Quality is the lifeblood of a product, and employees are the cornerstone of an enterprise. For the past 54 years, Wanxiang has relied on its unwavering commitment to quality, enabling its products to stand out in the market and establish itself as an industry leader and a globally renowned brand. Behind this success lies the relentless dedication and unceasing pursuit of quality by countless individuals.

As Wanxiang Qianchao’s various companies are systematically carrying out “Quality Month” activities, we visited two demonstration enterprises that are single-item champions in manufacturing—Wanxiang Qianchao and Wanxiang Precision—and one enterprise cultivating single-item manufacturing champions—the Drive Shaft Company. We interviewed the quality demonstration line—the ZT3T (W-B43 line) of Manufacturing Department No. 2 at Wanxiang Precision; the quality management team—the Continuous Improvement QC Group of Metalworking Department No. 1 at the Universal Joint Plant; and the quality-trusted individual—Zhang Di from the Drive Shaft Company. Let’s hear their stories about how they uphold strict standards, pay meticulous attention to detail, and strive for excellence in their work to ensure top-notch quality.

Quality Demonstration Line:

Wanxiang Jinggong Manufacturing Department II, ZT3T (W-B43 Line)

“Multi-level quality management measures throughout the entire process build a robust quality barrier and create the best possible products.”

Since the end of last year, the ZT3T (W-B43 line) in Manufacturing Department No. 2 of Wanxiang Precision has been cultivated as a quality demonstration line. Over the past six months, quality efforts have been steadily advancing. When asked about product quality on the production line, everyone there will confidently tell you, “If we do our jobs well, the quality will naturally be good. As a quality demonstration line, our quality has consistently remained stable—only then can we truly play our role of ‘leading by example, setting exemplary models, and driving broader improvements through key areas.’”

The ease with which we speak reflects the composure that comes from daily management characterized by high standards, strict requirements, and rapid efficiency. The Manufacturing Department No. 2, ZT3T (Line W-B43), follows the Implementation Guidelines for Quality Demonstration Lines formulated by the Wanxiang Qianchao Digital Intelligence Innovation Center. Taking customer needs as the starting point, it clearly defines product quality requirements and develops specific process quality control points and action plans targeting "people, machines, materials, methods, environment, and measurement." All departments work in coordination, prioritizing quality at the front end to meet essential quality characteristics and continuously striving for even higher, more appealing quality attributes, thereby ensuring the highest possible product quality.

Relevant personnel on the production line must perform first-piece inspections daily, ensuring that each process passes the initial inspection before being officially put into production. They should also carry out regular patrol inspections to maintain the most fundamental quality controls. Equipment undergoes 100% online testing. By leveraging QR code information, we can trace the entire production process of each product. Clear error-proofing verification procedures are implemented to effectively guarantee smooth production. Each shift carries out layered audits, and the quality supervision department as well as management regularly participate in these audits and oversight activities... These multi-level quality management measures throughout the entire process have made “quality” the production line’s shining hallmark.

“Sister Na, take a look—does this hole’s position seem accurate?” “Sister Na, come quick and help me check if these dimensions are right!” Hearing the urgent plea on WeChat, Pan Lina, the inspection team leader affectionately known as “Sister Na,” immediately dashed over. Just an hour into the shift, Pan Lina’s WeChat step count was already nearing ten thousand. As the production line’s quality “whistleblower,” Pan Lina acts swiftly and decisively: “If everyone provides feedback promptly and I move quickly, we can resolve issues at the very first moment.” She helps operators identify problems, contacts the relevant personnel for immediate resolution, and if the issue can’t be handled locally, she escalates it step by step until it’s finally resolved—a truly closed-loop process. “We must adopt a zero-tolerance attitude and maintain an exceptionally high level of sensitivity to rigorously ensure quality, build a solid quality barrier, and create the best possible products,” Pan Lina said with a smile.

Quality management—every step is critical, and every single person is indispensable. Shen Chunlei, the team leader of the production line, firmly believes this. Recently, one of two grinding machines that had been operating simultaneously suddenly broke down, cutting the entire line’s capacity in half. It was imperative to quickly restore the machine’s functionality. The team leader, maintenance technicians, and the company’s TPM team sprang into action and immediately took on the repair work themselves. The repair was highly challenging and required expertise they didn’t have. For that entire week, the six-member repair team spent every day huddled over the equipment, working late into the night until 10 p.m., meticulously examining each component one by one. Eventually, they managed to solve this tricky problem. “Although it took a lot of effort, we’re relieved now that we’ve ensured production and maintained product quality,” Shen Chunlei said.

“Back then, Wanxiang disposed of 30,000 sets of slightly defective universal joints for a mere 430,000 yuan, deeply embedding quality awareness into the hearts of every Wanxiang employee. ‘Only when the pain runs deep can we truly engrave quality awareness into our minds and imprint it on our hearts,’ said Chairman Lu. As time has passed, his words have only grown more relevant and enduring, constantly reminding us that quality management must be deeply rooted in our hearts and firmly committed to our actions. Only when everyone takes quality management seriously can we continue to produce the finest products,” said Zheng Jinchang, an engineer in the Quality Department of Wanxiang Precision.

Quality Management Team:

Universal Joint Factory’s First Metalworking Department Continuous Improvement QC Team

“Even for the slightest improvement, we must go to great lengths to achieve the best possible outcome. Continuously improve, and make significant enhancements.”

The Continuous Improvement QC Team of the First Metalworking Department at the Universal Joint Factory was established in January 2020 and consists of five members. Ye Xiaoxiong serves as the team leader and also holds the position of Quality Supervisor for the workshop in the First Metalworking Department. All team members are experienced employees with two to three decades of service at the Universal Joint Factory, highly skilled in frontline operations. They are responsible for the production of cross-shaft and wing-shaft components in the workshop. Given the small size and high precision requirements of these products, product quality has always been the top priority.

For more than two years, the QC team of Department One of Metalworking has consistently focused on strengthening the “foundation” of quality through robust management, establishing preventive mechanisms, and meticulously recording and collecting data on nonconforming products every day. Each month, the team conducts statistical analyses of quality indicators for products in progress, thoroughly examining any anomalies. By implementing comprehensive quality control throughout the entire production process, the team ensures steady improvement in product quality. In addition, the team continuously reinforces its members’ awareness of quality by organizing monthly quality training sessions and studying outstanding examples of quality improvement. Guided by the principle of “driving progress with technology and ensuring survival through quality,” the team remains steadfast in its commitment to being the guardian of quality within Department One of Metalworking.

“Quality issues are actually quite broad—basically, all problems can be traced back to quality concerns,” said Ye Xiaoxiong. This year, the team carried out several key quality improvement initiatives, all of which yielded remarkable results. Among them, the “Improvement of Threading Issues for M Customer” project reduced the scrap rate of two models of cross shafts to 0.44% and 0.17%, respectively, significantly boosting production efficiency and enabling “one worker operating multiple machines and handling multiple processes.” As a result, the company saved 359,600 yuan.

Last year, Customer M repeatedly reported defects in the threaded holes of cross shafts for two model types. “We must thoroughly address the customer’s complaints and ensure they can trust us and feel reassured.” The team swiftly developed an emergency response plan, promptly responded to the customer, handled the products at the customer’s site, identified and isolated the suspect batches, conducted 100% containment inspections on finished products in stock, and implemented on-site containment measures.

After the emergency situation was handled, the cause of the quality issue with the cross shaft remained unclear. The team conducted an in-depth analysis and deliberated on the root factors, then systematically verified each potential cause one by one on-site—ultimately uncovering multiple underlying reasons for the quality problem. Yet, resolving the issue proved far from easy. What exactly are the requirements for the automated equipment? How can we further validate its efficiency going forward? And why, despite changing the slicing parameters, does the drill bit keep breaking off inside the workpiece? Moreover, how can we effectively address heat dissipation within the drilled holes? The process of solving these problems has been both painful and protracted. Yet, customer complaints kept echoing repeatedly in Ye Xiaoxiong’s mind: “To be honest, a single defective drill bit costs 460 yuan—everyone is deeply anxious, and we’ve been completely lost as to where to start. But thankfully, the team members have shown remarkable solidarity. Every day, they spontaneously hold meetings to discuss the issue, and whenever they have a spare moment, they reach out to colleagues in other departments for advice. Gradually, our approach to solving the problem has become clearer and clearer.”

One day, Ye Xiaoxiong was chatting with a fellow villager from the Assembly Engineering Department about drill bit life. The villager suggested using internally-cooled stepped drills, noting that similar processes were already in use on other equipment. This remark suddenly enlightened Ye Xiaoxiong. He slapped his forehead and exclaimed, “If external cooling isn’t working well, then let’s find a way to dissipate the heat from inside!” The internally-cooled stepped drills he tried out proved remarkably effective: the drill bit life increased dramatically—from 150 pieces per bit to 1,200 pieces per bit. Moreover, these drill bits could be repaired and reused two or three more times. With the improvements made, the drill bits’ lifespan now reached as many as 3,600 pieces per bit, and the work efficiency was 23 times higher than before. “Sometimes, even a seemingly minor improvement can bring substantial benefits,” Ye Xiaoxiong said firmly. “So no matter how small the improvement may be, we must do everything possible to achieve the best results.”

When building their own specialized drilling and tapping machine, the teamwork among group members gave Ye Xiaoxiong a great deal of confidence. Automated equipment isn't something that can be perfected in one go—just the issue of improving the clamping force of the mold took everyone a long time to discuss and coordinate. “The solution itself is easy to come up with, but during the verification process, all sorts of anomalies—or areas needing further improvement—will inevitably arise, whether we’ve considered them beforehand or not.” During the improvement phase, working late into the night became the norm. “As long as the job isn’t finished, we simply can’t leave—it’s only when we tackle each day’s tasks promptly that we feel truly at ease, so no one ever complains. Moreover, my colleagues—the team leader and the manager—listen to daily quality reports from the production line every single day. Everyone is working hard to ensure our customers are confident and our products meet the highest quality standards.” Since 2022, the improved cross shaft has shown remarkable improvements, and customer complaints have been completely eliminated. Only then did Ye Xiaoxiong finally feel relieved.

Quality improvement is an endless journey. To truly live up to the five words “Trusted for Quality,” we must hold ourselves to the highest standards at all times. In the future, the QC team of Department One of JinGong will continue to refine and enhance its efforts, safeguarding product quality every step of the way. For every single product we deliver—from our own hands—we’ll feel confident, assured, and fully capable of saying: “We are truly trustworthy.”

Quality-Reliable Individual:

Zhang Di, Turning Operator at the Drive Shaft Company

“Find value in your work—do a little bit more each day, and with perseverance, you’ll make tremendous progress.”

Zhang Di is an ordinary employee at the transmission shaft company, having worked in the fork workshop first on retaining rings and later on turning operations. From a green-eyed college graduate to a senior colleague capable of mentoring and guiding newcomers, what has remained constant is his unwavering commitment to “quality above all else” as his personal motto. He says, “I believe that quality is the foundation of a company—and its very lifeblood.”

Having dedicated ten years to Wanxiang, Zhang Di has repeatedly been recognized as an “Industry-Recognized Quality Star” and an “Advanced Individual,” serving as a frontline quality role model within the company. During “Quality Month,” he actively participated in various quality-related activities and achieved outstanding results in a knowledge competition. In his daily work, he proactively undertakes improvements to product processing molds. Specifically, while producing retaining rings, by switching from horizontal to vertical pressing during welding, he ensured greater stability in meeting the 0.05mm dimensional tolerance for ring symmetry, significantly boosting work efficiency.

Last year, Zhang Di was transferred to a position working on lathe machining. Faced with a new field of work and specialized requirements, he diligently studied and asked questions frequently, often seeking guidance from experienced senior technicians. After work, he would voluntarily stay behind to learn programming and practice his skills. Through extensive consultation and self-improvement, Zhang Di gradually adapted to his new role in lathe machining. When clamping the axle fork, he modified the sleeve into a spring blade, effectively keeping the outer symmetry of the axle fork within 0.2 mm. By improving the tooling, he significantly enhanced product quality and reduced the scrap rate.

He deeply understands that the quality of equipment performance directly affects product quality. Regular equipment maintenance is a key factor in enhancing equipment performance. Therefore, he conducts daily inspections of the equipment according to the TPM’s equipment inspection checklist, performing minor daily maintenance and major weekly maintenance.

Moreover, in the “mentorship program,” he diligently and responsibly guides each new employee, not only imparting technical skills but also proactively helping them overcome any challenges they may encounter. At work, he repeatedly emphasizes that “quality comes first” and stresses the importance of strictly adhering to process drawings and operational standards during manufacturing. Thanks to his enthusiastic support and expert guidance, new colleagues quickly develop into capable professionals who can work independently.

Despite receiving numerous honors, Zhang Di himself remains remarkably modest and humble. After much reflection on what makes him an outstanding role model, he realized that the key lies in just one word: “perseverance.” Faced with a relatively monotonous and repetitive work routine, he learned to find value in his daily tasks. By doing even a little bit more than others each day and staying consistently committed, he was able to make tremendous progress. The motions of loading and unloading materials had to be repeated thousands of times every single day, often leaving his cervical spine and lower back painfully sore. Yet, he cultivated a tough and hardworking character, persevering relentlessly and overcoming all difficulties. During periods when export volumes surged and the workload became especially heavy, he rose to the challenge with courage and determination. Whenever he saw that his team’s quality and output ranked among the best in the entire group, he couldn’t help but feel a deep sense of pride.

After years of experience and refinement, Zhang Di has developed a meticulous and careful work ethic, and has become even more diligent and ambitious. “When I encounter difficulties, I tackle them head-on—nothing can ever knock me down.” By striving hard to achieve self-fulfillment and realizing their value at work, countless young people like Zhang Di are contributing their strength to the development of Wanxiang.

Let striving for excellence become a habit in our work.

Regarding “quality,” Chairman Lu Guanqiu has many simple yet insightful remarks.

He emphasized the importance of quality—

“Quality is an enterprise’s eternal theme, the prerequisite for its survival and development, and the passport to entering the market.” “With high-quality products, users will be satisfied, and satisfaction will bring repeat customers. To win the market, we must ensure that our products leave users fully satisfied and confident. User satisfaction is the ultimate standard of quality.”

He pointed out how to ensure quality—

“First, we must enhance the quality awareness of cadres and employees, fostering the mindset that ‘the next process is our customer.’ Second, we need to establish a comprehensive quality management system and quality assurance framework closely linked to the interests of our staff, adopting a quality veto system to place quality work at the very forefront of all our endeavors. Third, we should enrich the substance of the ‘trustworthy’ initiative within total quality management, cultivating and enhancing employees’ sense of ownership and responsibility to ensure product quality voluntarily. Fourth, through various measures such as upgrading equipment, investing in human capital, and attracting talented individuals, we must strive to continuously improve both the advanced nature of our equipment and the cultural and technical competence of our workforce. Fifth, we should conduct product tracking, listen carefully to customers’ quality requirements, and make ongoing improvements. Finally, we must set internal control standards that exceed national standards, thereby guaranteeing a high rate of premium-quality products.”

As it has progressed through different stages of development and pursued various strategic goals, Wanxiang has continuously refined its quality management model, establishing a strong brand reputation through its high-quality products. In 1987, the company received the Silver Award of the National Quality Award, and since then, it has successively earned numerous honors, including National Advanced Enterprise for Quality and Efficiency, China Famous Brand Product, National Excellent Enterprise for Quality Management, National Quality Award, China World Famous Brand, and National Quality Benchmark. Additionally, Wanxiang has been nominated twice for the China Quality Award. Within the industry, “Wanxiang” has become synonymous with high quality.

What holds universal guiding significance for everyone’s work is the “quality awareness of all employees” he later proposed. He said, “The life of a product is inseparable from quality. By ‘product,’ we don’t just mean the components circulating in the workshop—we also include every single task we undertake. Quality is not merely the result of production; rather, it’s the highly effective, comprehensive, and continuous interaction among all employees, covering every aspect and every moment. It’s a concentrated reflection of the company’s value orientation, technical capabilities, employee ethos, management standards, and much more. Therefore, we need to strengthen the quality awareness of all employees, strive for the best possible work ethic in everything we do, and endeavor to make every task and every component we handle into impeccable masterpieces. Let’s move others with the highest quality and make the pursuit of excellence our habitual practice and deep-seated belief.”

Quality has risen from production management to become a core element of corporate culture: “Quality is not merely a simple metric or a number; it is a spirit, a belief—a soul that defines a company. Any nation seeking rejuvenation, any country striving for strength, any society aspiring to progress, and any enterprise aiming for development—all require a robust spirit. The process of building quality—from the procurement of raw materials and production processing through to after-sales service—is not just a physical manufacturing process; it is also a process of shaping and凝聚—of spirit, culture, thought, and consciousness. If we fail to uphold a quality ethos characterized by rigor, meticulousness, and the relentless pursuit of excellence, carelessness will inevitably become the norm, and our enterprises will never possess enduring vitality.”

Quality management is not merely a requirement for quality professionals and product manufacturers in the conventional sense. Every worker, regardless of their position, has their own “product” to deliver—and each one must firmly cultivate a strong quality consciousness, ensuring that every task they undertake becomes an impeccable masterpiece. By delivering the highest-quality results, they can deeply move others and make the pursuit of excellence a habitual practice and a guiding belief. And this, precisely, is the essence of the artisan spirit: “unwavering dedication and focus, relentless pursuit of perfection, meticulous attention to detail, and the relentless quest for excellence.”

The “Passing on Master Skills—Carrying Forward the Artisan Spirit” segment features numerous stories of Wanxiang artisans who firmly uphold a strong sense of quality and embody the spirit of craftsmanship. Day after day, they pursue excellence with unwavering dedication, becoming true experts in their respective fields and achieving extraordinary results in their ordinary jobs. They also pass on their artisan skills and unique expertise to more young people, injecting fresh vitality into the company’s development. Although they are all just ordinary frontline employees, they have earned everyone’s respect and are truly worthy of our admiration and learning.

Dedicated to craftsmanship, honoring the extraordinary. Let us elevate our work with a strong sense of quality and the spirit of craftsmanship—adhering to high standards and exacting requirements—to continuously expand our personal value and contribute to the high-quality development of our enterprise!