logistics Department, you need to prepare for the relocation of the canning production equipment. Additionally, since we don't have workers who are skilled in using canning equipment, I will bring over workers from the Xiling Canning Factory. The Logistics Department must handle their accommodation."

After Zhou Ming finished, Production Director Li Hua and Logistics Director both nodded to confirm that they would complete the tasks.

"Great. With the introduction of the canning production equipment and the launch of the eight-treasure porridge project, I believe Factory 760 will enter a new era, and our factory's performance will improve!" Zhou Ming concluded, then announced the meeting adjourned.

After the meeting, Su Han followed Zhou Ming back to the office. Seeing Su Han hesitating, Zhou Ming smiled and asked, "Xiao Han, if you have something to say, just say it. Are you afraid I might fire you like those department heads?"

Su Han gave Zhou Ming a look and then said, "Zhou Ming, I think Director Yuan Zhigang made a good point. Our Factory 760 was originally a metalworking unit. Suddenly moving into food production, especially with their Sales Department already struggling, might mean that Director Yuan is only superficially agreeing to this. I'm worried he won't be able to meet the tasks you've set."

Zhou Ming smiled and ruffled Su Han's hair. He was pleased not just because she voiced her opinion, but because she was learning to think critically about the situation.

This is a trait necessary for a business leader. Zhou Ming knew he couldn't always be in the factory. By appointing Su Han as the General Manager of Factory 760, she needed to step up and lead in his absence, finding solutions when problems arose.

The earlier issue with Cai Zhongxian had already sounded the alarm. Although the loss of the factory wouldn't be devastating for him, it would be quite frustrating.

Su Han understood this, which is why she had been thinking independently these days. While she still relied on Zhou Ming due to her personality, she was actually making efforts to think independently and become stronger.

"Xiao Han, you're right. If we put all the sales pressure on him, it would be impossible for him to complete the task, especially given the Sales Department's current situation," Zhou Ming said. "That's why I proposed the salary reform for the Sales Department today."

Zhou Ming was well aware of the Sales Department's situation. Since the factory was formerly a public unit, all production tasks were assigned by the county and city governments, with no real sales issues. Therefore, the Sales Department's

 personnel were used to enjoying public funds without much responsibility. However, if they continued this way, it would be problematic.

"However, it's not all bad. Yuan Zhigang, for the sake of his own position, will definitely have to do something," Zhou Ming added. "Moreover, I won't put all the pressure on him. Xiao Han, did you forget I mentioned advertising on CCTV?"

"But will that kind of advertising really be so effective?" Su Han still had some concerns.

"Absolutely effective!" Zhou Ming said. "Xiao Han, I'm not bragging. This advertisement is not ordinary. Once it's out, it will definitely leave an impression on everyone nationwide."

Su Han widened her eyes in surprise, "Really that amazing?"

"Absolutely amazing!" Zhou Ming confirmed.