A Pioneer in Leading Clean Production —— A Record of Improving the Foundry Shot Blasting Machine

In response to the company’s call for “5S participation by all employees,” we have not only implemented improvements to the workshop’s on-site environment but also upgraded the relevant equipment. The existing shot-blasting machine in the casting workshop has been in service for many years and now suffers from numerous problems: a high failure rate, significant shot leakage during operation, low blasting efficiency, and poor blasting results. To address these issues, the company has newly introduced a shot-blasting machine that integrates online cooling of raw castings with surface cleaning. This shot-blasting machine features a chain-driven design with hanging hooks; raw castings are directly suspended on the hooks at the shaft-removal station, then conveyed along a long track for simultaneous cooling before being transferred to the blasting track. Prior to the shaft-cutting process, the castings—along with their gating systems—are blasted together. This workflow differs from our current procedure, in which raw castings are first removed and placed in batches on transfer carts, which are then pushed by operators to designated positions in sequence, followed by the shaft-cutting team moving the carts to the cutting machine to remove the gating systems, and finally subjecting the castings to shot blasting. This new process offers several advantages: first, it significantly reduces the physical workload of shaft-removal workers and minimizes the handling and transportation of raw castings; second, since the entire casting is blasted as a unit, adherent molding sand is thoroughly removed, reducing dust generation during cutting and decreasing the need to clean sand off the transfer carts; third, the gating system, which is reused as furnace charge, emerges clean after blasting, resulting in cleaner molten iron during smelting, lower slag production, reduced slag-removal labor, and lower fuel consumption—all of which contribute to more stable product performance. The introduction of this equipment not only enhances product quality but also improves the working conditions for frontline workshop personnel, aligning with current environmental protection trends.

5S Management: Small Investment, Big Returns

CNHI Forging and Machining Global Procurement Visits ASIMCO Camshaft

On May 21, 2018, Souza Cordanni, Global Procurement Manager for Forging and Machining at CNHI, together with Mat Lu, Procurement Manager at the CNHI Shanghai Office, paid a visit to ASIMCO Camshaft. General Manager Chen Aiguo first extended a warm welcome to the guests. Deputy General Manager Dai Hongxing then gave an overview of ASIMCO Camshaft’s development journey and future plans, with particular emphasis on new camshaft projects in collaboration with CNHI and potential projects offering opportunities for cooperation. Subsequently, accompanied by Deputy General Managers Dai Hongxing and Zhou Quan, the delegation toured the casting and precision machining production sites, gaining an in-depth understanding of the manufacturing processes and quality control procedures. They also visited the company’s Phase III project, which is scheduled for completion at the end of the month. The guests highly commended ASIMCO Camshaft’s machining facilities, its advanced and comprehensive production and testing equipment, the increased camshaft production capacity, and the effective on-site control measures. Souza Cordanni stated that, given ASIMCO Camshaft’s more than ten years of solid cooperative foundation with CNHI, ASIMCO’s camshaft products are globally competitive in terms of both product technology and quality—whether viewed from a short-term or long-term perspective—and expressed a strong desire for both parties to actively expand their cooperation, while also outlining intentions for new collaborative projects. This visit has laid a solid foundation for taking future cooperation between the two sides to a new level.

Technical Improvements in the Grinding Quality of CNC Grinding Machines

The Fifth ASIMCO Camshaft Expansion Training Was Successfully Held

The fifth team-building training event of ASIMCO Camshaft (Yizheng) Co., Ltd. was successfully held on April 15, 2018. Team-building training is a process designed to help companies enhance the core values of their employees. Through such programs, employees’ potential can be effectively unlocked, their psychological resilience can be strengthened, and they can gain a deeper understanding of the mutually reinforcing, collaborative relationship between individuals and teams. This, in turn, inspires greater enthusiasm and a strong drive to strive for excellence within the team, making our team more cohesive. This one-day team-building exercise involved a total of 23 employees. At 8:00 a.m., everyone gathered at Tianle Lake Hot Spring Resort, and by 8:30 a.m. they had arrived at the training venue. The trainers divided the employees into two teams—red and blue—and conducted four targeted activities: “Rock Climbing,” which tested perseverance and encouraged participants to push beyond their limits; “Escape Grid,” designed to enhance communication skills; “Fun Games,” which combined learning with enjoyment to foster teamwork and rapport; and “Dragon Boat Racing,” aimed at improving team collaboration and execution. This team-building activity used physical exercise as a medium, training as a method, and personal reflection as its goal, allowing employees to experience, through sweat and laughter, the benefits of “a little more courage and confidence, a bit more understanding and communication, and a touch more initiative and mutual support.” After the training concluded, everyone came away with profound insights: each individual needs the understanding and support of the team, and the team’s development, in turn, depends on the hard work and dedication of every employee. Whether in today’s training or in future work, team spirit is of paramount importance. This team-building event was a complete success, deepening communication and trust among employees, strengthening their awareness of teamwork, and enhancing the company’s overall cohesion. Each employee will now approach their work with a more positive attitude and full enthusiasm. Attached are some reflections on the team-building experience: Last weekend, I was fortunate to participate in a day-long team-building training organized by the company—a training that combined mental acuity with physical fitness. What you hear may fade from memory, and what you see may gradually be forgotten, but only what you experience firsthand stays etched in your mind. Although this day’s training was brief, the benefits were immense. During the day, two activities were held in the morning and two in the afternoon. In the morning, we took part in high-altitude rock climbing and navigating an obstacle course made of interwoven wires; in the afternoon, we engaged in more lighthearted, fun-filled games, including “Kangaroo Carrying Melons,” jumping rope on pressure mats, tag with name tags, and a ten-person dragon boat race. Among these, the obstacle-course challenge left a particularly deep impression on me. When we first heard about it, we thought it was utterly impossible to complete within the allotted time. However, after clearly dividing tasks, engaging in extensive discussions and planning, and putting our strategies into practice, we actually succeeded! The key is to plan carefully before taking action—this is the essence of the saying, “Sharpening the knife does not delay the chopping of wood.” Just like in this activity, rather than rushing to get through the wires, each of us first found our own position, thoroughly analyzed the situation, and then made a single, decisive move to pass through. The trainer was absolutely right: if you harbor thoughts of failure, you will fail; without unwavering confidence in victory, there can be no real achievement. If you set your goals too low—within easy reach—then what motivation or room for growth will the team have? Those who only ever stop halfway up the mountain to admire the view will never truly appreciate the sense of openness and freedom that comes from reaching the summit. Team-building training is a challenge—not just a test of physical strength, but also of mindset; it challenges not only individuals, but the entire team. Although the training has now come to an end, the insights and lessons it has imparted are a lasting spiritual treasure. Through this experience, we have boosted our self-confidence, honed our perseverance in overcoming difficulties, surpassed our own limits, and accomplished what once seemed impossible. As our company continues to grow and develop, we are facing increasingly high standards and stringent requirements. In our daily work, how can we continuously identify problems and find ways to improve them? How can we further enhance the efficiency of our department and our own performance? And how can we better refine our existing workflows, working methods, and coordination with other departments? These are all goals that I will need to work even harder to achieve in the days ahead! On behalf of myself, I would like to express my sincere gratitude to the company for organizing this event and providing us with a platform for mutual exchange, as well as to my teammates for their support and trust. I sincerely wish our company an even brighter and more glorious future!

Leaders of the Party Committee of Zhengzhou Coal Mining Machinery Co., Ltd. Visit ASIMCO Camshaft to Inspect Party Building Work

On the afternoon of April 20, Xiang Jiayu, Secretary of the Party Committee and Executive Director of Zhengzhou Coal Mining Machinery Group Co., Ltd., along with Cui Leilei, Head of the Party and Mass Work Department, and two other colleagues—a total of four people—visited the company. They were accompanied by Chen Aiguo, General Manager of ASIMCO Camshaft (Yizheng) Co., Ltd., and Zhou Quan, Deputy General Manager and Secretary of the Party Branch, to inspect and guide the company’s Party-building work. Relevant heads from the Human Resources Department and the workshops also joined the tour and participated in a symposium. Secretary Xiang and his delegation first visited the company’s exhibition hall, office areas, and production workshops, gaining a detailed understanding of Camshaft product R&D and manufacturing processes. At the same time, they expressed full recognition of the company’s current operations and development. During the symposium, Zhou Quan, Secretary of the company’s Party Branch, briefed the group leaders on the company’s Party-building efforts in recent years, citing several examples of Party members playing a pioneering role and highlighting some of the company’s humanistic care initiatives. He pointed out that the Party-building activities carried out by the company are practical, distinctive, and well-structured, effectively uniting employees and strengthening Party members’ sense of identity, making them worthy of wider promotion and emulation. Subsequently, Secretary Xiang introduced the development background of Zhengzhou Coal Mining Machinery Group and its Party-building work in recent years. He proposed establishing a platform for communication and coordination between the company’s Party branch and the Group’s Party Committee, implementing localized management to ensure that Party-building work is carried out in a streamlined and efficient manner. He emphasized that through such efforts, enterprise development can be further promoted, enabling Party members to fully demonstrate their pioneering and exemplary roles, thereby helping the company continuously improve its management level and efficiency. Finally, General Manager Chen Aiguo expressed his gratitude for the high praise from the Group’s Party Committee leadership and stated that the company would continue to provide comprehensive support for Party-building work as always. He also urged all Party members to constantly contribute their wisdom and expertise to the company’s growth and development.

ASIMCO Camshaft Holds the Closing Report Meeting for the 2017 5S Transformation Initiative

Staying True in the Blizzards and Bitter Cold – A Record of Camshaft Workers Who Brave the Blizzard to Stay on the Front Line

On January 25, 2018, Yizheng experienced its second snowfall of the year, with flurries continuing for nearly two days and reaching blizzard levels. The severe weather of wind, snow, and freezing conditions posed significant challenges to the company’s normal production; many employees had no choice but to walk to work, setting out one to two hours earlier than usual to avoid being late or absent. As a result, the vast majority of employees reported for duty on time, with only a few arriving slightly late due to slippery roads and taking extra care along the way—these individuals promptly notified their departments by phone. By 9:00 a.m., all staff were in place. Later, we learned that several employees, whose homes were far from the workplace, worried that returning home the night before would mean being unable to get back in time the next day due to heavy snow blocking the roads, so they rented nearby hotels at their own expense. In addition, an employee working the night shift in the foundry, concerned about not being able to arrive on time during the night shift, set out from home at noon and did not reach the company until about four hours before the shift started… There are countless such touching stories, which truly highlight the sense of ownership and dedication of our admirable and lovable employees! Although the snow-covered landscape after the storm was breathtakingly beautiful, the accumulated snow on the roads had turned to ice due to the low temperatures. Even with extreme caution, accidents such as slips and falls were still possible. Employees from various departments spontaneously cleared the snow and removed the ice from the main company thoroughfare, ensuring that the internal work passages remained unobstructed, eliminating potential hazards, and preventing accidents caused by slippery roads. While heavy snow was falling outside, the production floor was bustling with activity. All managers and employees performed their respective duties, and all tasks proceeded smoothly, demonstrating a fearless spirit of “if not us, who will?” Everyone went all out to ensure production and timely delivery. Although the weather eventually cleared up, the persistent temperatures of minus 5 to 8 degrees Celsius made the snow even harder and the roads still extremely slippery, meaning the hard work would have to continue. However, in the face of this snowy disaster, the Camshaft team remained undaunted, brimming with positive energy, boldly confronting difficulties, and radiating confidence and an unwavering belief in victory! Walking along the icy and snowy roads, the Camshaft team must surely be the most beautiful sight in the small city of Yizheng.