The birth of the Hong Kong Island family

Time flew by and arrived in April 1967.

In the conference room of Cheung Kong Industries, Lin Zhichao was having a meeting with more than a dozen senior executives.

The entire headquarters of Cheung Kong Holdings has more than 160 employees working there. This does not include hotel employees, shopping mall employees, etc., nor does it include construction workers, stone miners, etc.

This is already the strength of Hong Kong's largest real estate company. You must know that Sun Hung Kai only has a dozen employees.

Tang Caiyun also attended the meeting. She is special at Cheung Kong Holdings and has formed a tacit understanding with the management headed by Huang Changhong - Tang Caiyun will not interfere in everyone's work and express too many opinions; but the management headed by Huang Changhong will not interfere with everyone's work and express too many opinions. When not in Hong Kong, report to Tang Caiyun on her work.

Tang Caiyun is not the 'queen' of Cheung Kong Holdings. She does have real power, but she usually doesn't use it. She only supervises whether the management is doing what Lin Zhichao wants. At this point, she did it perfectly and won Lin Zhichao's trust.

In the past, Lin Zhichao had also worried that if Tang Caiyun was involved in the company, over time, he would often have some disagreements with the management represented by Huang Changhong, causing Huang Changhong and other management to not know who to listen to!

It’s time to listen to the boss, but the boss’s wife is offended.

It turned out that Lin Zhichao's worries were unnecessary!

In the conference room, Hu Zhaoxu expressed his opinion: "The real estate market in the first quarter of this year has a rebound trend. The reason is probably that after two years of market digestion, the housing inventory has almost ended."

He only talked about the things he analyzed, but did not suggest that the company buy the bottom, which is quite smart.

Lin Zhichao changed the subject: "How is the situation in Singapore?"

Liang Guangchang immediately said: "The hotel project is progressing smoothly, and there is no problem with the topping out on time! As for the Singapore government's plan for Orchard Road, it should have reached the final moment and should be clarified this year."

Lin Zhichao nodded and said, "There's no rush! After they make it clear, we will consider investing in a shopping mall and office building."

For this kind of matter, Singaporean officials will contact Lin Zhichao. After all, there are few businessmen with the ability to invest in shopping malls; but Lin Zhichao must be the best candidate, with strong funds and experience.

After some communication, Changjiang Industrial has stabilized the morale of the army.

Lin Zhichao didn't know if these subordinates of his would want to immigrate and resign to him. Of course, Lin Zhichao would try his best to persuade them to stay. At such an old age, there was no need to go to a foreign and unfamiliar environment.

If you want to immigrate, let your children immigrate first.

At this time, Cheung Kong Holdings still has a cash flow of 72 million. This is the situation after the investment in Shangri-La Hotel in Singapore was allocated to a company in Singapore. This amount of funds is somewhat insufficient for bargain hunting.

However, Lin Zhichao is not worried. The Yangtze River Industrial Group probably has a cash flow of HK$480 million and can support it at any time.

After the meeting, Tang Caiyun followed Lin Zhichao back to his office.

"Husband, are you worried about something?" Tang Caiyun asked worriedly.

Lin Zhichao played with her jade hand and said casually: "How do you know?"

Tang Caiyun simply sat on the armrest of Lin Zhichao's chair, and then said: "Recently, you have strengthened the security of the villas at Nos. 79 and 80, Deep Water Bay, and added bodyguards for the children. It is not difficult for me to find these strange places. "

Lin Zhichao nodded and said: "Well, I am a little worried! Hong Kong is so close to the mainland, and I am worried about the spread, so there is no problem in taking precautions. You don't have to worry about anything. Just remember that there is no problem with Hong Kong's prospects. , we must firmly develop our base camp in Hong Kong."

Tang Caiyun nodded and said, "Oh, I understand!"

She understood that although her husband was very kind to the workers, he was also very close to the British. If you are cautious, there is no problem. In extraordinary times, you must pay more attention to the safety of your family.

Lin Zhichao continued: "By the way, I plan to draw 300 million Hong Kong dollars from the cash flow of Yangtze River Industrial Group and inject it into Universal Group. This month I have to build 10 226,000-ton oil tankers in order not to make Universal Group's debt too high. , I will temporarily borrow 300 million Hong Kong dollars from Yangtze River Industrial Group."

Tang Caiyun said with a smile: "It's all your money, why are you telling me!"

Lin Zhichao patted the back of Tang Caiyun's hand and said, "I want to make it clear to you. After all, you are also involved in my business, and you need to know about the financial transactions."

Tang Caiyun nodded, and she suddenly said curiously: "Universal Group will build 10 more 226,000-ton oil tankers, wouldn't they have a load capacity of 12 million tons?"

Lin Zhichao nodded and said: "Yes! But when it develops to 20 million tons, I will stop development."

Tang Caiyun secretly smacked her lips, her husband was really good at making money.

In fact, many insiders are already worried that Lin Zhichao's boat may not be rented out.

If anyone knew that Lin Zhichao planned to order 10 226,000-ton oil tankers, everyone would probably say that he was a fool and that his development was not so aggressive. With 20 oil tankers with a capacity of 226,000 tons, the global market has suddenly increased so much that it may be difficult to cope with it.

It is extremely exaggerated to launch a 4.5 million-ton oil tanker in one and a half years.

Of course Lin Zhichao is not worried. The Suez Canal will have to be closed in June this year. By then, the capacity of only 4.5 million tons will be nothing. 45 million tons will be about the same.

After all, once the canal is closed, the shipping distance of all ships under 100,000 tons in the world will be doubled; and although ships are currently developing in a general direction, the proportion of total tonnage above 100,000 tons is still very small. After all, there are not yet How many years has it been developing?

At the same time, Lin Zhichao has calculated an account as of the end of June this year.

Universal Group’s ‘net debt’ is approximately US$150 million, which includes ships launched in the second half of the year;

As for the 10 ships to be built, due to the injection of US$53 million, no loans are needed for the time being. After all, only 25 to 30% of the construction cost needs to be paid. Even if a loan is needed, it will only require US$150 million.

Next, starting from July, Global Shipping's profits will surge.

Based on a fleet of US$900 million, an annual profit of 30% will be as high as approximately US$270 million a year.

Doubled!

When Global Shipping’s shipbuilding capacity reaches 20 million tons, the debt may be gone!

"Boss, Japanese shipyards have increased their prices this year. Several shipyards that can handle 226,000-ton oil tankers have quoted a price of US$21 million. This is still the price given to us by Universal Group." Feng Yongfa returned from an inspection in Japan and told Lin Zhichao that Great news.

Lin Zhichao didn't pay too much attention, but still asked: "What's the reason?"

Feng Yongfa said: "It probably opened up the VLCC market! At the end of last year, Dong Haoyun also built six 226,000-ton oil tankers, which shows that many people really value VLCC oil tankers."

Lin Zhichao nodded and said, "Well, are there any delays in the delivery of their orders?"

Feng Yongfa immediately said: "This is not necessary. Several shipyards have vowed to deliver the ship within 12 to 18 months. They also said that our orders do not need to be queued."

Lin Zhichao knew that it was time to sign the contract for ten VLCCs this month. Once the Suez Canal is closed, orders from shipyards will also increase significantly. Not to mention whether there will be queues, shipbuilding costs alone will increase by more than 10%.

Because shipbuilding costs are themselves affected by the market and steel prices. In the early 1980s, the cost of building a 300,000-ton VLCC oil tanker was US$50 million; but if you built the ship, after five years, the ship would only be sold for US$5 million.

This is why Dong Haoyun and Zhao Congyan almost went bankrupt. The price of boats has also plummeted due to the market. Even if you want to sell the boat, you will lose money if you sell it. We can only find someone to inject capital and wait for the cold shipping winter to pass.

Dong Haoyun was able to build six ships of 226,000 tons last year, which impressed him. Since Kennedy's death, the new US president immediately expanded the Vietnam War, so Asian shipping is also very good.

Dong Haoyun also received a lot of transportation of military supplies by virtue of his relationship with the US government, making a lot of money.

Universal Group has also received some work, but it is not as strong a relationship as Dong Haoyun. After all, Dong Haoyun is Taiwanese and has cooperated with the US military in his early years.

So after Dong Haoyun made money, he immediately borrowed money to build ships, which was similar to his style. It's a pity that he only has less than two million tons of ships and has to develop slowly.

"Okay, let's go to Japan next week to complete this year's shipbuilding task!"

Feng Yongfa hesitated and asked, "Does the boss think something will happen to the Suez Canal?"

After all, the company's sudden increase in debt is different from the boss's usual style.

Lin Zhichao said: "Do you think something will happen?"

Those who work in shipping are most concerned about European and American politics and the situation in the Middle East.

Feng Yongfa thought for a while and said: "It is true that conflicts between Israel and the United Arab Emirates (the United Arab States led by Egypt) have continued in recent years. Last month, there was an air battle between Syria and Israel, and Syria lost six fighter planes. Maybe it is really possible. war!"

Lin Zhichao said calmly: "Regardless of whether there is a war or not, I have mobilized 300 million Hong Kong dollars in funds from other companies, which can be used as a deposit for this shipbuilding. Calculated in this way, our short-term and forward liabilities are approximately 320 million US dollars. Even with the current market conditions, two and a half years will be enough to pay it off, so it won’t be a problem!”

Feng Yongfa nodded and said, "Okay!"

He just reminded his boss that the debt was a bit high.

Although with the current market conditions, it can be paid off in about two years without building new ships. But we are afraid that if new ships cannot be rented out, shipping will decline, and the debt of more than 300 million US dollars will be fatal.

Of course, the current shipping situation is good and there should be no sudden drop, Feng Yongfa thought.

Two days later, Lin Zhichao came to the Yangtze River Industrial Park again. He asked several group executives to accompany him to inspect the production workshop.

"How many workers are there in the Yangtze River Industrial Park now?" Lin Zhichao asked.

"The Yangtze River Industrial Park has a total of 12,100 workers and employees, mainly concentrated in toy and zipper factories. There are not many workers in high-end wigs and Midea electrical appliances. The smelting plant in Tseung Kwan O has a total of 1,500 workers." Wang Liang replied immediately .

Midea Electrical Appliances has not developed very well. Radios and electric fans are not among the top three in Hong Kong; in fact, there is no serious development.

Lin Zhichao asked again: "What about everyone's salary?"

Wang Liang and everyone were a little surprised. The boss should know about it, but thinking about it, the boss might want to bring up the next topic.

"The salaries are very good! According to your instructions, some low-income unskilled workers, child laborers, etc. were laid off at the end of last year. Now our workers are almost all skilled workers, and the salary generally reaches 250~300 Hong Kong dollars. At this level, it has been It’s almost the highest in Hong Kong, and it’s hard for any factory to reach this average figure.”

"Okay, we are the largest industrial group in Hong Kong, so naturally we also want the best treatment."

After that, Lin Zhichao stopped talking about these things, and the layout had already been laid out.

It is not only necessary to ensure that the Yangtze River Industrial Group does not have a strike wave, but more importantly, everyone must unite as one to ensure normal production in the next half year.

Of course, those who are actually on strike in Hong Kong are those with trade unions, namely Hong Kong Tramways, Star Ferry, Hong Kong Electric, CMB, Kowloon Bus, etc. Although it was started by a private plastic flower enterprise at the beginning, it was just an introduction, and everything in the later stage was organized.

In fact, Hong Kong's industrial output will not fall this year and will continue to grow. This also proves that private companies in Hong Kong are still very strong. If you want to cause trouble, I will fire you and find someone to work for you immediately.

Arriving at the production workshop, Lin Zhichao felt more comfortable.

Other factories in Hong Kong are generally small and messy, but Cheung Kong Industries' factories appear to be orderly, clean, and not too densely spaced.

This is due to the 4S management system and the factory floor area of ​​1.2 million square feet. The factory building is very sufficient, but it is still half empty. Because after the production of plastic flowers and wigs stopped, many factories were left behind.

After an inspection, Lin Zhichao wanted to take the senior executives to the workers' canteen for dinner.

However, as soon as he finished eating, he lost his appetite, but he still sat down with the executives to eat.

"I remember the standard is 50 cents per person for food. What do you think?" Lin Zhichao was a little unhappy while eating.

Wang Liang planed the vegetables and then said: "There is oil, water and meat, so the standards should be correct. Our purchasing department has people who supervise corruption. It's just that this dish was not fried carefully. I feel that the chef is very irresponsible."

Lin Zhichao said: "It goes without saying! We will improve this aspect later. The standard of food for 5 cents is already very high. Last year, there was a big fuss over the price increase of 5 cents. For 5 cents, you can buy a bowl of porridge and A small side dish is enough for breakfast; now I give the workers 50 cents each for lunch. I am not happy to eat like this, and maybe the chefs are messing around. In this regard, please get it done as soon as possible! The group management will take turns to experience it.”

"Well, we must do it seriously!"

Many workers looked at them curiously. They may not know Lin Zhichao and the others very well, but those in suits and ties were still relatively rare. The management has a dedicated canteen, and the concept of hierarchy still needs to be maintained.

Lin Zhichao saw this and waved over two female workers.

"What do you think of the food now?"

The two female workers were a little scared, and one said: "It's much better than last year, there is meat in every ton!"

Lin Zhichao picked up a piece of fat meat and said, "Can you eat such meat?"

There are many female workers in Yangtze River Industry, and there is no discrimination. Men and women receive equal pay for equal work.

"A little fat, I can eat it occasionally!"

Lin Zhichao nodded and said: "That's it! This chef doesn't know how to do it better. Don't worry, this situation will be improved in a week. If the chefs can't cook well, replace them. Go ahead!"

Later, Lin Zhichao said to the senior management: "You can cook two dishes and fry them separately! One dish with more oil and water, and one vegetable. And the cost is actually the same. It depends on whether they pay attention!"

Wang Liang nodded and said: "The boss is right. In this regard, our company is 'people-oriented and treats employees well', but the work has not been done well."

Lin Zhichao said: "Why is our factory so big in Hong Kong and still so profitable? Not to mention the big aspects, our factory has a lot of skilled workers, many of whom have been working for five or ten years. Exactly, Our zippers and toys are all competing with Japan, and we rely on quality. Assuming that zippers are made by novices, can you ensure that the quality is still so good?"

Wang Liang said: "Definitely not! Details determine success or failure. These skilled workers are very precious. New employees can only do some processes that will not affect the process."

After chatting about management principles, everyone learned a lot.

Lin Zhichao has inspected many factories in Germany and Japan. The quality of their workers is really good, so he has put a lot of effort into this aspect over the years.

A week later, Lin Zhichao started a trip to Japan, during which he planned to build 10 226,000-ton oil tankers. However, he has made an agreement with various shipyards to keep it confidential, at least the identity of the shipbuilding owners must be kept secret.

A total of four shipyards completed orders, with delivery dates ranging from 12 to 18 hours. In other words, it would be delivered in October 1968 at the latest; by then, it had just been closed for a year, and other people's ships had not yet been launched, and they were still very popular.

It is expected that there will be a shortage of merchant ships in the first four years. After all, shipyards have no time to build them; there is a fixed number of ships that shipyards can build in a year.