International orders for Siyuan Electric Group have surged dramatically in 2024, marking the start of the year with remarkable growth trajectories for the company based in Shanghai's Xinzhuang Industrial Zone. This rapid expansion can be attributed to strategic shifts and increased demands for innovative energy solutions from global markets.
On the first working day after the Lunar New Year, Chen Zhaoping, the Party Secretary of Siyuan Electric, noted, "Most employees have already returned to work as overseas orders are pressing. Domestic key projects also have to catch up on their schedules." This urgency reflects not just immediate needs but also the high stakes associated with meeting international demand.
Since 2023, Siyuan Electric Group's international order volume has increased by over 50%, illustrating its significant momentum within the global marketplace. Chen highlighted the company's pivotal shift from merely exporting equipment to exporting technical standards, enhancing its competitiveness on the world stage. "The real breakthrough is moving from exporting equipment to exporting technical standards," he commented, pointing out the strategic direction the company has taken.
Fifteen years ago, after the Shanghai Maglev train was operational for some time, Siyuan faced challenges with parts from German suppliers, which offered long lead times and high costs. Instead of conceding to these market barriers, Siyuan's engineers succeeded where many would have faltered, creating substitute products within just 28 days and reducing costs by 70%. This resilience set the foundation for their later successes internationally.
Siyuan Electric's globalization strategy has been prolific, with operational projects now spanning over 70 countries and regions. One notable win occurred during the 2014 World Cup when the company managed to secure contracts for the Rio de Janeiro substation project, confronting established Western competitors directly. The overseas business department head recounted, "At the time, clients questioned Chinese manufacturing quality; we showcased real-time test data from our experimental station on the spot. Our team guaranteed 'two-hour response, four-hour proposal, and 24-hour arrival.' This effectively illuminated the 'Chinese electric light' at the football sanctuary!"
Continued innovations such as their ‘web-type energy storage system’ have positioned them as competitive players alongside industry giants like Siemens. They have also tackled challenges posed by renewable energy's volatility, with projects operating successfully within difficult environments, such as Tibet, by stabilizing local energy grids. "We no longer chase international standards; instead, we now define the technological routes ourselves," noted the company's R&D director, emphasizing the transition to leading rather than following.
Support from local governments has been integral to Siyuan Electric's success. When the company faced labor shortages last summer, officials from the Minhang District established task forces to rapidly fill over 500 vacancies, organizing job fairs and utilizing innovative recruitment strategies like live-streaming job offerings, successfully recruiting 371 skilled workers to meet demands.
Additional infrastructure developments have also played their part. Local authorities have facilitated resources like dedicated roadways, enhancing the logistics and operations of Siyuan Electric. "The Minhang District's service model of 'dual processing' and 'groundbreaking upon land acquisition' drastically shortens our construction timelines," underscored the company's representative, delighted by the proactive cooperation.
Looking to the future, Siyuan Electric Group aspires to continue its expansion and solidify its presence as one of the leaders of the energy sector globally. With backing from local government and continued innovations, Siyuan Electric is steadfastly paving its way as both a pioneer of cutting-edge technology and as a significant facilitator within the rapidly changing energy sector.