与“SMTS”一起走过的二十年

“A Journey of Cross-Cultural Connections”

While reflecting on the 20th anniversary of our Chinese-German joint venture which we had on 1st April 2024, I can hardly believe how far we’ve come. It feels like just yesterday when I arrived in Shanghai in the winter of 2004, ready to take on the adventure of my life. The city was cold, foggy and starting to be buzzing filled with tall buildings and the sound of construction everywhere. At that time, our company had just one small location in Puxi Yixian road producing mechanical fitted radiators.

Back then, China was on the brink of incredible change. Fast forward to 2024, and it’s amazing to see how much has transformed. The transportation infrastructure is one of the most impressive changes. When I first arrived, getting around was quite a challenge. But now, you can hop on a high-speed train and zip across the country in no time. From the sleek trains to the extensive highway systems, everything has improved so much. This development has not only made traveling easier but also helped our business grow. We’ve expanded from our initial location in Shanghai building a huge plant, RD and Administration center in Pudong Longqiao Road to cities like Chengdu, Shenyang, Nanjing, Ningbo, Wuhan, Changsha, and Jilin. It’s been a wild ride!

In these 20 years, I’ve learned a lot about what it means to bridge two cultures. I’ve seen how our teams have come together, with ideas from both sides sparking creativity and success. It’s rewarding to be part of this partnership, watching how we’ve learned from each other and adapted over time.

On a personal note, my life in China has been just as significant as my professional journey. I met my amazing Chinese wife here, and together, we have raised two wonderful teenagers. They’re now navigating their own paths, balancing German and Chinese traditions in their daily lives. It’s been an incredible experience to see them grow up in such a rich cultural environment.

Of course, there have been challenges along the way. Learning to communicate effectively in a different languages English, Chinese and German adapting to another culture can be tough. But each challenge has brought us closer together as a team and as a family. I’ve made friends who have become like family, and we’ve all shared the ups and downs of this journey together.

As we celebrate this milestone, I can’t help but feel hopeful about the future. The world is changing so fast, and our company is positioned to grow even further. I believe that our joint venture is an excellent example of what can happen when people from different backgrounds work together. We’re not just a business; we’re a community. We share successes, lessons learned, and, most importantly, a commitment to understanding each other better.

So, here’s to the next 20 years! I can’t wait to see what the future holds for our company and the so important connection and co-operation between China, Germany, and the other countries in our world.  After all, whether we’re navigating the fast trains or the complexities of cultural differences, it’s all about understand and growing together for an even brighter future.

“witnessing glory and embracing challenges”

Over the past 20 years with SMTS, we have moved forward together with the company and witnessed countless glorious moments. That is the crystallization of sweat and wisdom, the result of teamwork.

In terms of IT:

a. The development of the internet has evolved from the initial local network to the current WAN network, connecting various subsidiaries and headquarters, as well as various headquarters and companies.

b. The comprehensive application of information software, such as the use of SAP system in the headquarters, MES application in local and branch offices, and so on.

c. The monitoring and auditing of information security software are highly utilized. Ensure the safety and reliability of the system.

d. AGV is highly automated in some applications. For example, the automation application of AGV and MES in Shanghai. WMS in Chengdu is widely used for centralized warehousing and JIS applications.

e. The use of networks and servers lays a solid foundation for information sharing and system interface management.

These examples all reflect the company's development and team spirit.

Now new challenges are ahead, calling us to set sail again, let us conquer with wisdom, courage, and perseverance.

Facing challenges (IT):

a. Information security improvement: including system security, user side security, application system security, information system security, etc.

b. The information management system wants digital transformation. Such as device data collection, digital communication, data integration, data sharing, etc.

c. Construction of smart factories. Including production process automation, intelligence, digital machine networking. Integrate various systems together. These systems include execution systems, equipment systems, energy systems, quality systems, PLM, customer management systems, and data analysis and decision-making systems. Utilize networks to achieve high-speed and stable transmission of data between systems. Promote the collaborative work of information and devices.

Let's work together to create the glory of our company once again.

" Unity is strength"