From Glass to Cables: The Inspiring Stories Behind China’s Manufacturing Revolution
In 1993, 22-year-old Zhou Qunfei transformed a modest three-bedroom apartment in Shenzhen into a bustling workshop for watch glass printing. With her life savings on the line, she had no idea that her venture would become a cornerstone in China’s ascent to a global manufacturing powerhouse.
Born into poverty in rural Hunan Province, Zhou left school at 16 to work in factories in Shenzhen. By day, she endured long shifts; by night, she attended classes in accounting, computer skills, and even truck driving. Her relentless pursuit of knowledge laid the foundation for her future success.
Meanwhile, 800 kilometers north in Wuhan, Zhong Sheng began his career at Yangtze Optical Fibre and Cable (YOFC) as a maintenance worker. Struggling with complex imported equipment, Zhong faced a turning point in 1996 when he repaired a critical Finnish coating line in just 48 hours. His determination to overcome foreign technological dependence led him to develop China’s first fully domestic optical cable control software.
Despite obstacles like technical embargoes and personal health challenges, Zhong’s team completed the project in two years, significantly under budget. His philosophy of “root-cause repair” shifted maintenance from mere fixes to proactive innovation. Over two decades, Zhong spearheaded over 200 technical innovations and secured multiple patents, helping YOFC become the world’s leading optical fiber producer by market share.
The journeys of Zhou and Zhong are emblematic of China’s transformation from the “world’s factory” to a hub of high-tech innovation. In the early 2000s, as globalization accelerated, China invested heavily in education, research and development, and infrastructure. This strategic move enabled the country to climb the value chain, fostering homegrown champions in hardware, semiconductors, and advanced materials.
China’s share of global manufacturing value added increased from 6% in 2000 to over 30% two decades later. In sectors like fiber optics, smartphone components, and lithium batteries, Chinese companies have taken the lead.
Zhou’s company, Lens Technology, exemplifies this rise. In 2001, she seized the opportunity to produce glass screens for mobile phones, adapting her expertise from watch glass. Her breakthrough came when she provided scratch-resistant glass for the first iPhone in 2007. Today, Lens Technology holds over 2,200 patents and has expanded into cutting-edge fields like AI glasses and smart vehicles.
The stories of Zhou Qunfei and Zhong Sheng highlight the impact of individual determination on a nation’s trajectory. Their innovations not only propelled their companies to global prominence but also contributed significantly to China’s role as a vital player in global supply chains.
