Chapter 571 Promotion and Publicity
Chapter 571 Promotion and Publicity
Faced with the improved results, Li Xiangyang secretly rejoiced at his initial decision.
Although the implementation of the quality management system did affect efficiency in the early stages, it now appears that the investment was entirely worthwhile.
Just then, the phone rang in the office.
Li Xiangyang quickly walked over and answered the phone; it was Lin Zhihua calling.
"Mr. Li, I have some important news." Lin Zhihua's voice was filled with excitement, "The client is extremely satisfied with this batch of goods; the quality is even better than expected."
"That's great." Li Xiangyang breathed a sigh of relief.
"More importantly, they've decided to sign the cooperation agreement for the next quarter with you ahead of schedule." Lin Zhihua paused for a moment. "The order quantity is 120,000 sets."
Li Xiangyang was shocked. 120,000 sets, that's almost twice the current production capacity.
"Mr. Lin, this order quantity..."
“I know what you’re worried about,” Lin Zhihua said with a smile. “The client has given us a four-month lead time and allows for partial deliveries. They said they’d rather wait for you than risk finding another supplier.”
After hanging up the phone, Li Xiangyang fell into deep thought.
With an order for 120,000 units, even operating at full capacity, it would take five months to fulfill the current production. It seems it's time to consider expanding production.
"Fatty, call Teacher Liu, we need to have a meeting," Li Xiangyang said to Ma Qingfu.
The three of them went to the conference room, and Li Xiangyang recounted the contents of the phone call in detail.
After listening, Liu Wanshan adjusted his glasses and said, "President Li, in my experience, there are several ways to expand production."
"Tell me about it."
"First, increase equipment and personnel to expand existing production lines," Liu Wanshan analyzed, counting on his fingers. "Second, build a new production line. Third, establish branch factories in other locations."
Ma Qingfu chimed in, "I think the first method is the simplest and requires the least investment."
"Not necessarily." Liu Wanshan shook his head. "The existing workshop space is limited. Adding more equipment would affect the overall layout and might actually reduce efficiency."
Li Xiangyang thought for a moment: "What about building a new production line?"
“This is feasible, but it will take time,” Liu Wanshan calculated. “From ordering the equipment to installation and commissioning, it will take at least three months.”
“Three months…” Li Xiangyang frowned. “Time is a bit tight.”
“There’s another way,” Liu Wanshan suddenly said. “We can increase production capacity by improving the utilization rate of existing equipment.”
"How can we improve?" Ma Qingfu asked curiously.
"Rehire again, reduce workers' working hours, and implement a shift system," Liu Wanshan suggested.
Li Xiangyang stood up and paced back and forth, quickly calculating the pros and cons of various options in his mind.
"How about this," Li Xiangyang stopped, "we'll adopt a phased strategy."
"How to say?"
"We'll recruit employees on a rotating shift system while simultaneously starting construction on the new production line," Li Xiangyang explained. "This way, once the new production line is completed, the employees can immediately begin production."
Liu Wanshan nodded: "This plan is more prudent."
Ma Qingfu agreed, asking, "So when will we start recruiting?"
"The sooner the better," Li Xiangyang said. "However, we need to raise our recruitment standards; we can't lower the requirements just because we urgently need manpower."
In the afternoon, Li Xiangyang and Ma Qingfu went to the county's labor and employment service center to post job information.
The news attracted a lot of attention as soon as it was released. Li Xiangyang's agricultural product processing plant already has a good reputation in the local area, and the wages and benefits are better than those of other companies.
The next morning, a long queue formed at the factory gate.
Li Xiangyang and Liu Wanshan personally conducted the interviews, and each applicant had to undergo skills testing and character assessment.
"Xiao Wang, have you done similar work before?" Li Xiangyang asked a young man in his twenties.
"No, but I'm willing to learn," Xiao Wang replied sincerely. "I've heard that your factory has good management and good benefits, and I want to work hard here."
Li Xiangyang nodded; this kind of down-to-earth and hardworking person was exactly what he needed.
After a day, they selected twenty people from more than fifty applicants.
"Teacher Liu, I'm entrusting the training of these people to you," Li Xiangyang said to Liu Wanshan.
"Don't worry, I'll arrange for experienced workers to train the newcomers and make sure they get up to speed as quickly as possible," Liu Wanshan assured him, patting his chest.
Two weeks later, the rotation system was fully implemented.
To Li Xiangyang's delight, the new workers were all very serious. Although their movements were not yet skilled enough, their attitude was very positive.
“Mr. Li, please go back and rest. We'll take care of things here,” said Old Zhang, the night shift supervisor.
Old Zhang was recommended by Liu Wanshan. He used to work in a state-owned factory and has a lot of experience.
"Thank you for your hard work." Li Xiangyang patted Old Zhang on the shoulder. "Contact me anytime if you have any questions."
It was already 11 p.m. when he got home, and Li Xiaoyun was still waiting for him.
"Why are you so late?" Li Xiaoyun asked with concern as she took Li Xiangyang's coat.
"The factory has received even more orders lately," Li Xiangyang said wearily, sitting on the sofa. "Fortunately, everything is going smoothly."
Li Xiaoyun poured him a cup of hot tea: "Xiangyang, you've been working too hard lately. Factory work is important, but you also need to take care of yourself."
Li Xiangyang held his wife's hand: "I know, but this is a crucial time, we can't let our guard down."
"But you also need to remember to balance work and rest." Li Xiaoyun sat down next to him. "Tomorrow is the weekend, so you should stay home and rest well."
The next morning, Li Xiangyang slept in, which was unusual for him.
After getting up, he played shuttlecock with his son Li Wangchen in the yard, enjoying some precious family time.
"Dad, is your factory very big?" Li Wangchen asked, looking up at his father.
"It's not a very big company, but our products are excellent," Li Xiangyang said with a smile. "When you grow up, you should also become a useful member of society."
"I know!" Li Wangchen nodded earnestly. "The teacher said we should study hard and contribute to the country in the future."
Li Xiangyang patted his son's head, his heart filled with emotion.
The child's words, though innocent, reminded him of his original aspirations. Running a business is not just about making money, but also about creating value for society.
Just then, there was a knock on the door.
When Li Xiangyang opened the door, he saw Ma Qingfu holding a newspaper.
"Xiangyang, look at this!" Ma Qingfu excitedly handed the newspaper to Li Xiangyang.
Li Xiangyang took the newspaper and saw an article on the front page: "Local agricultural product processing enterprises innovate in quality management and win unanimous praise from customers."
The article details the practices and achievements of Li Xiangyang's factory in implementing the quality management system, and also includes photos of workers diligently performing their duties.
"Who submitted this article?" Li Xiangyang asked, somewhat surprised.
"Section Chief Wang from the county said your factory is a model of quality management among local enterprises and deserves to be promoted," Ma Qingfu explained.
Li Xiangyang read the article carefully, feeling somewhat conflicted.
On the one hand, such publicity is indeed beneficial to the company's image, but on the other hand, excessive exposure may also attract unnecessary attention.
PFC