mtl008 Chapter 576 Cooperation again
Chapter 576 Cooperation again
One month later, the packaging design was completed.
The simple white packaging box features a blueberry leaf pattern printed on it, with the words "Changbai Mountain Wild Dried Blueberries" below.
The overall design is both modern and natural.
"This packaging is nice." Lin Zhihua saw the sample when he came to the factory to discuss an OEM order. "It looks very appealing."
"What do you think of this product?" Li Xiangyang asked for his opinion.
Lin Zhihua tasted it carefully: "The quality is indeed good, and the taste is also quite nice. If it's positioned correctly, it should have a market."
"Could you help me introduce some sales channels?"
“I can introduce you to some distributors in Hong Kong; they are very interested in this natural food,” Lin Zhihua readily agreed.
With Lin Zhihua's introduction, Hong Kong businessmen soon came to discuss cooperation.
"Your product is very unique." Mr. Chen, a Hong Kong businessman, was very satisfied after tasting it. "We are willing to order 10,000 boxes to test the market response."
Although the order is small, it is the first order for our own products, which is of great significance.
"Ten thousand boxes is just the beginning," Li Xiangyang said at the celebration. "The key is to ensure quality and customer satisfaction."
Sure enough, Mr. Chen came again two months later.
"Your products sell very well in Hong Kong. Consumers report consistent quality and a pure taste," he said happily. "This time I'd like to order 100,000 boxes."
The order for 100,000 boxes excited everyone, but Li Xiangyang remained calm.
"Can our current production capacity keep up?" he asked Manager Chen.
"If we go all out on production, we can barely complete it. But that will affect the delivery of OEM orders," Manager Chen reported truthfully.
“Then let’s build another production line,” Li Xiangyang decided, “dedicated to the production of our own products.”
“This requires a significant investment,” Ma Qingfu cautioned.
“Investment is necessary,” Li Xiangyang said firmly. “We can’t miss development opportunities because we’re worried about investment. Moreover, with our own products, we won’t be completely dependent on contract manufacturing.”
The construction of the new production line is progressing more smoothly than expected.
Li Xiangyang personally oversaw every step, demanding the best from equipment selection to installation and commissioning.
"Factory manager, this equipment is much more advanced than our old one." Zhang Jianjun looked at the newly installed automated packaging line with excitement in his eyes.
"Good equipment is fundamental, but the key lies in how people use it," Li Xiangyang patted Zhang Jianjun on the shoulder. "You managers need to put in more effort to maximize the new line's capacity."
Manager Chen added from the side, "This production line is not only highly efficient, but it also ensures consistent packaging. It's very helpful for building our brand."
One month later, the new production line officially went into operation.
The first batch of 100,000 boxes of dried blueberries was delivered to Mr. Chen in Hong Kong on time.
"The quality is more consistent than last time." Mr. Chen was very satisfied after inspecting the goods. "The feedback from my side has also been very good; other distributors have already asked me for more."
"That's great!" Li Xiangyang was secretly delighted, but he remained calm on the surface. "However, we still need to take it one step at a time, quality first."
Mr. Chen nodded: "Director Li, your thinking is correct. Businesses that rely on short-term gains won't last."
As they were talking, Secretary Li knocked and came in: "Factory Manager, there's someone outside claiming to be a reporter from the provincial television station who wants to interview you."
Li Xiangyang frowned, the incident involving the fake reporter from a while ago still fresh in his mind.
"Tell him to wait a moment, let me verify his identity first."
Ten minutes later, after confirming that the visitor was indeed a reporter from the provincial television station, Li Xiangyang allowed him to enter.
"Hello, Director Li, I'm Zhang Hua, a reporter from the provincial TV station's economic channel." The reporter politely handed over his business card. "I've heard your company has done quite well in independent innovation, and I'd like to do an exclusive interview."
"We're just experimenting; there's no innovation to speak of," Li Xiangyang said modestly.
“You’re too modest.” Zhang Hua opened his notebook. “From OEM manufacturing to independent research and development, that’s a huge shift in itself. Could you share your thoughts?”
Li Xiangyang thought for a moment and decided to tell the truth: "It's actually very simple. While OEM manufacturing is stable, the profit margin is limited, and you're completely at the mercy of others. To truly grow and thrive, you must have your own technology."
"So what do you think is the biggest difficulty?"
"Talent and funding," Li Xiangyang answered without hesitation. "Technical talent is hard to find, and R&D investment is huge, with no return in the short term."
"So how did you overcome these difficulties?"
"Being willing to invest, and also having perseverance," Li Xiangyang said firmly. "Running a business can't just focus on immediate profits; you need a long-term plan."
The interview lasted for more than an hour. Li Xiangyang led the reporter on a tour of the production line and introduced the company's development history.
"What impressed me most about your company is its pragmatism," Zhang Hua remarked as he left. "These days, many companies like to hype up concepts; there aren't many like yours that focus on making solid products."
A week later, the interview was broadcast on the provincial television station.
On the day the program aired, Li Xiangyang received many phone calls, some congratulating him, some inquiring about cooperation, and others wanting to visit and learn from him.
"It seems this promotion was quite effective," Ma Qingfu said, holding a stack of business cards. "Several major clients have contacted us on their own initiative."
Li Xiangyang flipped through the business cards and suddenly saw a familiar name—"Northeast Specialty Products Chain Co., Ltd., General Manager Zhao Jianhua".
Isn't this Zhao Jianhua, the one who caused trouble before? How come he's back again?
Li Xiangyang was puzzled, but he still asked his secretary to call the other party back.
"Director Li, this is Zhao Jianhua." The voice on the phone was very polite. "I watched the TV interview and am very interested in your company. I'd like to discuss a collaboration."
"Oh? What kind of cooperation?" Li Xiangyang asked in a flat tone.
"Our company has over twenty chain stores specializing in local specialties. Your dried blueberries fit our positioning perfectly, and we'd like to discuss becoming a distributor."
Li Xiangyang was silent for a moment, then said, "Mr. Zhao, have we met before?"
There was a pause on the other end of the phone: "Director Li has a good memory. There were indeed some misunderstandings in the past, but that's all in the past. Now it's purely a business collaboration."
“Alright, then come over and talk.” Li Xiangyang decided to meet this person and see what he was up to.
Three days later, Zhao Jianhua arrived at the factory with two assistants.
Unlike his arrogant demeanor during their last meeting, Zhao Jianhua appeared very humble this time, dressed in a suit and tie, looking every bit the successful businessman.
"Director Li, your factory is even larger than I imagined," Zhao Jianhua exclaimed during his tour of the production line.
"Not bad," Li Xiangyang said calmly. "How are Mr. Zhao's chain stores doing?"
"Thanks to you, it's not bad," Zhao Jianhua said with a smile. "Consumers nowadays have increasingly higher demands for quality, and products like yours are exactly what we need."