Cherishing Youth and Striving Diligently — A Record of Engineer Zhang Jianming’s Ten Years with Camshaft

Zhang Jianming, male, joined ASIMCO Camshaft (Yizheng) Co., Ltd. in July 2010 and currently serves as a responsible engineer in the Technical Department. This year marks his tenth year at ASIMCO Camshaft, during which he has consistently demonstrated unwavering dedication and diligence through his practical actions. The primary responsibilities of the Technical Department include new product R&D, process optimization, production support, and on-site cost-reduction initiatives. To maximize the company’s profitability, each engineer places particular emphasis on developing new products. Since being assigned the C13 Camshaft development project in 2011, Comrade Zhang Jianming has exemplified a tireless, perfectionist work ethic. From receiving customer drawings to producing prototypes, from prototypes to small-batch trial production, and finally to PPAP approval—no detail is overlooked. He personally oversees every step, even sacrificing his holidays to remain at his post, working tirelessly on the shop floor. Sparks flying and the roar of machine tools have become the dominant theme of his life; unafraid of hardship or fatigue, his sole conviction is to successfully complete project PPAP reviews and SOP mass production. Leveraging his solid technical expertise, Comrade Zhang Jianming skillfully applies advanced product planning and development processes, successfully managing multiple camshaft projects and generating over RMB 20 million in additional annual sales for the company. Notable examples include the localization project for the Shanghai Volkswagen C13 series camshafts, the Anhui Hualing CM6D series camshaft project, the China National Heavy Duty Truck camshaft project, and the Cummins M-series camshaft project—all key initiatives that have earned high praise from customers and delivered impressive results. In addition to new product projects, Comrade Zhang Jianming has also successfully implemented numerous process and quality improvement initiatives. With deep expertise in camshaft machining processes, he optimized the cutting path for 8mm grooving tools used in rough grooving of steel camshafts, significantly improving efficiency and tool life, thereby saving the company nearly RMB 1 million annually. Furthermore, he frequently shares his knowledge and insights by training engineering technicians in programming JUNKER JUCAM5000 and KOPP SN series follow-up grinders, strengthening the entire engineering team and earning him the respectful nickname “expert” among newly hired staff. “Don’t marry an engineer—year-round factory life leaves little time for personal matters; we see each other rarely through spring, summer, autumn, and winter, and when we do return home, it’s usually with a bag of dirty clothes.” Due to his demanding workload and the fast-paced nature of new product development, Comrade Zhang Jianming has had little time for personal life and only started his own family at the age of 32. In October 2019, as projects such as the U.S. RMEP ISB6.7 compliant with China VI standards, Cummins’ global M-series project, and Foton Cummins X12 series entered the critical PPAP phase, Comrade Zhang Jianming resolutely rose to the challenge. To ensure these projects met customer requirements, he meticulously studied every single process, working continuously for two months without a break and practically “living” at the factory. During this period, his daughter was born; yet his commitment to his work led him to temporarily put aside the need for family companionship. His longing for his child and sense of guilt toward his wife only fueled his determination to work even harder. Aside from three meals a day, he devoted all his time and energy to his duties, completing a project that would normally take a month in just one week. Comrade Zhang Jianming’s upright character and persistent work ethic have earned him widespread admiration from his colleagues. He is not one for grand words or excuses; instead, he simply works from dawn till dusk, constantly racing against output and quality. While excelling in his own role, he also actively supports colleagues in completing their projects, approaching new team members’ assignments with the same seriousness and dedication. When bottlenecks arise on the shop floor, he promptly steps in to help, responding immediately whenever production calls—rain or shine. He is also an optimistic, positive young professional who, despite his busy schedule, often quips: “I can wear my work uniform from Monday to Sunday; I’ll wash it today and change into another tomorrow, saving a lot of money on clothes throughout the year.” There is no high or low in one’s profession—what matters is steadfast resolve. How can a man who seeks ambition ever find leisure? When asked, “After so many years of work, have you ever felt overwhelmed and wanted to give up?” Comrade Zhang Jianming replied, “No. No matter how long the journey, you can reach the end one step at a time; no matter how short the distance, you cannot arrive without taking the first step. As long as you make up your mind and persistently follow your convictions, nothing can truly defeat you.” In 2018, Comrade Zhang Jianming was honored as an Outstanding Individual within the Yangzhou Science and Technology Association system for his exceptional abilities and remarkable achievements. Work is arduous, but sweat is accompanied by joy; life is always fair—effort is rewarded, and the more you strive, the greater your gains.

Shangchai E-Series Project Team Visits Camshaft

On April 8, 2020, a three-member delegation from Shanghai Diesel Engine Co., Ltd.—including Wang Jiabao, Procurement Manager of the E-Series Project Team; Wang Zan, Engineer at the Technical Center; and Wang Xu, Quality Engineer—visited our company for a preliminary audit. First, Zhou Quan, Deputy General Manager of our company, gave a detailed introduction to the enterprise. Xu Zhongwang, Director of the Technical Department, then engaged in thorough communication and discussion with the representatives from Shanghai Diesel Engine regarding the technical solution, implementation plan, and product characteristics. During the meeting, both sides finalized arrangements concerning the production line for the Shanghai Diesel Engine E-Series project, capacity preparation, and equipment capabilities. Given that our company has consistently maintained a leading position in supply quality for Shanghai Diesel Engine, the latter specially convened a special meeting on E-Series supply specifically for us. The meeting decided to streamline the supply process and accelerate the delivery of Camshafts for the E-Series, with small-batch sample deliveries expected by the end of April. Following the meeting, Chen Aiguo, General Manager of our company, accompanied the clients on a factory tour and provided an overview of the production lines. The development of Camshafts for Shanghai Diesel Engine’s E-Series will broaden our sales scope within Shanghai Diesel Engine and lay an even stronger foundation for future cooperation between the two parties. We are committed to living up to Shanghai Diesel Engine’s trust, keeping pace with their initiatives, fully supporting their new-product development and supply needs, creating greater value for them, and working hand-in-hand with Shanghai Diesel Engine to achieve mutual success.

Chairman Jiao Visits ASIMCO Camshaft Co., Ltd.

On the morning of December 28, 2019, Mr. Jiao Chengyao, Chairman of Zhengzhou Coal Mining Machinery Co., Ltd., Mr. Jia Hao, President of the company, Mr. Wang Bin, President of ASIMCO, and three other members of the delegation visited ASIMCO Camshaft Company. General Manager Chen Aiguo presented the company’s five-year plan and the 2020 budget. The delegation led by Chairman Jiao toured the production workshop, where General Manager Chen Aiguo briefed them on the production process, lean manufacturing, quality control, and other aspects. Deputy General Manager Dai Hongxing then provided an update on the progress of the modular Camshaft project. Chairman Jiao highly commended the achievements in the development of the Camshaft business and encouraged the team to keep up the good work, benchmark against leading international companies, and strive to grow stronger and bigger.

Unite as One to Win the Tough Battle for High Yields

In the fourth quarter of 2019, market demand rebounded, and domestic OEMs all experienced explosive growth. Following adjustments to its production lines during the summer lull, ASIMCO Camshaft Company streamlined and optimized its resource allocation. Faced with this surge in orders and a heavy production workload, the company implemented various measures to respond proactively. Undaunted by difficulties and never slackening, we consistently upheld the hardworking and courageous spirit of camshaft professionals, united as one to swiftly sound the call for high-output mobilization! Multi-skilled personnel and multi-faceted support: High output not only tests the adaptability of each production link but also the perseverance and determination of every employee. In the face of large volumes and a tight production schedule, on the one hand, the company has made rational resource coordination; as early as the off-season, the production system reorganized and optimized production-line staffing according to the development plan. To minimize the impact of unexpected situations on production, workshops have also focused on cultivating highly skilled, multi-position mobile workers who can quickly adapt to job rotations and seamlessly integrate into various processes. On the other hand, frontline employees work tirelessly and rise to challenges, operating multiple machines per person. Outside the workshop it’s bitterly cold, while inside it’s bustling with intense activity—no complaints or retreats. From the general manager down to second-line section members, everyone is fully supporting frontline production. TPM equipment maintenance is steadily advancing across the company, with monthly company-wide clean-up and protection campaigns for all equipment, effectively ensuring stable operation even during peak production periods. Goal breakdown and implementation at every level: Under high-output conditions, some production lines have already reached full capacity. With orders continuing to grow, the psychological pressure on every grassroots manager is also increasing. In response, the production system breaks down monthly orders into weekly plans, then into daily output targets, followed by shift-level targets, and finally into hourly output for key processes. This hierarchical goal-setting and detailed follow-up ensure that production-line capacity is maximized, so that everyone understands that camshafts are produced one by one by our employees, and that the company’s overall goals are achieved through the small goals of each individual. Working together to brave the rapids and sailing forward with one heart. Faced with the booming market, all departments of the company are united and going all out to meet the challenge of high output. The more hectic and busy the situation, the more rigorous and meticulous we must be, striving for excellence in everything we do. With safety, production promotion, and order fulfillment as our core priorities, and with high quality and zero defects as our guiding principles, we put everything in service of production, leaving no stone unturned and fighting for every inch of ground, determined to win the final battle of the year and usher in a new chapter for the new year!

ASIMCO Camshaft Successfully Completes the 2019 Supervisory Audit of Its Quality and Environmental Management Systems

From November 14 to 16, 2019, our company conducted the annual surveillance audits of its Quality Management System and Environmental Management System. The audit team from Hande Certification Services Co., Ltd. carried out a systematic review of the operation of these two management systems, with participation from company leadership and heads of all departments. Prior to the audit, senior management held detailed discussions with the audit team to provide a comprehensive overview of the company’s background, development history, and performance since the beginning of the year. Following the opening meeting, the formal audit commenced, covering areas such as the metalworking workshop, casting workshop, laboratory, and warehouse area. With the full cooperation of department heads, the audit of each process was completed on schedule. At the closing meeting, the audit team concluded that the operation of our company’s two management systems complies with the relevant standard requirements, commended the improvements achieved in system operation, and recommended maintaining the certification. At the same time, the audit team noted that certain areas for improvement still exist in our system operations; however, these minor shortcomings do not detract from the overall strong performance, as our practices in workshop management, on-site control, and process development remain at a high level compared with industry peers. Continuous improvement is an ongoing commitment. Moving forward, we will rigorously address the issues identified during the surveillance audits by pinpointing gaps, ensuring effective implementation, strengthening weak areas, and reinforcing strengths in management processes and compliance with established procedures. Through these efforts, we aim to substantially enhance the management of our Quality and Environmental Management Systems, maintain steady progress, and ensure the sustained, effective, and healthy operation of both management systems.

Strengthen Independent Innovation and Develop High-End Manufacturing

|ASIMCO Camshaft—Building New Quality Management Capabilities Through the Implementation of the Integration of Informatization and Industrialization Management System

1 Basic Information about the Enterprise and the Overall Construction of the Integration of Informatization and Industrialization Management System 1.1 Company Profile ASIMCO Camshaft (Yizheng) Co., Ltd. (hereinafter referred to as “ASIMCO Camshaft”) is a joint venture established by Yizheng Piston Ring Factory of Jiangsu Province and ASIMCO Industrial Technology (Beijing) Co., Ltd., with a registered capital of RMB 118 million. The company covers an area of 60,000 square meters, with a building area of 35,000 square meters. It is located in the Automotive Industrial Park of Yizheng City, Jiangsu Province, on the north bank of the Yangtze River, adjacent to the historic and cultural city of Yangzhou to the east and the ancient capital of Nanjing from the Six Dynasties period to the west, enjoying extremely convenient transportation. The company has over 20 years of experience in the research, development, and production of camshafts, with extensive expertise in the R&D, manufacturing, and application of camshafts made from chilled alloy cast iron, chilled ductile iron, high-strength ductile iron, steel materials, and composite camshafts. It possesses the technology and capability to machine complex cam profiles and collaborates closely with internationally renowned engine R&D centers, successfully designing and developing multiple high-end engine camshafts. Currently, the company operates more than ten advanced production lines for camshaft blanks and machining, with an annual production capacity of 1.4 million camshaft blanks and 1 million finished camshafts. Among these, the technologies for producing chilled ductile iron and hollow-chilled castings are at an internationally advanced level. Its products—camshafts made from chilled alloy cast iron, chilled ductile iron, high-strength ductile iron, and steel—for use in engines have earned recognition from leading international and domestic automotive manufacturers, including CUMMINS (global), IVECO (global), Foton Cummins, Dongfeng Cummins, SAIC Fiat Hongyan, FAW Xichai, Nanjing Iveco, and Shanghai Diesel Engine, among others, and the company has become a strategic or key partner for these firms in supplying camshaft components. 1.2 Status of the Implementation of the Standard for the Integration of Informatization and Industrialization The company has established a Leading Group for the Integration of Informatization and Industrialization, headed by the General Manager and with the Management Representative as deputy head, along with members from all departments; it has also set up an Implementation Team for the Standard, led by the Management Representative and composed of specific personnel from each department. The company conscientiously implements the standard GB/T 23001-2017 “Management System for the Integration of Informatization and Industrialization—Requirements,” actively promotes the work of the integration management system, clarifies responsibilities and authorities, defines the new capability sets to be developed within the company’s information environment, and comprehensively advances the construction of the integration management system throughout the organization. In addition, the company has engaged external experts and conducted internal training on standards and specifications, integrating standards such as “Requirements for the Integration of Informatization and Industrialization” and “Evaluation Specifications for the Integration of Informatization and Industrialization in Industrial Enterprises” into the company’s strategy, operations, and management systems through systematic planning, and has prepared the company’s documentation for the integration management system. 1.3 Analysis of the Enterprise’s Needs for Deepening the Integration of Informatization and Industrialization Corporate Vision: To become the preferred supplier in the global engine camshaft industry. Corporate Mission: To drive automotive innovation and build a better life. Core Values: Teamwork, customer orientation; pursuit of excellence, respect, and responsibility. In order to gain a differentiated, sustainable competitive advantage that aligns with the company’s development strategy, the company starts from its corporate strategy and, through competitor analysis, gap analysis, and SWOT analysis, conducts a comprehensive assessment of its strengths and weaknesses, identifying the need for a differentiated, sustainable competitive advantage in the information environment that is consistent with the company’s development strategy: the need for superior quality control capabilities, R&D innovation capabilities, lean production capabilities, refined cost control capabilities, and capabilities for expanding into high-end markets. 2 Practices and Results of Building New Capabilities in the Enterprise 2.1 Identification and Determination of the Need for Building New Capabilities in the Information Environment Starting from the strategy, the company identifies the needs for sustainable competitive advantages that are aligned with the strategy. By further refining these needs, it pinpoints the corresponding sets of new capability requirements and produces the “Strategic, Sustainable Competitive Advantage, and New Capability Analysis Report.” The General Manager presides over meetings of the Implementation Team to discuss and determine the new capabilities, taking full account during the identification process of the alignment between the new capabilities and the sustainable competitive advantages, while also drawing on the “Key Directions for Various New Capabilities” provided by the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology and the successful experiences of demonstration units for the integration of informatization and industrialization, combined with the company’s own industry characteristics, to determine the sets of new capability systems and targets that the company needs to build in the coming years. The capability for zero-defect quality control of camshaft products (being built this time) will be followed by the development of collaborative R&D control capabilities, as well as production control capabilities, refined cost control capabilities, and marketing control capabilities, among others. 2.2 Planning for Building New Capabilities in the Information Environment ASIMCO Camshaft plans its implementation scheme for the integration of informatization and industrialization around the capability of zero-defect quality control for camshaft products. Based on key indicators and targets, it analyzes the company’s internal and external environment, business needs, supporting conditions, and resources, examines the current state of the company’s data, technology, business processes, and organizational structure, and, in light of the company’s stage of development and direction, identifies and determines all the requirements necessary to achieve the new capability goals. In terms of business process optimization, it has streamlined the automatic binding process of QR codes and order numbers, the automatic equipment alarm process, the process of linking product and processing equipment information, the process of linking product and processing personnel information, the process of identifying and isolating defective products, as well as statistical analysis and production progress analysis. In terms of organizational structure optimization, it has adjusted and improved the responsibilities of on-site engineers in metalworking, the responsibilities of improvement engineers in the Quality Control Department, the duties of quality inspectors, and the responsibilities of production staff. In terms of technological implementation, through research and by outsourcing development and purchasing, it has developed and applied the ZDM system, integrated the ERP system with the ZDM system, developed and applied the MES system, and integrated it with existing systems. It is also constructing the third phase of the metalworking project, planning to build seven new automated production lines and create smart workshops. In terms of data development and utilization, it has enabled data to be used to provide decision support for senior management, such as monitoring the manufacturing status of each product, specific quality inspection results, and related quantity, cause, process, and equipment information. 2.3 Specific Implementation of Building New Capabilities in the Current Information Environment Business Process and Organizational Structure Optimization: Under the leadership of the Management Representative, the Implementation Team is responsible for establishing a control mechanism for the implementation and execution of the optimization plan, clearly defining the responsibilities of each person involved. Through extensive consultation with employees, needs interviews, on-site surveys, and meetings, it collects opinions and suggestions, deciding to optimize processes such as the automatic binding of QR codes and order numbers, the automatic equipment alarm process, the linking of product and processing equipment information, the linking of product and processing personnel information, the identification and isolation of defective products, statistical analysis, production progress analysis, and the timely entry of defect information. In the development and application of the ZDM system and the integration of the ERP system with the ZDM system, the responsibilities of on-site engineers in metalworking, the responsibilities of improvement engineers in the Quality Control Department, the duties of quality inspectors, and the responsibilities of production staff have been adjusted. Technological Implementation: By implementing the ZDM system, adopting a C/S+SQL system architecture, and using PDAs to link workshop production equipment, inspection equipment, process flows, processing personnel, products, and orders, it achieves fine-grained control over the production process. For key processes, PDAs are used to scan, identify, and control, while the system records information on equipment, personnel, and quality inspection results, facilitating traceability. Through the integration of the ZDM system with the ERP system, effective product traceability is achieved: based on the product’s QR code, one can trace back to the metalworking order number, process, equipment, processing personnel, batch of raw materials used, results of raw material inspections, or batch number of the supplier. In line with the company’s requirements for high-quality manufacturing and operation, efforts are focused on reducing the causes of defects, such as monitoring and controlling the normal lifespan of molds and cutting tools, analyzing data on abnormal situations, and ensuring consistency between process document parameters and PLC control parameters of processing equipment, so as to better achieve zero-defect product quality. Data Development and Utilization: Through the development and application of the ZDM system, the integration of the ERP system with the ZDM system, and the automatic collection, analysis, and application of data, data models are established to provide decision support for managers to optimize resource allocation in a timely manner. Matching and Standardization: Multiple training sessions have been conducted for operators and technicians, both on-site and in centralized meetings, to ensure the effective integration of the production line’s ZDM system with business management, providing a basis for enterprise management and performance evaluation, and guaranteeing that business tasks are completed on time, with guaranteed quality and quantity. To guide and ensure correct operation and use by users, documents such as the “ASIMCO Camshaft ZDM System Backend Data Management User Manual,” the “ASIMCO Camshaft ZDM System Handheld Terminal Management System User Manual,” the “ASIMCO Camshaft Process-Specific ZDM System Operation Guide,” and the “ASIMCO Camshaft ZDM System Maintenance Manual” have been revised and published. Operational Control: After the system goes live, the IT Information Department and the Quality Control Department organize all relevant business departments to continuously track the effectiveness of business process modifications and make ongoing improvements, thereby forming a truly company-specific, complete, and effective set of systems and standards that lay the foundation for realizing the benefits of new capabilities and enhancing overall capabilities. 2.4 Main Achievements of the Enterprise in Building New Capabilities in the Information Environment Through the development and application of the ZDM system, the integration of the ERP system with the ZDM system, the development and application of the MES system, and the integration with existing systems; as well as the construction of the third phase of the metalworking project, the number of customer quality complaints has decreased from six per year to two per year, the rework rate of defective products has dropped from 27.1% to 15.6%, the number of nonconforming finished products per 10,000 (PPM) has fallen from 116 to 55, and the cost of poor quality (COPQ) has decreased from 5.82 to 4.26. As the capability for zero-defect quality control of camshaft products continues to improve, product quality will steadily increase, leading to higher customer satisfaction. 3. Analysis of the Implementation of the Standard for the Integration of Informatization and Industrialization Through the implementation of the integration of informatization and industrialization, ASIMCO Camshaft uses modern information technologies to manage the entire process from raw materials to finished products, leveraging information integration, sharing, and mutual fusion to consolidate project construction management data, analyze project management, provide decision-making guidance, build an information traceability system for camshaft product management, and, by continuously developing new capabilities, achieve the integration of personnel, business, and management, ultimately realizing the goal of building the company into a world-class camshaft R&D and production base, becoming the preferred supplier in the global engine camshaft industry, and effectively enhancing the company’s core competitiveness.

ASIMCO Camshaft Successfully Passes Cummins Z14 Project PPAP

From August 13 to 15, 2019, a team of three experts—Mr. Huang Xueping and Mr. Gong Yuzhen from DCEC SQIE, along with Mr. Fang Xu, a design engineer for the Z14 project at Cummins East Asia R&D Center—visited our company to conduct a PPAP audit of the Z14 Camshaft. The two sides first reviewed the drawings. The Z14 is a forged Camshaft, a material that Dongfeng Cummins and ASIMCO are developing for the first time. They jointly discussed Cummins’ material standards. Subsequently, the project team conducted an in-depth audit of the product process across all six aspects—people, equipment, materials, methods, environment, and measurement—for each production step, thoroughly examining every detail. They also performed full-size inspections on the finished products and analyzed the capability of key characteristics. Throughout the audit, the experts’ meticulous and rigorous work was truly commendable and worthy of our emulation! They put forward many valuable improvement suggestions regarding certain details in our manufacturing process, while also fully recognizing the efforts and achievements of ASIMCO’s Camshaft R&D team on this project. Ultimately, the Z14 Camshaft project successfully passed Cummins’ PPAP audit and approval.