Absolute power in officialdom

Chapter 205 A Fallen State-Owned Enterprise, Rampant Corruption

Normally, Zhou Jianming and Wang Defa are mortal enemies, but today, for the first time, he stood on Wang Defa's side: "Yes, everything Director Wang said is true."

Our Party branch also did a lot of hard and meticulous work to stabilize the team, unite people's hearts, and encourage everyone to carry forward the spirit of ownership, tighten their belts, and overcome difficulties together. But spiritual strength can't put food on the table.

The factory's most pressing problems are: firstly, the equipment is severely aging and prone to malfunctions, which directly affects output and quality stability, and also increases production costs.

It's not that we don't want to upgrade our technology, it's just that even a skilled cook can't make a meal without ingredients.

Secondly, market space has been severely squeezed, brand influence has become weaker, sales channels have shrunk, collection of payments has become difficult, and cash flow is extremely tight.

Third, the company carries a heavy historical burden, with many retired employees and some unresolved issues from the past that have not yet been fully addressed, which has consumed considerable resources.

Wang Defa chimed in: "Yes, yes, Secretary Zhou's summary is spot on; these are the three most difficult problems."

Therefore, our greatest hope during this visit by our leaders is to earnestly request that the county and town governments provide us with financial support and preferential policies.

For example, see if we can coordinate with the bank to get a special loan for technological upgrading, or help us apply for some industrial support funds.

Additionally, could the town government be asked to coordinate things in the local market?

Shopping malls, supermarkets, hotels, and canteens in Qingshan County give priority to purchasing and using our Qingshan Beer.

This is also to support local businesses, protect employment, and maintain stability!

"As long as we can upgrade the production line and stabilize the local market, our team is confident and determined to lead all the factory workers to a turnaround..."

Wu Zhiyuan listened quietly, a cold smile playing on his lips. If the brewery was controlled by these parasites, no matter how much loan they took, it would just be a waste of their money.

The product quality is not up to par, and there is no market for it. They actually asked the town to use the planned economy approach to coordinate with shopping malls and hotels to give them priority in purchasing. It's simply laughable!

Wu Zhiyuan's gaze fell on Zhang Junhua, the deputy factory director, who was sitting in the corner.

"Director Zhang, do you think the brewery can be saved? What's the way out?"

Wang Defa and Zhou Jianming were both very surprised.

Why didn't Wu Zhiyuan ask them, but instead asked Zhang Junhua?

Zhang Junhua was also quite surprised.

He was the least popular member of the factory leadership team, mainly because he refused to take sides.

The consequence of not taking sides is being marginalized.

But since Wu Zhiyuan was looking at him with expectant eyes, he could not remain silent at this moment.

He hesitated for a few seconds before starting to speak eloquently: "Thank you for your trust, Secretary Wu. Now, I'd like to offer some preliminary thoughts."

Qingshan Brewery has no future if it continues to operate in isolation, on a small scale, and by waiting and demanding.

Equipment, technology, brand, distribution channels, and capital – we are lagging behind those beer giants in every aspect.

Local protectionism may provide temporary relief, but it is by no means a long-term solution.

Market forces are what they are; consumers will vote with their feet.

Wu Zhiyuan nodded repeatedly, agreeing with Zhang Junhua's point of view.

Encouraged, Zhang Junhua continued, "I think there are actually two paths ahead, but neither is easy and both require the determination of a warrior cutting off his own arm."

The first option is to seek acquisition by a major domestic beer group and become its subsidiary or production base.

This is the most direct and likely fastest way to see results.

By relying on the capital, technology, management, brand and channels of the large group, our production can be quickly standardized and regulated, our products can be sold through the channels of the big brand, and our employees have more stable security.

Of course, the cost is losing the independent brand of Qingshan Beer; we may lose our autonomy, but the factory will survive, the workers will have food to eat, and the local area will generate tax revenue.

"The second path is a complete transformation. We will utilize the abundant agricultural resources of Qingshan County, especially Xindian Town, to abandon the fiercely competitive red ocean of beer and shift to producing green and healthy food products made from local grains."

For example, we can develop whole grain meal replacement powders, specialty grain beverages, functional snack foods, or utilize our fermentation technology to develop local specialty condiments and brewed products.

This path involves significant upfront investment and risks, requiring repositioning, research and development, and market expansion. However, if we can identify a niche market and develop unique features, we might be able to forge a new path.

No sooner had Zhang Junhua finished speaking than Wang Defa retorted: "This idea is too radical!"

Acquired by a large corporation? Then our Qingshan Brewery brand will be gone.

We, the old-timers of Qingshan Beer, have a deep affection for the brewery!

This is the culmination of generations of hard work! How can we just sell it off like that?

Besides, what will happen to the workers if big corporations come? They'll have the final say; what will we have left to say?

Zhou Jianming once again formed a united front with his arch-rival Wang Defa: "This idea of ​​transformation sounds good, but it's a bit far-fetched."

Our factory has been in the beer business for so many years. The equipment, processes, and workers are all configured for beer production. You think you can just switch over like that?

If we switch to another product, where will we get the technology? Where will we find a market? Where will we get the money? How big are the risks? This is not child's play!

The right approach is to build on the existing foundation, proceed steadily, and overcome the current difficulties first.

"We need to get support from higher-ups, switch production lines, and solidify our local market position—we'll take it one step at a time."

Wu Zhiyuan had expected their opposition.

Their fundamental opposition is not based on feelings or risks, but on the fact that any path they choose would mean a complete breakdown of the existing order and the loss of their personal power and interests.

When an acquisition occurs, the new owner will inevitably bring its own management team.

A complete transformation requires entirely new ideas and a new team, and they may have to step aside.

Maintaining the status quo, even with severe losses, means they remain factory leaders; no matter how tough things get for the factory, they don't suffer.

Wu Zhiyuan did not comment on Zhang Junhua's suggestion, but simply nodded to indicate that he had heard it.

Then, he stood up and said to Xiang Jing and Wu Changchun, "Mayor Xiang, Secretary Wu, you should continue to have in-depth discussions with Factory Director Wang and Secretary Zhou about the specifics of finance, inventory, and personnel structure. The data must be accurate, and the situation must be clear."

He then turned to Wang Defa and Zhou Jianming: "Director Wang, Secretary Zhou, please cooperate well with Mayor Xiang and Secretary Wu."

I'd like to wander around the factory area and take a look; I don't need you to come with me.

"Just let Factory Director Zhang come with me; he's familiar with the technology and the workshop."

Wang Defa and Zhou Jianming looked at each other in bewilderment.

Not letting them accompany them? That's not standard practice!

When leaders conduct research, how can they not have the main leaders accompany them, but instead have a deputy factory director follow them?

The two were filled with fear, yet there was nothing they could do.

Walking down from the office building, there are rows of tiled houses in front of you; these are the staff dormitories.

Several workers were chatting idly.

Wu Zhiyuan greeted them and offered them cigarettes.

Zhang Junhua introduced, "This is Secretary Wu, the newly appointed Party Secretary of the town. He came to the factory today to conduct research and experience the local conditions."

Wu Zhiyuan smiled and said, "I'm here today to conduct research and also to visit everyone. I want to hear your most honest opinions. Please don't have any reservations and just say what you think."

A man in his fifties leaned closer: "Secretary Wu, do you really want to hear the truth from us roughnecks?"

Wu Zhiyuan said sincerely, "Master, of course I want to hear the truth. What would I be doing here if I didn't tell the truth?"

The old master took a deep drag on his cigarette and said, "If you ask me, the root of the problem lies at the top! Director Wang and Secretary Zhou are like two gods fighting, and the mortals below suffer!"

They ruined a perfectly good factory!

One wanted to make money, and the other wanted to seize power; neither of them had their minds on the important things!

The technical improvement plan was proposed by Director Zhang. It could save money and improve quality, but they were afraid of spending money and afraid that Director Zhang would gain credit, so they insisted on suppressing it!

The items we purchase are not only expensive, but they are also often substandard!

The invoices and receipts for reimbursement were a complete mess! They even reimbursed expenses for going to the city to visit prostitutes!

Those with some ability who refused to compromise their principles, like Factory Director Zhang, were sidelined and marginalized.

Those who know how to flatter and choose sides will rise to the top and enjoy a life of luxury!

The workers' hearts had long since turned cold!