XCMG recently hosted Chinese president Xi Jinping. During his annual national inspections following the 19th CPC National Congress, President Xi started his tour by reviewing operations at the XCMG headquarters
During this particular stop, President Xi voiced his support for XCMG’s independent research and innovation, and the ways the company has strengthened the development of the economy and the manufacturing industry.
When President Xi left Beijing for Xuzhou, he chose to visit XCMG first. Originally founded as the “8th Arsenal of South Shandong for the Eighth Route Army” in 1943, XCMG has managed to increase its share of domestic and overseas construction machinery markets. The company has also made advances in manufacturing and construction projects, especially in the pursuit of activities related to the Belt and Road Initiative.
President Xi acknowledged the company’s steady stream of achievements in past decades, emphasising the role of state-owned enterprises and he encouraged XCMG to continue making strides.
During his visit, President Xi inspected the production line in the crane chassis assembly area. Speaking with floor workers, he appraised the industrial internet big data platform essential for service-oriented manufacturing and remote services.
Chairman and secretary of the Party Committee of XCMG Wang Min accompanied President Xi during the course of the visit, during the tour of the largest Chinese-made assembly line of crane machinery.
President Xi got inside the cab of the XCA220 all-terrain crane, inquiring about the details of its technical innovations and operation. Construction machines have been prioritised by the Chinese Government as the equipment manufacturing sub-industry forms the backbone of the overall manufacturing industry. As a result it is recognised that China will need to increase its investment and strengthen research and development in order to boost its global position in modern equipment manufacturing.
Innovation is a source of core competitiveness and President Xi has urged a shift in policy from ‘Made in China’ to ‘Created in China’ to develop legacy brands. This is intended to highlight the research and development work in new technology being carried out in China for developing new products. Highlighting the role of state-owned enterprises, President Xi said they should serve as a major force in supply-side structural reforms by aiming to satisfy international standards and leading other domestic industries in moving up the global value chain.
In the square outside the workshop, 50 models of XCMG’s construction machinery products used for all kinds of infrastructure projects and construction were displayed.
After the demonstration, President Xi visited XCMG‘s staff in the square and remarked with enthusiasm how XCMG’s history will drive it forwards.
China’s economy has been transitioning from a phase of rapid growth to a stage of high-quality development, a pivotal stage that must be overcome with each industry and enterprise growing in a steady manner.
