The birth of the Hong Kong Island family

Lin Zhichao came to inspect the production workshop of 'Doll Noodles'. Lin Zhichao was very proud of the neat and clean environment, the machines made in Germany, and the completion of each noodle cake.

Although the machine is made in Germany, it was developed by Yangtze River Industrial Group and registered British, American and international patents. Bern Machinery is only an OEM.

Yangtze River Industrial Group has dozens of mechanical engineers and is in a strategic alliance with Bourne Machinery, so it can be considered a technology company.

"Can the sales of 'Doll Noodles' exceed 10 million bags this year?" Lin Zhichao asked.

General manager Chen Ping said confidently: "No problem! In addition to the Hong Kong market, we have also opened up the Xingdao market, and our sales capabilities have been greatly enhanced."

Because they are all Chinese areas, there is no shortage of agents. Hong Kong doll noodles were launched in 1956 and entered the Sing Tao market last year (1957).

In fact, annual sales of 10 million bags are nothing.

In later generations, the average annual consumption of instant noodles per person in a country and region should be more than 10 bags, or even 20 to 40 bags. Of course, considering the economic situation, it is definitely not possible to achieve that kind of consumption ability at present!

At present, Hong Kong has a population of about 2.5 million, and the average annual consumption is 2 to 3 bags, which is obviously nothing!

"How is the situation over there in Nissin?"

Chen Ping immediately reported in detail:

"Nissin Ramen has been on the market for almost a year and a half. It sells for 35 yen per bag. It is very popular in Japan. The monthly sales are now 8 million bags. However, some imitation instant noodles have appeared in Japan. They have deciphered the production of instant noodles. and machine technology, and prices are starting to come down."

"Recently, I am hiring a team of Japanese lawyers and asking Momofuku Ando of Nissin to assist me in preparing a lawsuit in Japan for the copyright of 'instant noodles' and the patented technology rights of instant noodle machines."

Lin Zhichao asked again: "What happens after we win?"

Winning is definitely possible. The Japanese dare not break the patent rules for a small instant noodle technology.

However, the Japanese must have a way to change the method so that domestic companies can produce instant noodles, such as pointing to monopoly and the like. If doll noodles do not enter Japan, then Nissin ramen will be the target of "sanctions".

Moreover, another way is that the Japanese official will decide that you win the lawsuit, but those manufacturers will continue to produce the doll noodles as usual. So, do you have to go to court with dozens or even hundreds of Japanese instant noodle companies one by one for the patented doll noodles? ?

Obviously he doesn’t have that much energy!

Chen Ping said: "As long as we own the Japanese 'instant noodles' copyright, we can take the initiative, and at least we can charge 'transfer patent fees', which will make a lot more income. In addition, we also have instant noodle machine patents, and we can also charge fees from Japanese equipment manufacturers."

Lin Zhichao said: "Well, that makes sense! You can discuss it more with Momofuku Ando. He is Japanese and can better solve these problems. Of course, the 'instant noodle copyright' and 'machine equipment patent' you mentioned must be in Japan won the lawsuit. I will go to Japan to order an oil tanker later, and then I will go to Nissin Ramen with you to inspect and meet Momofuku Ando."

Chen Ping said: "Okay, I will arrange the time!"

Lin Zhichao has also formed a "general direction of development" in his mind for the instant noodle industry.

Currently, Doll Noodles holds a 49% stake in Nissin Ramen, and Momofuku Ando is working for Lin Zhichao.

Because at the beginning, Doll transferred the technology and patent of "instant noodles" to him, provided him with the right to purchase the machine, and provided him with a loan when Momofuku Ando encountered a "bankruptcy crisis." Therefore, the current cooperation between the two parties is very pleasant.

At the same time, future cooperation with South Korea and Taiwan Island will be done with doll noodles. Unless the Koreans are immoral and steal Hong Kong's "instant noodle" technology and patents.

This is why Lin Zhichao is very supportive of Chen Ping's "lawsuit" in Japan. Doll noodles must establish the image of the inventor of "instant noodles".

If you want to produce instant noodles, you must pay a patent technology transfer fee; if you want to produce instant noodle machines, you must also pay a patent fee.

Even if it is cheaper, it must be paid, otherwise there will be a lawsuit!

Thinking about how Koreans would like to say "instant noodles" in variety shows in the future, and they are known as the instant noodle power, Lin Zhichao wanted to laugh. When Hong Kong TV's variety shows come up with "Instant noodles were invented in Hong Kong," it will be a slap in the face!

"I have invested in a piece of land in Kwun Tong and plan to build an industrial building. When the time comes, the doll noodles will be moved there to be produced. Instant noodles are a big question. The strength and texture of the noodles, as well as instant noodles of various flavors, such as seafood instant noodles, are all The future research direction. I hope you, the general manager, can take a long-term view!"

Chen Ping was shocked. He absolutely admired Lin Zhichao, the boss. He often took one step and thought three steps, and his understanding and views on instant noodles were much longer than his.

The only thing that puzzled him was, did the boss have enough time?

"Yes, boss, that's right, boss, do we need to expand our instant noodles to Japan, Taiwan, Southeast Asia, South Korea and other regions?"

Of course he wanted to enter, but the boss set the tone from the beginning, just to sell in Xingdao.

Lin Zhichao said: "There is no need to enter now, it will be detrimental to us! We only need to cooperate with local companies in these regions and countries at the right opportunity and enter through equity participation, so that we can continue to make profits. Only when the time comes, will Doll Noodles consider entering overseas markets. After all, without local people to expand the market and increase the popularity of instant noodles, no one will be interested in our sales."

By the mid-1960s, Doll Noodles could take the lead in developing cup noodles with "expanded polystyrene containers" to develop markets in overseas countries and regions.

By then, it will be easy to enter overseas markets.

In recent years, it is better to accumulate strength first, after all, you have to eat one bite at a time.

Chen Ping said modestly: "Yes, let's increase our reputation first and accumulate strength so that we can develop outward in the future."

Lin Zhichao said with satisfaction: "So your management must be prepared for challenges. Doll Noodles will not be a small fight, but will become a world brand."

In this generation, Nissin Ramen will be limited to Japan. After all, it will lose the right to joint ventures with Taiwan and South Korea, and "cup noodles" will also be developed first by Doll Noodles. It is no longer possible to achieve success overseas.

Of course, even if Nissin Instant Noodles develops better overseas, Lin Zhichao will not suffer a loss, after all, 49% of the shares are there.

In early June, Lin Zhichao led a team to inspect the Ishikawa Island Shipyard in Japan.

At the shipyard, Lin Zhichao listened carefully to the introduction of Toshio Domitsu, the president of Ishikawashima Harima Heavy Industries.

"The actual load capacity of the 100,000-ton oil tanker we designed is 104,520 tons, the length is 288 meters, and the maximum draft is 15.65 meters. This draft can pass through the Suez Canal."

Lin Zhichao said with some worry: "What about the technology?"

At present, a 70,000-ton oil tanker has only been launched this year, and a 100,000-ton oil tanker will be launched next year. Although Lin Zhichao believes in Japan’s shipbuilding capabilities (the state organizes various study groups, and after learning well in Europe and the United States, they will be distributed to various shipyards). But Japan's speed makes Lin Zhichao a little incredible.

Toshio Tomitsu then said confidently: "Mr. Lin, we only dared to actually build a 100,000-ton oil tanker after conducting technical demonstrations. At present, our domestic shipping companies have already placed orders."

Lin Zhichao immediately said: "I have always had great trust in Japanese shipyards. You are also the best shipbuilding country in the world in terms of after-sales after shipbuilding, so this time I still believe in your technology and strength."

If a new ship launched by a Japanese shipyard has a problem anywhere in the world, they will send engineers to repair and inspect it as soon as possible. Lin Zhichao also admires this attitude towards after-sales service.

Toshio Tomitsu was overjoyed. As for Lin Zhichao, the Japanese shipyards knew very well that his strength and credibility were the target of major shipyards' efforts.

Moreover, it is rumored that Global Shipping accepted the Japanese yen settlement from the chartering company, and even the funds were deposited in major Japanese banks and were not withdrawn. In other words, Global Shipping itself plans to build ships in Japan.

However, all shipyards who have been in contact with Lin Zhichao know that Lin Zhichao is a shipowner who is very knowledgeable about technology, and he also likes large oil tankers and large cargo ships.

"Mr. Lin, please come over here. Let's go to the conference room to chat!"

"please"

When he came to Japan this time, Lin Zhichao really had the intention to build a 100,000-ton oil tanker, so he had already made up his mind.

But in the conference room, the two parties negotiated for a long time. From technology to price, they were all key negotiation objects.

For a 100,000-ton oil tanker, Ishikawajima Harima Heavy Industries’ quotation is US$9.8 million, which is still very cheap.

The price of a ship is not fixed. In the peak season, the price may increase by 10~20%, and in the off-season, it may be cheaper. It is also related to the price of steel. The shipbuilding cost in Japan is only about 70% of that in Europe and the United States, so the price is very advantageous.

Today, a 100,000-ton oil tanker can build a first-class Grade A office building in Central, Hong Kong (counting the land); but in 20 years, a 200,000-ton oil tanker can only buy a medium-sized building in Central. Building', and it also depends on the location and area.

If Lin Zhichao was not rich and could afford a building in Central, Hong Kong at any time, otherwise he would rather use his funds to buy a building in Central. Of course, the premise is that it is sold or the government land is auctioned.

"President Tomitsu, in the next three years, our global shipping company is expected to build 20 oil tankers of more than 100,000 tons in Japan. And we can give priority to meeting the 'low-price leasing' of Japanese customers. At this point, our global shipping, You Japanese shipbuilding industry and shipping companies should form a tacit consensus - you build ships for us at low prices, and we will give priority to leasing them to you at low prices."

Toshio Tomitsu was shocked when he heard that there were twenty oil tankers of over 100,000 tons. Then he remembered that Global Shipping accepted Japanese yen settlements from Japanese shipping companies, which further verified this point.

"If this is the case, our lowest price can be US$9.5 million per unit!"

There is no need to sign any formal contract, he believes in Lin Zhichao's credibility.

Lin Zhichao nodded and immediately agreed to the price. After all, this is what we are talking about, and there is no point in bargaining anymore. This is not grocery shopping.

In fact, in this "little cold winter" when the market is not good, Lin Zhichao only needs to guarantee the price of "six-year rental return". Of course, the lease period is usually three years, because the oil tanker market was good in the 1960s.

The lifespan of an oil tanker is far less than that of a freighter. A freighter can be scrapped in 40 years, but an oil tanker may only have a lifespan of 20 years, so it has to be scrapped. The average lifespan of oil tankers in later generations is only about 12 years, so the return rate of oil tankers is generally around 15-25%.

Lin Zhichao placed an order for 20 oil tankers without any legal responsibility. He just wanted to reach a default cooperation method among the three parties. In fact, he may build more than 20 tankers. Customers from Japan, the United States, and Europe are still very popular with Lin Zhichao's fleet.

After talking about the two oil tankers, Lin Zhichao asked another question: "President Tu Guang, do you know about the semi-submersible ship type designed by the Chinese-American scholar Capochi?"

Toshio Tomitsu is still very familiar with his business, and he immediately said: "I know! But this type of ship has only been theoretically passed in the laboratory. Could it be that Mr. Lin is optimistic about it?"

Lin Zhichao pretended to be profound and said: "Although it is just a laboratory design, I consulted him personally and through careful demonstration, I think it is feasible. Once this type of ship is built, it will be much faster and can reduce fuel consumption, so I would like to cooperate with your company to build a 12,000-ton multi-purpose passenger and cargo ship according to this design, which is dedicated to the fixed route to the west coast of the United States."

In this era, some people are afraid to fly, some cannot afford to fly, and some are inconvenient to fly, so "passenger and cargo ships" have emerged.

Toshio Tomitsu immediately said: "If Mr. Lin is interested in this ship type, we are willing to cooperate on this project and build a semi-submersible passenger and cargo ship."

"Okay, I'll have someone go to the United States to talk about it later, and then I'll come to your company to talk about it."

For Capauci, if someone is willing to bring his experiment into reality, he will of course be very happy. If he succeeds, he will gain both fame and fortune.

This experiment had been published in magazines in the mid-1950s, but no shipowner had been willing to try it. Now Lin Zhichao is boldly trying it. Firstly, he has analyzed the technology and feels that the design is feasible; secondly, Lin Zhichao also hopes to use it in shipping. world and demonstrate their professional knowledge.

In his previous life, Dong Haoyun looked down on Bao Yugang. Bao Yugang only knew how to "lease to customers on a long-term basis", calculate economic accounts and bank accounts, and did not show any skills in shipping.

Dong Haoyun founded a shipping magazine in 1954, which published some shipping technologies, prices, etc. for people's reference.

In this life, Lin Zhichao also published a full-system design for "container shipping" in 1954. As soon as the article was published, it was sought after by world shipping magazines. As a result, Americans achieved this goal last year, which incidentally made Lin Zhichao famous again. .

What Lin Zhichao published was not the theoretical knowledge of his previous life, but his technology in this life, which was integrated with the theories of his previous life, with the participation of the Global Shipping 'Advisory Group'.

Anyway, Lin Zhichao also needs to keep updating his character, so he occasionally publishes some articles for shipping magazines.

After settling the matter of the two oil tankers, Lin Zhichao came to the headquarters of Nissin Ramen. Accompanying him was Chen Pingping's doll noodle management team.

Momofuku Ando still has no complaints about Lin Zhichao, or about doll noodles. On the contrary, he is grateful. After all, doll noodles are the inventor of instant noodles. He himself does not know that it was doll noodles that robbed him of his invention. After all, he was ahead of schedule. more than two years.

"Mr. Lin, Manager Chen, welcome to Nissin Ramen for inspection!"

"Mr. Anten, under your leadership, the development of Nissin Ramen is really enviable to us!"

In one and a half years, the monthly sales volume is 8 million packages, and the annual sales volume is 100 million packages. This growth rate is really fast.

Momofuku Ando said modestly: "Japan has a large population base and its development rate is normal. Nissin Ramen has just started!"

Lin Zhichao nodded.

Later, Momofuku Ando led everyone to inspect the headquarters office building of Nissin Ramen and introduced the management. After all, Doll Noodles is also a shareholder, and it still holds 49% of the shares. Although this shareholder will not participate in the management of Nissin Ramen, the shares are very heavy after all.

After a tour, I got the impression that it is developing rapidly, but when you think about the annual sales of 100 million packs of ramen and the profit of 10 to 20 million Hong Kong dollars, it is natural.

After returning to the conference room, everyone sat together and talked.

"Nissin ramen is currently priced at 35 yen, but now many Japanese manufacturers have entered the market at cheaper prices, and we have encountered great difficulties." Momofuku Ando said.

Lin Zhichao said: "I always believe that companies that engage in price wars may not necessarily survive in the end. The most important thing is taste, taste, and quality. Because it is not delicious, I will not choose it no matter how cheap it is."

When Momofuku Ando heard this, he said: "What you said makes sense!" But then he changed the topic and said: "Mr. Lin, the market in Hong Kong is small after all. Have you considered selling doll noodles to Nissin Ramen? We are willing to Offer a high price!”

Lin Zhichao and Chen Ping were stunned, neither of them expected that Momofuku Ando would come up with this idea.

Indeed, if an ordinary person owns 49% of Nissin Ramen's shares and there is no huge market, he may consider selling it; but Lin Zhichao is not an ordinary person, so he would not consider it at all.

Chen Ping immediately said: "Mr. An Teng, I know you are interested in the patent in our hands, right?"

Momofuku Ando nodded honestly and said: "Yes, I can't deny this! Facing Japan's copycat factories, we Nissin Ramen need patents to deal with them!"

Lin Zhichao smiled and said: "If Mr. An Teng is given your patent, how will you deal with them? Could it be that they are not allowed to produce?"

Looking at Lin Zhichao's relaxed smile, Momofuku Ando immediately understood that his opponent could see further than him.

He could only say: "We can only obtain Japanese copyrights first, and then restrict them and collect patent fees. After all, the Japanese government does not allow one company to monopolize the production of instant noodles, because this product can greatly alleviate the shortcomings of Japanese agriculture. "

Japan's agriculture has recovered after so many years, but it still cannot meet the food supply of the Japanese, so American flour still accounts for a large share; however, the Japanese do not like to eat bread, so ramen alleviates this problem.

Therefore, why instant noodles are said to be "one of the greatest inventions" is because it is a very useful product for Japan and South Korea. Because the United States only supplies flour from these two countries, but will not supply them with rice, because Americans do not like to eat rice.

Lin Zhichao said seriously: "This time we came to Japan just for the 'Japanese copyright of instant noodles'. Although we are foreigners, Japan, as a country with rapid economic development, has no reason not to pay attention to patents. Therefore, I believe that we We can win the lawsuit in Japan. As for the future, we can open it to other Japanese brands, but they will all charge patent fees. In the same way, we also have a patent on the instant noodle making machine."

Momofuku Ando smiled bitterly and said: "Mr. Lin is really good at business. I admit that what you said makes sense!"

Why is he smiling wryly?

This is because in this way, Doll Noodles developed the patent rights to many manufacturers, but only Nissin Ramen paid shares; although when the factory was originally built, Doll Noodles also provided a lot of help - such as providing access to machines. and loans.

But undoubtedly, Nissin Ramen is the most expensive.

Next, Lin Zhichao eased the atmosphere: "Mr. An Teng, when I come to inspect Nissin Ramen this time, I also hope to get your help and participate in obtaining the 'Japanese copyright of instant noodles' for us. In any case, Nissin Ramen will be the first to get it." Authorization has also taken the lead in occupying the Japanese market. Moreover, we will not charge too high patent fees. In the future, Nissin Ramen will also be the leader in the Japanese ramen industry, and we can cooperate in these aspects."

The implication is that how much the patent fee is, Nissin Ramen can be involved in the negotiation. If it is cheap, then Nissin Ramen can gain fame in the Japanese industry.

In fact, Lin Zhichao doesn't intend to charge too much, because charging too much will offend people. What he wants is the 'right of reputation', and even if each company pays 20,000 US dollars for the patent, I believe there will be dozens of companies paying, which is still a huge fortune.

"Okay, I agree to this. After all, I also hope that the Japanese ramen industry can develop healthily."

As the saying goes, if you want a dog to work, you have to throw at least a bone.

At this time, Lin Zhichao threw a bone and said: "In view of the cooperative relationship between the two companies, I suggest that they jointly develop a new flavor of ramen. What do you think?"

Momofuku Ando's eyes lit up and he said, "What direction do you have?"

Chen Ping said at this time: "Mr. An Teng must first agree to cooperate or not before we can tell you!"

Momofuku Ando immediately agreed.

Chen Ping then said: "Tonkotsu ramen!"

The so-called tonkotsu does not taste like the bones of some exotic animals, it just tastes like big pig bones.

"dolphin" means pig in classical Chinese and Japanese. There is an important knowledge here - "dolphin" is a Chinese character, not a Japanese word.

Many people in later generations ate tonkotsu ramen, thinking it was a Japanese patent. Little did they know that "dolphin" means "pig" in classical Chinese.

Momofuku Ando immediately said: "I agree with this joint research and development project!"

Researching a flavor of instant noodles requires a lot of experiments, and one or two years is the normal time for success.

It took two years for instant noodles to be developed. It was because Lin Zhichao gave too many opinions, so it was not considered an innovation. We just had to follow his ideas.

After the cooperation was finalized, Momofuku Ando asked again: "Mr. Lin, how do you compete in overseas markets?"

The implication is, will you use the patent as an excuse?

Lin Zhichao said: "Nissin Ramen can enter any country and region, including Hong Kong. However, when we cooperate with overseas companies, the patent fees have to be handed over to us. Of course, I still hope that overseas companies will cooperate with us. After all, we are the inventor."

If the Koreans don't cooperate with Dollmyeon, it will be difficult for Dollmyeon to go to Korea to win. That country is still a barren land and there is no reason to argue. Therefore, Lin Zhichao did not speak too harshly.

But in Taiwan, Lin Zhichao was planning to seek corporate cooperation in the 1960s.

As for the doll noodles going overseas, that will happen later, when Cup Noodles was born.

Momofuku Ando was very satisfied with Lin Zhichao's answer and said, "No problem!"

Now that Lin Zhichao said this, an idea suddenly came to his mind: there would still be a chance to purchase doll noodles in the future. If Nissin Ramen becomes bigger in the overseas market, but the patent for doll noodles has expired, is it necessary that the Hong Kong market should not be acquired?

Therefore, Momofuku Ando ignited hope again - to acquire doll noodles!

In fact, he was dreaming!

Lin Zhichao wouldn't even consider it.

On the same day, the two parties signed a new cooperation memorandum, which mentioned multiple cooperation projects.

Overall, both parties are quite satisfied.

Ando Momofuku is also very willing to join in the research and development of 'tonkotsu ramen'. After all, Nissin ramen is the most beneficial.