Inspired by Chinese President Xi Jinping's visit, workers and executives at Yangquan Valve Co., Ltd. have renewed their commitment to technological advancement and industrial transformation, and pledged to further strengthen the company's production capabilities to support national development goals and help shape a more self-reliant future for Chinese manufacturing.
Xi, also general secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission, made an inspection tour in the valve manufacturing company in Yangquan City, north China's Shanxi Province, on Monday afternoon. He inspected the production workshop, had a cordial conversation with workers, and learned about their insights and experiences as China's manufacturing sector is pushing for self-reliance, industrial transformation and upgrading through technological innovation.
Founded in 1924, Yangquan Valve is a national-level "little giant" enterprise and a key player in China's high-end valve equipment industry.
"During the general secretary's inspection tour, we gave him a detailed briefing on the development of the company. We focused on two main aspects, one was on the technological innovations on previous products, and the other was on how we have been exploring new directions for industrial transformation and development," said Guo Yongsheng, executive deputy general manager of the company.
"Our flagship product, the gas shut-off valve, includes a protruding part which is a self-designed blowing system. Using the high-pressure from the exhaust gases, the system automatically clears its interior. This effectively prevents crystal buildup from choking furnaces and significantly extends the furnace's service life," said Yang Yarong, chairwoman of the company.
"There was a time when we had orders but couldn't produce fast enough to meet them. After upgrading to smart manufacturing and digital transformation, our craftsmanship has improved dramatically, and our productivity has undergone a complete transformation," said Zhao Zihao, digitalization specialist. "It was my first time meeting the general secretary so closely. He has a common touch, and truly cares about workers' lives. We are a century-old state-owned enterprise with a strong culture of mentorship, which we call the 'train-and-guide' spirit. This deeply-rooted spirit will help carry forward Xi's encouragement, inspiring us to stay united and strive to make the company bigger, stronger, and better," said Ma Huizhao, a worker in the heavy machinery workshop.
"Since moving to the new plant, we've replaced much of our equipment with computer numerical control machines, and the working environment has also improved significantly. Traditional manufacturing must undergo transformation, and the road to transformation and development is long. It is the responsibility of us young people to push it forward. As a technician, you can only truly understand production processes and improve product design when you combine theory with hands-on frontline experience," said Han Xiaojun, a technician.
During the inspection tour, Xi stressed developing the real economy and making solid efforts to strengthen the nation and achieve prosperity.
Looking ahead, the workers and executives are confident about the future development of the company.
"We will keep in mind the general secretary's instructions, give full play to the functions of a state-owned enterprise and take a sustainable development path. We'll further boost research and development on our core products and expand into related areas, including hydrogen energy. Our goal is to gradually replace foreign imports with our own technologies," said Yang.
"I've personally experienced this company's reform and transformation. Whatever the country needs, that's what we aim to deliver. The country's need is our opportunity of development. By sticking to our specialty, committing to innovation, and mastering core technologies, we believe even small enterprises like ours can achieve great things through perseverance and focus, as long as we stay committed to the path of using specialized and sophisticated technologies to produce novel and unique products," said Guo.
Workers of Yangquan valve company vow to continue forging ahead after Xi's visit
