What to inquire about?
Of course, it was about acquiring an auto parts factory or machinery and equipment.
If they could acquire a factory that was looking to transfer, and could quickly start operations after taking over, at a suitable price, that would naturally be the best.
"Didn't you buy a lot of second-hand flat sewing machines before the New Year? Do you have any channels if I want to buy other machines?"
"Why are you asking this? You want to buy machines?"
Zhang Haiping was stunned.
Zhang Haiping's slightly nervous expression made Tan Jincheng react:
"Don't be nervous, it's not flat sewing machines, nor is it the apparel industry; it's things like punch presses, welding machines, air compressors, plastic presses, assembly lines, and such. It would be best if there's an auto parts factory looking to transfer."
For the three main components—batteries, motors, and controllers—they could only be purchased externally in the early stages, as they didn't have the capability for self-R&D yet.
Frames and tires could also be procured as complete units by entrusting suppliers.
As for plastic parts and the like, it would be best if they could produce them themselves; if not, they could be outsourced to mold manufacturers.
Beicang has a developed mold supply chain, so some small components can basically be localized.
The most important thing was to train assembly workers, so it would be best to have experience in the motorcycle industry.
They would start with vehicle assembly, and then gradually begin producing components themselves, accumulating technology.
Under the premise of controlling costs, an assembly factory also has unlimited prospects.
"What kind? Motorcycles? What are you inquiring about this for?"
Although they weren't in the same industry, when these machines and auto parts factories were mentioned, Zhang Haiping immediately thought of motorcycles, which their generation was very familiar with.
Tan Jincheng smiled:
"Yes, I plan to set up a factory for electric vehicle assembly. Do you have any leads?"
There's nothing to hide about this.
If you want to set up a factory, you need a lot of network resources.
The more people who know, the better, and you might even get some policy support.
"Electric vehicle assembly?"
Zhang Haiping put down the phone and looked at Tan Jincheng with a face full of surprise.
Setting up an auto parts factory to make individual parts doesn't require excessive investment, and earning a small profit isn't too difficult.
Someone in the adjacent Hedong Village makes motorcycle exterior parts.
But if it's full vehicle assembly, that involves many more things.
The investment required is substantial, and they also need to establish their own sales channels.
This kid has considerable ambition.
"Yes, electric vehicle assembly. If there's a boss looking to transform or transfer a factory, or sell machinery and equipment, you can introduce me. You'll definitely get your commission if it succeeds."
Looking at Tan Jincheng's spirited appearance, Zhang Haiping slowly composed himself and said,
"I've long seen that you're a bold and adventurous kid, but I still underestimated you."
Immediately after, Zhang Haiping added,
"If it's just buying a few pieces of machinery and equipment, I do have channels to get them for you easily, but if you want to do something this big, I'm powerless."
"How about this, there's a boss in the neighboring Hedong Village who makes motorcycle accessories. He and I have a good relationship, and his surname is also Zhang. I'll ask him if he's free tonight. If he is, we can all sit down and chat."
"That would be even better. It's best to have an expert."
"Wait a moment, I'll make a call and ask. If not, we can go to his factory. It's just across the river, we can walk there."
Zhang Haiping was quite proactive.
He wasn't really worried that Tan Jincheng would use the funds to set up a factory, leading to losses and inability to pay the final installment.
Jinpeng Trading has two major shareholders, with roughly equal equity ratios, so Tan Jincheng couldn't arbitrarily misuse money from the company account.
Setting up a factory could only be done with his dividends from the Jinpeng Trading account or by raising money elsewhere.
Another point was that Zhang Haiping possessed the characteristics of most small bosses from Zhejiang Province in this era: they are shrewd calculators and will use all means when competing with peers, but at the same time, they are very loyal.
When a friend encounters business trouble or needs help, they will also extend a helping hand.
To put it simply, they are like brothers within the family.
They fight as they should when arguing, and they don't hold back when contending for family property, but when a brother is in trouble, most will extend a helping hand rather than add insult to injury.
Zhang Haiping didn't avoid Tan Jincheng, and discussed the matter with the boss surnamed Zhang on the phone right in front of him.
After hanging up, Zhang Haiping said to Tan Jincheng,
"Let's go, he's at the factory. We'll go to his factory to sit for a bit, then go out together tonight."
"Okay, then I'll treat tonight," Tan Jincheng smiled.
"No need, looking down on your elder brother, huh? Next time it's your turn; by the way, Lao Zhang's name is Zhang Mingcan. Did you bring your business card? Leave your contact information in a bit."
"I did."
"Then let's go, no need to drive, we can walk."
Xiaxi Village is also called Hexi Village, and across the river is Hedong Village, both belonging to Xiapu Town.
Xiaxi Village mainly consists of garment enterprises, mostly family workshops, while Hedong Village presents a different scene, with factories standing in rows, a sight of "standardized" operation.
Only separated by a river, it was indeed not far.
In less than ten minutes of walking, the two arrived at Zhang Mingcan's factory gate.
The factory area was quite large, and the main gate was impressively built, indicating a certain level of strength.
"Lao Zhang is much richer than me. His factory mainly makes molds and products. There are 8 groups of mold workers, and it's no problem for them to produce a set of motorcycle exterior parts in a month. If you really want to make electric vehicles, maybe you'll have opportunities to cooperate in the future."
"Then if there's an opportunity later, I'd like to visit."
"That's no problem, there are no secrets. I'll tell him later; by the way, why did you think of making electric vehicles? Your garment business is doing so well, why suddenly change careers?"
"I didn't change careers. As for clothing, I'm partnered with Xiao Zhang, right? Now the company is on the right track, and two people guarding one company feels a bit wasteful of energy, so I was thinking if I could do something else."
"Then why choose electric vehicles? There's a lot you could do, even continuing in clothing."
"Men, who doesn't have a dream of making cars? If I can't make cars, I'll make electric vehicles. Besides, they're starting to ban motorcycles now, and I feel there's still a market for electric vehicles."
"That's true, but full vehicle investment is huge. Do you have that much capital?"
"Capital, I'll always be able to scrape some together. Besides, I'm only 20 now. When I earn money, I'll definitely continue to invest in new ventures to make money generate more money. It's not like I'll just put it in the bank to earn interest, right?"
"You're right. You're only 20. When I was young, I thought the same way, wanting to earn more money after making some."
Zhang Haiping said with some emotion.
Entering the factory area, a large open space came into view, convenient for vehicles.
To the left and directly opposite were two large workshops, where workers in uniforms could vaguely be seen moving back and forth.
To the right was the office building.
Zhang Haiping pointed to the workshop on the left:
"Behind those two workshops, there's another piece of land, with a small workshop and an employee canteen. I'll take you for a tour later, let's go to Lao Zhang's office first."
"Hmm, not bad, quite impressive."
Tan Jincheng nodded.
Without going inside, he didn't know, but from the exterior, the factory area was very neat and clean.
From this alone, one could tell that the factory had a good spirit and likely good efficiency.
The two turned into the office building.
There was no employee at the front desk on the first floor, just a decoration.
Zhang Haiping, familiar with the way, led Tan Jincheng up to the third floor, seemingly quite acquainted with this auto parts factory boss.
"Lao Zhang, let me introduce you to a promising young brother, Boss Tan Jincheng, whom I mentioned on the phone earlier."
"Come and sit, tea has been brewed for you. Xiao Tan brother, please make yourself at home."
Zhang Mingcan stood by the tea table, scrutinizing Tan Jincheng.
"Hello, Boss Zhang, sorry for the sudden visit."
Zhang Mingcan was tall, over 1.8 meters, with a square face and bright, piercing eyes.
He looked about 40 years old.
"Where is Xiao Tan brother from?"
Zhang Mingcan raised an eyebrow.
In the brief conversation just now, all three had spoken in the local Yongcheng dialect.
However, although Tan Jincheng could speak Yongcheng dialect, his accent had a clear difference, which prompted Zhang Mingcan's question.
"Yicheng, Anhui Province."
"How about it, Xiao Tan brother's Yongcheng dialect is quite good, right? Haha, it surprised me at first too. Let me tell you, Xiao Tan brother has only been in Yongcheng for half a year, and I don't know how he learned it."
Zhang Mingcan stared at Zhang Haiping with a suspicious look.
They were of similar age and lived not far apart, having been childhood playmates.
Zhang Mingcan didn't quite believe Zhang Haiping's words, merely thinking he was bragging about this young brother.
"Don't look at me like that, what I said is true. You'll know once you get familiar with Xiao Tan brother."
"That's good then. Xiao Tan brother, come over more often in the future."
"I'm afraid I'll have to trouble Boss Zhang often in the future."
The few of them chatted for a while.
Zhang Haiping introduced Tan Jincheng's basic situation and explained the main purpose of their visit to Zhang Mingcan, who nodded repeatedly as he listened.
If what Zhang Haiping said was true, then this young man in front of them was truly extraordinary.
Haiping's expansion of production capacity last year was actually influenced by him, and he really delivered on his word, keeping Haiping's factory operating at high capacity.
This young man is quite impressive.
Now this young man wants to enter the electric vehicle industry.
His ambition is not small, and his vision is good.
The motorcycle business is becoming increasingly difficult, and various policies for electric vehicles have been relaxed.
Electric vehicles are much cheaper than motorcycles and will definitely be an important mode of transportation in the future.
This year, he also saw many factory employees buying electric vehicles.
If it weren't for having a major client like Zongshen, listening to him, he would even be tempted to get involved in electric vehicle accessories.
After listening to Zhang Haiping and Tan Jincheng's narration, Zhang Mingcan readily agreed:
"No problem, I know many small bosses of auto parts factories, some of whom are poorly managed. I'll help you inquire."
It's just talking, and he wouldn't lose anything.
If it really takes off, he might even get some mold business later, which would be beneficial to him as well.
"Then I thank Boss Zhang in advance. If there's a factory looking to transfer, that would be best. We can discuss the price then."
"Okay, I can't guarantee success, but I'll try my best to help you inquire. Brother Tan isn't in a hurry, right?"
"No hurry. I'll be going to Yangcheng in a couple of days. Today, I was just inquiring with Boss Hai, and unexpectedly had the good fortune to meet you, Boss Zhang."
"Haha, in business, it's all about fate. When fate arrives, you meet."
Seeing that the two had talked enough, Zhang Haiping, as the introducer, interjected at the right time:
"Then let's deepen the fate, Lao Zhang, Xiao Tan, tonight, Da Fuhao!"
"Haiping, you're going to lead Xiao Tan astray. He's only 20, you're quite insidious."
"Cut it out, you'll know who leads whom astray tonight. Come on, let's go eat first. I've booked a place. We'll drive back, you just follow along."
(End of Chapter)
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