Chapter 131: Hope Lies Just Ahead

The three workshop directors exchanged glances, surveying the aerial view laid out before them.

“If we clear out that junkyard on the northwest side, we could certainly add two more production lines,” one remarked. “But how would we assign the directors for those new lines?”

This question touched on a sensitive issue. Shen Guodong pondered for a moment before responding. “The role of a workshop director is critical. Given that these two new lines will utilize the recently imported, upgraded American equipment, I intend to have our veteran staff oversee them. I propose that we select two of you to act as interim directors for lines four and five. As for your current lines, the new recruits can take over for the time being; they will find the older machinery easier to handle. New, sophisticated equipment requires a period of training, and we simply don't have that luxury right now.”

He continued, “We signed a contract with the Shencheng side to begin supplying machine tools by the middle of March. We must achieve stable, mass production by then, with a target of at least 1,000 units.”

Old Wang raised his hand. “We can certainly bring our experienced workers to lead those two lines, but the problem with Factory No. 1 remains unresolved. You kept saying you were trying to find parts, but it’s been nearly a week. Have you really done nothing?”

The frustration in Old Wang’s voice was evident. Shen Guodong shook his head. “It’s not what you think, Old Wang. I didn’t just sit on my hands. I sent Secretary Zhou to Shencheng, and she hasn’t even returned yet, all in an effort to track down suitable components. Even under ideal conditions, the parts we’ve managed to locate would only keep those machines running for about three months.”

Shen Guodong pulled a folder from his drawer and placed it in front of Director Wang. Old Wang opened it curiously, revealing a detailed log of every factory and second-hand market Zhou Meiniang had visited over the past week.

“Every entry is documented,” Shen Guodong said. “You can see for yourself—these parts simply aren't available where we’ve been looking.”

After flipping through the pages, Old Wang frowned. “How can that be?”

“Old Wang, I haven’t been neglectful,” Shen Guodong sighed. “I know how long you and your team have guarded those machines on Line 1. They have served us well, but they are beyond repair. It’s an unavoidable reality.”

Old Wang sighed deeply. “I suppose I knew this day was coming. Ever since the situation in the Soviet Union changed, we’ve discussed the possibility, but I never expected it to happen so fast.”

Shen Guodong stood up and patted Old Wang on the shoulder. “I know you’re attached to that line, but we have to consider the factory’s survival. I want you to take charge of Line 5 or 6. Which would you prefer?”

Old Wang shook his head. “How about this? Let me replace the old equipment on Line 1 with the new American machines. My team can stay put, and we’ll learn the new system.”

Seeing the sincerity in Old Wang’s attachment to his post, Shen Guodong smiled. “That works. If you’re willing to take on Line 1, I’ll have the American equipment installed there.”

As acting director, Shen Guodong had the authority to make such decisions. The other two directors, Wang Dongliang and Wei Jiayuan, looked at each other. “And what about our positions, Director?”

“Your roles will be flexible,” Shen Guodong replied. “I’ll place you in charge of lines four and five to support the interim directors. As for Line 3, I want you to recommend someone from within to step up. Let them run it for a month; if we can hit our target of 1,000 units, we’ll be in a good position.”

The men nodded in agreement. As the meeting broke up, Shen Guodong walked over to the dejected Old Wang. “Times are changing, Old Wang. Look at the Americans—they’re constantly upgrading to these high-precision, high-efficiency lines. They can produce three or four hundred units on a single line. We have to keep pace with technology.”

Old Wang nodded slowly. “I understand. I need to prepare my team for this. I’ll go discuss it with them.”

After Old Wang left, Shen Guodong sat alone, staring at the aerial map of the Fengcheng Lathe Factory. He was determined to make this factory the best in the region. Since taking over as director, he had injected new energy into the atmosphere. Influenced by modern management philosophies, he advocated for a healthy work-life balance, prioritized safety, and implemented new incentive programs to encourage the staff. He hoped that if his current tenure led to a permanent promotion, he would be able to reform the entire system from the ground up.

Once the arrangements were finalized, Shen Guodong walked to his office. Looking down, he saw the crew led by Baldy already clearing the junkyard.

“Hurry it up,” he murmured to himself. “We need those two new lines ready. We’re on a tight schedule.”

With only a month left, the pressure was mounting. Watching the work progress, Shen Guodong knew there was no time to waste.