Anhui's Manufacturing Transformation: A Leap Towards High-Quality Development

In recent years, Anhui, a province located in eastern China, has been making significant strides towards high-quality development in its manufacturing sector. This transformation is not just about increasing production; it is about elevating the entire industry to become high-end, smart, and environmentally friendly. The focus on innovation and technology is reshaping the landscape of manufacturing in the region.

One of the most notable changes is happening in Ma'anshan City, where the steel industry, a key part of the local economy, is undergoing a remarkable transformation. With a broader range of products and the integration of advanced scientific and technological innovations, steel products from this region are now entering high-end markets. The Baowu Group Masteel Rail Transit Materials Technology Co., Ltd. stands out as a leader in this field. This company has developed essential technologies for manufacturing wheels for high-speed trains and has established a robust manufacturing system. Their premium axle products are now exported to over 70 countries and regions around the globe.

Furthermore, Anhui is home to five 'lighthouse factories,' recognized by the World Economic Forum and McKinsey & Company as leaders in intelligent and digital transformation within the global manufacturing sector. One such factory is the Hefei Haier COSMO Intelligent Control Interconnected Factory. This facility has dramatically reduced the time needed for its standard operating procedures from three to four hours to less than three seconds, thanks to the use of a virtual industrial engineer. This innovative approach allows for real-time adjustments and the selection of optimal solutions, resulting in a remarkable 30 percent increase in efficiency.

Digital transformation is sweeping through Anhui, with more than 80 percent of industrial enterprises above a designated size initiating this process. Over half of these companies have successfully completed their digital transformation, paving the way for a new era of intelligent manufacturing.

In Tongling City, known as the first copper industrial base of the People's Republic of China, the Tongling Nonferrous Metals Group Co., Ltd. Jinguang Copper Branch is making strides in recycling. The production process generates slag, which is now being recycled through various methods, including slow-cooling, crushing, and screening. General Manager Wen Yan highlighted the success of this initiative, stating, "Through technological upgrading and transformation, we can recover as many as 14,300 tonnes of copper metal a year, with total resources equivalent to the reserve of a medium-sized copper mine." This not only contributes to the economy but also supports environmental sustainability.

To further promote green development in manufacturing, Anhui has implemented comprehensive measures. These include reducing output, controlling production capacity, and adjusting structures at the source. The province is also enhancing technological capabilities and energy efficiency in production processes while encouraging recycling in waste management. During the 13th Five-Year Plan period (2016-2020), Anhui achieved a 20.05 percent reduction in energy consumption per unit of added value for its industrial enterprises.

Currently, 80 percent of national-level industrial parks and 75 percent of provincial-level industrial parks in Anhui have completed recycling transformations. This progress reflects a commitment to sustainable practices and a forward-thinking approach to manufacturing.

Anhui's journey towards high-quality development in manufacturing is a testament to the power of innovation and sustainability. As the province continues to embrace technological advancements and green practices, it sets a benchmark for other regions to follow. The ongoing transformation not only enhances the local economy but also contributes to a more sustainable future, showcasing how industry can evolve to meet the challenges of the modern world.