In four decades, a small town in Hebei province has developed into a key manufacturing base for steel shovels. From family workshops to large-scale factories, Songdaokou town in Tangshan's Luannan county now produces 85 percent of domestic steel shovels.
In an interview with China Daily, Fu Changyi, who has engaged in the industry in Songdaokou for more than 30 years, shares the story behind that success. Excerpts follow:
Q: How did the steel shovel industry in Luannan develop from scratch?
Fu Changyi: It originated in Qizhuangzi village of Songdaokou town in Luannan county. Residents there learned to forge iron and made all kinds of farm tools in the early 20th century.
Starting in the 1940s, some villagers began making iron pots and other cooking tools, as well as iron shovels. In the 1950s, some started to make steel shovels by imitating a famous domestic brand at that time.
Since then, more villagers has been involved in the industry.
In the 1990s, there were more than 1,000 factories making steel shovels in the town. After 2000, the local government established an industrial park specializing in steel shovels.
Q: What about the market share of the steel shovels produced in Luannan county?
Fu Changyi: The domestic market share of steel shovels made in Luannan is as high as 85 percent, while the county's exported shovels account for more than 90 percent of the country's total exports.
Q: How have local residents benefited from the steel shovel industry?
Fu Changyi: The town now boasts over 180 companies, including 13 large-scale producers. They make 280 million steel shovels and other hardware annually.
The industry employs more than 5,400 local workers, and its incidental industries have provided more than 10,000 jobs. Their average monthly income tops 4,000 yuan ($600).
Q: When did steel shovels produced in Luannan first go abroad and how are current sales overseas?
Fu Changyi: The first batch of steel shovels that were exported went to African countries in 1996. After that, the market in Europe, Southeast Asia and North America also embraced our products. At present, foreign customers in more than 140 countries and regions can find our shovels in chain stores and supermarkets.
About the interviewee
Fu Changyi, a resident of Songdaokou town in Luannan county of Tangshan, Hebei province, has worked in the steel shovel industry for more than 30 years.
He is one of the local outstanding representatives of the industry. Fu now has a number of titles, including chairman of Luannan Changhe Farming Tools Factory and president of the Songdaokou Steel Shovel Association.
He was once honored as a provincial-level worker for advanced production.
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