2003: Starting with Foreign Trade

Chapter 103 New Connections
What were they asking about? Of course, they were asking about the acquisition of auto parts factories or machinery and equipment.

Ideally, we would acquire a factory that is seeking a sale at a reasonable price and can be put into operation quickly after taking over.

"Didn't you buy a lot of used flatbed carts before the New Year? Do you know any other ways to buy them?"

"Why are you asking this? You want to buy a machine?" Zhang Haiping asked, surprised.

Zhang Haiping's slightly nervous expression made Tan Jincheng realize: "Don't be nervous, it's not about flatbed sewing machines or the garment industry; it's about things like punch presses, welding machines, air compressors, plastic presses, assembly lines, etc. It would be best if there were any auto parts factories for sale."

In the early stages, the three major components—battery, motor, and controller—can only be purchased from external suppliers because we don't yet have the capability to conduct our own research and development. The frame and tires can also be purchased from suppliers as complete units. As for plastic parts, it would be best if we could produce them ourselves, but if we can't, we can outsource their production to mold manufacturers.

Beicang has a well-developed mold supply chain, and some small parts can basically be localized.

The most important thing is to train assembly workers, so it would be best if they had experience in the motorcycle industry. They can start by assembling motorcycles and then gradually start producing components themselves to accumulate technology.

If costs are controlled properly, assembly plants also have a bright future.

"What kind of motorcycle? Why are you asking about that?"

Although they are not in the same industry, when it comes to these machines and auto parts factories, Zhang Haiping immediately thinks of motorcycles, as his generation is very familiar with them.

Tan Jincheng smiled and said, "Well, I'm planning to set up a factory to assemble electric bicycles. Do you have any connections?"

There's nothing to hide about this. If you want to start a factory, you need a lot of connections. The more people who know about it, the better. You might even be able to get some favorable policies.

"Assemble the entire electric vehicle?" Zhang Haiping put down the phone and looked at Tan Jincheng with a face full of surprise.

Setting up an auto parts factory, making individual parts, doesn't require much investment, and making a little money isn't too difficult. There are people in the neighboring Hedong Village who make motorcycle exterior parts.

However, if you're going to assemble complete vehicles, there are many more things involved, and you'll need to invest a lot of money. In addition, you'll need to build your own sales channels.

This kid has big ambitions.

"Yes, electric vehicle assembly. If any boss wants to transform or transfer their factory, or sell their machinery and equipment, you can introduce me to them. If it's successful, you'll definitely get a kickback."

Seeing Tan Jincheng's spirited demeanor, Zhang Haiping slowly composed himself and said, "I knew you were daring and adventurous, but I still underestimated you."

Then Zhang Haiping added, "If it's just buying a few pieces of machinery, I can certainly get them for you easily, but if you're going to do something this big, I can't help you."

"How about this, there's a motorcycle parts dealer in the neighboring Hedong Village. We're on pretty good terms, and he's also surnamed Zhang. I'll ask him if he's free tonight. If he is, we can sit down and chat."

"That would be perfect, it would be best if someone knowledgeable could help."

"Wait a minute, let me make a call and ask. If that doesn't work, we can go to his factory. It's just across the river, we can walk there."

Zhang Haiping was quite proactive. He wasn't worried that Tan Jincheng would use the funds to set up a factory, resulting in losses and no money to pay the final payment. Jinpeng Trading had two major shareholders with roughly equal shareholdings, so Tan Jincheng couldn't arbitrarily misappropriate money from the company's account.

He could only use the dividends from his Jinpeng Trading account or other sources to set up the factory.

Another example is that Zhang Haiping has the characteristics of most small business owners in Zhejiang Province in this era. They are shrewd and calculating, and will use all means to compete with their peers. However, they are also very loyal and will lend a helping hand when a friend has business troubles or needs help.

To put it simply, they are like brothers. When they fight, they fight as they please, and when they fight over inheritance, they are ruthless. But when their brothers are in trouble, they mostly lend a helping hand instead of kicking them when they are down.

Zhang Haiping didn't try to hide it from Tan Jincheng. In front of him, he talked about the matter with the boss surnamed Zhang on the other end of the phone. After hanging up, Zhang Haiping said to Tan Jincheng, "Let's go. He's at the factory. Let's go to his factory for a while and go out together tonight."

“Okay, then I’ll treat you tonight,” Tan Jincheng said with a smile.

"No need. You look down on me, huh? Come on next time. By the way, Lao Zhang's name is Zhang Mingcan. Did you bring your business card? Let's exchange contact information later."

"Bring it."

"Let's go then. We don't need to drive; we can walk."

Xiaxi Village, also known as Hexi Village, is located across the river from Hedong Village. Both belong to Xiapu Town. Xiaxi Village is mainly composed of garment enterprises, with family-run workshops as the main businesses. Hedong Village, on the other hand, presents a different picture, with numerous factories and a standardized operation.

Separated only by a river, it was indeed not far. In less than ten minutes on foot, the two arrived at the gate of Zhang Mingcan's factory. The factory area was quite large, and the gate was also quite impressive, showing that it had a certain level of strength.

“Old Zhang is much richer than me. His factory mainly makes molds and molds. There are eight groups of mold makers. They can produce a set of motorcycle exterior parts in a month without any problem. If you really want to make complete electric vehicles, you might have the opportunity to cooperate in the future.”

"If there's a chance later, we can take a look around."

"That's no problem, there's nothing confidential about it. I'll talk to him about it in a bit. By the way, why did you decide to make electric scooters? You were doing so well making clothes, why did you suddenly switch careers?"

"I didn't change careers. As for clothing, I'm a partner with Xiao Zhang, and the company is on track now. It's a waste of energy for the two of us to stick to one company, so I was thinking about whether we could do something else." "Then why did you choose electric scooters? There are many things you can do, even if you continue to make clothes."

"Every man dreams of owning a car. If you can't make a car, you can make an electric bike. Besides, motorcycles are going to be banned soon, so I think there's still a market for electric bikes."

"That's true, but the investment in the whole vehicle is huge. Do you have that much capital?"

"As for funds, I can always scrape together some. Besides, I'm only 20 years old. Once I make money, I'll definitely invest it in new ventures and let the money make more money. I can't just leave it in the bank to earn interest, can I?"

“That’s true. You’re only 20. I thought the same way when I was young. Once I started making money, I wanted to make even more,” Zhang Haiping said with some emotion.

Upon entering the factory area, a large open space comes into view, facilitating vehicle access. To the left and directly opposite are two large workshops, where workers in work clothes can be vaguely seen moving back and forth. To the right is the office building.

Zhang Haiping pointed to the factory building on his left: "There's another piece of land behind the two workshops, with a small workshop and an employee canteen. I'll show you around in a bit. Let's go to Lao Zhang's office first."

"Hmm, not bad, quite impressive." Tan Jincheng nodded. He didn't know until he went inside, but from the outside, the factory area was very clean and hygienic. Just from this, he could tell that the factory had a good image and its business should be doing well.

The two turned into the office building. There were no employees at the reception desk on the first floor; it was just for show. Zhang Haiping led Tan Jincheng up to the third floor with ease, seemingly quite familiar with the owner of the auto parts factory.

"Old Zhang, let me introduce you to a promising young man, Mr. Tan Jincheng, whom I just mentioned on the phone."

"Come and sit down. The tea is ready for you. Brother Tan, please don't be shy." Zhang Mingcan stood in front of the tea table and looked Tan Jincheng up and down.

"Hello, Mr. Zhang, I apologize for the intrusion."

Zhang Mingcan is tall, probably over 1.8 meters, with a square face and bright, piercing eyes. He looks to be around 40 years old.

"Where is Brother Xiao Tan from?" Zhang Mingcan asked, raising an eyebrow.

In the brief exchange just now, all three of them spoke in the local Ningbo dialect. However, although Tan Jincheng could speak Ningbo dialect, his accent was noticeably different, which is why Zhang Mingcan asked this question.

"A native of Yicheng, Anhui Province."

"How was it? Brother Xiao Tan's Ningbo dialect is pretty good, isn't it? Haha, it startled me at first. Let me tell you, Brother Xiao Tan has only been in Ningbo for half a year. I don't know how he learned it."

Zhang Mingcan stared at Zhang Haiping with suspicion. The two were about the same age and their families lived not far apart. They were childhood playmates. Zhang Mingcan didn't quite believe what Zhang Haiping was saying and just thought he was bragging to his younger brother.

"Don't look at me like that. I'm telling the truth. You'll understand once you get to know Brother Xiao Tan."

"That's great, then Brother Xiao Tan, come over and visit more often in the future."

"I'll have to bother Mr. Zhang again in the future."

After exchanging pleasantries for a while, Zhang Haiping introduced Tan Jincheng's basic information and told Zhang Mingcan the main purpose of their visit, which Zhang Mingcan nodded in agreement.

If what Zhang Haiping said is true, then this young man is truly remarkable. Haiping's expansion of production capacity last year was actually influenced by him, and he really does what he says, keeping Haiping's factory operating at high capacity.

That's impressive, young man.

Now this young man wants to enter the electric vehicle industry. He has great ambition and good vision. The motorcycle business is getting harder and harder to do. Electric vehicles have relaxed various policies and are much cheaper than motorcycles. They will definitely become an important means of transportation in the future.

This year, I've seen quite a few factory employees buy electric bikes. If I didn't have a big client like Zongshen, I would have been tempted to get into the electric bike parts business after hearing what he said.

After listening to Zhang Haiping and Tan Jincheng's accounts, Zhang Mingcan readily agreed: "No problem. I know quite a few small business owners in the auto parts industry, some of whom are struggling. I'll ask around for you."

It's just a matter of talking, and I won't lose anything. If it really works out, I might even get some mold-making business later, which would be beneficial to me.

"Thank you in advance, Mr. Zhang. It would be best if you had a factory that you wanted to transfer, then we could discuss the price."

"Okay, I can't guarantee success, but I'll try my best to find out for you. Brother Tan, there's no rush, is there?"

"No rush. I'm going to Guangzhou in a couple of days. I was just asking around with Boss Hai today. I didn't expect to meet you, Boss Zhang, by chance."

"Haha, doing business is all about fate. When the time is right, you'll meet."

Seeing that the two had finished their conversation, Zhang Haiping, who had acted as the matchmaker, said at the opportune moment, "Then let's deepen our connection. Old Zhang, Xiao Tan, let's go to the Grand Fortune Hotel tonight."

"Hai Ping, you're corrupting Xiao Tan! He's only 20 years old. You're so insidious."

"Don't give me that. You'll see who's corrupting whom tonight. Come on, let's go eat. I've already made a reservation. We'll go back and get the car. You can come along."

(End of this chapter)