Well prepared in terms of its research and development of new technology, talent pool and business restructuring, China's steel giant, Shougang Group, is confident of its future development after moving out of Beijing, according to the Group's president.
"When the relocation completes, Shougang will grow into a modern conglomerate featuring state-of-the-art technology, high-end products, and efficient management," said Zhu Jimin, President of Shougang Group, during a collective interview on the evening of March 11, 2008.
"When we move to Caofeidian, I am sure we will inject a new blood into the local economy and our business in Beijing will enter a new phase of development."
The relocation Zhu Jimin mentioned was a plan Shougang put forth in 2005. According to the plan, the headquarters of Shougang will stay in Beijing while by the end of 2010, its highly-polluting steel plant will be moved to Caofeidian, some 80 kilometers to the south of Tangshan, Hebei Province.
To prepare for the relocation, Shougang has made great efforts to promote its research and development of advanced technologies. Because of these efforts, the group is now able to produce improved quality pipeline and automobile steel.
Shougang has also been working hard to build its talent pool. In the course of its relocation, the company is giving senior employees up to date education and is recruiting fresh talent. "Every year, Shougang recruits about 1,000 new employees with higher education. This will lay a solid foundation for our development in the long run."
The relocation is also expected to open up new opportunities for Shougang's business in Beijing. According to the overall plan of the Beijing municipal government, the land of Shougang's old plant will be transformed into a base for innovative industries. Zhu even estimates that the economic value its Beijing business generates will be no less than its steel manufacturing business.
In addition to steel production, which is regarded as Shougang's pillar business, the group is working hard to develop other industries like electronics, electromechanical equipment manufacturing, construction, and mining.
"When we restructure the business, we are trying to change our future. With our current strength and our burgeoning business, we will surely see prosperous development in the years ahead," Zhu said at the end of his interview.
(China.org.cn by staff reporter Chen Xia, March 14, 2008)
