Chapter 44: How Could It Be Possible

Ten days later.

At a certain workshop of Tianqi Company.

A CNC (Computer Numerical Control) machining center is in operation.

A group of people are gathered around the machine, some watching coldly while others whisper among themselves.

“When did another software vendor in our country start developing CNC systems? Those markets have already been divided up by a few companies; is there even any point?”

“Isn’t the FAKO system we’re using for our products good enough? Why switch to a new system rashly? What if our customers don’t accept it?”

“Shh, don’t speak nonsense. Our products use our self-developed Huading system!”

“Yes, yes, I was saying their system might just be a localized version of the FAKO system. Didn’t you see how proficient Xiao Wang is at programming? Yet this is his first time using the new system.”

“Keep it down. Didn’t you see the grim look on Gong Zhonggong’s face? He’s definitely worried about tarnishing Tianqi’s reputation.”

……

Du Qiu heard all these comments, which were within his expectations.

In the manufacturing industry, it has become an established belief that domestic systems are for low- to mid-range CNC usage, while imports are for mid- to high-range. The major manufacturers have long carved out their own territories in the market, and no new forces have been able to break this balance for many years.

That was until over two years ago when Zhongbu Data developed a high-end control system for CNC machine tools and received national support, initiating brain replacements for CNC machine tools in some military enterprises first.

However, in the civilian sector, Zhongbu Data still found it challenging to shake the position of imported control systems.

Gong Zhonggong, the chief engineer, looked visibly upset. On one hand, he was worried about the quality of Tianqi’s products after switching to the new system.

On the other hand, it was revealed in public that Tianqi Company’s unstaffed production line (for mid- to high-end CNC equipment) was using a domestically developed system. The truth was that Tianqi Company simply localized the FAKO system and rebranded it as their own, which was Gong Zhonggong’s idea.

For this, Tianqi Company had to pay a significant annual fee to the Japanese FAKO company.

Some might consider this as deceit, but Gong Zhonggong doesn’t see it that way. In his opinion, the manufacturing industry is in a global division of labor era. Tianqi Company’s approach is essentially the same as letting FAKO do OEM for them.

If FAKO has no objections, it demonstrates the method is viable.

Aren’t there many chip design companies claiming their chips to be domestic, but in reality, they only slightly modify the circuit design on someone else’s architecture?

If it’s acceptable for hardware, why not for software?

Aren’t high-speed trains, QR code payment, online shopping, and shared bikes all considered the new four great inventions? Does it matter whether the core is original or not?

Gong Zhonggong had just looked over the software system loaded into the machining center. The interface looked almost identical to the FAKO system.

It’s possible that Dr. Du was doing the same thing he did, but President Wei had warned him not to talk nonsense.

This was the real reason for Gong Zhonggong’s grim expression.

Although he had heard that Dr. Du was an old friend of Director Xue, this was a significant issue related to the quality of Tianqi’s products.

It was Gong Zhonggong’s idea that allowed Tianqi Company to turn around after being acquired by Huading Group, achieving tremendous growth within a year.

Many clients, especially the unstaffed factory production lines, receive financial support from local government science and technology projects, which emphasize the importance of domestic production.

Tianqi’s unstaffed production lines are stable and meet the domestication requirements, naturally doing well in the domestic market.

Gong Zhonggong dare not even use the system from Zhongbu Data, fearing it might affect system stability.

He sneaked a glance at Director Xue, who was quietly talking with Dr. Du, appearing to be very familiar with each other.

At this moment, all the planned demonstrations concluded successfully, and President Wei led the applause. The scene burst into a warm round of applause.

“Dr. Du, you really surprised me. You integrated your control system with our CNC machining center so quickly!” Xue Ningmei held Du Qiu’s hand and said with a smile.

“Director Xue, it is your contract that has given me unprecedented strength. You are the one with the discerning eye,” Du Qiu replied with a confident smile on his face.

“Dr. Du, with your CNC system, our Tianqi Company’s machining centers will have a true domestic brain. Mm, your company must reserve shares for me!”

Xue Ningmei’s words carried an unintentional feminine charm.

This woman, though over forty, was well-preserved, and her movements brimmed with feminine allure, which some men at the scene, including Wei Jianshe and Gong Zhonggong, couldn’t help but swallow in response.

Du Qiu seemed utterly unaware as he replied, “Director Xue, that depends on whether my company can grow or not.”

Wei Jianshe felt a pain in his toes and realized Xue Ningmei stealthily stepped on him with her high heels.

Instantly snapping back to reality, he quickly said, “Dr. Du, your company currently needs financial investment to speed up development and quickly complete the market layout.

It is the perfect opportunity for Director Xue to make an angel investment.

After all, Director Xue has always been very concerned and supportive of you. She is practically an angel.”

Du Qiu was contemplating how to respond without offending Xue Ningmei when suddenly someone exclaimed.

“My goodness, the machining precision actually surpasses the original FAKO system equipment!”

An employee seemed to have just finished inspecting the parts processed during the trial operation, and, looking at the test data, he couldn’t help but cry out in surprise.

“Xiao Lin, don’t talk nonsense, did you see clearly? Our machining center doesn’t use top-quality electronic components; how could it possibly exceed the original FAKO system equipment?”

Gong Zhonggong rushed to Xiao Lin’s side, snatched the inspection report, and his eyes bulged as he repeated, “How could it be possible, how could it be possible……”

When Xue Ningmei called Xiao Lin over to inquire, she learned what he meant when he said the machining precision exceeded the original FAKO system equipment.

The FAKO company, while selling widely to machine tool manufacturers, also has its own high-end CNC equipment, mainly for international clients needing high precision.

This kind of equipment uses the best hardware components to achieve high machining precision when integrated into processing equipment.

Tianqi Company’s machining centers are said to be mid- to high-end, but their hardware is actually a notch below FAKO’s.

But now, the Tianqi machining center using the “Tianqing System” actually reached the precision levels of the comparable FAKO system equipment.

This signified something very clear to Xue Ningmei, who had been in the machine tool industry for many years.

She indeed hadn’t misjudged Du Qiu; he was a true talent.

However, Du Qiu seemed to value his company’s shares highly, not giving in at all until now.

Xue Ningmei’s eyes sparkled decisively, as she made up her mind.