The Birth of the Hong Kong Island Family.

Chapter 247 [He is dreaming! 】

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 the Yangtze River Industry Group and has registered British, American and international patents. Bourne Machinery is just an OEM.

The Yangtze River Industry Group has dozens of mechanical engineers, and it is also a strategic alliance with Bourne Machinery, so it can be regarded as a technology company.

"Can 'Doll Noodles' sell 1000 million bags this year?" Lin Zhichao asked.

The general manager Chen Ping said confidently: "No problem! In addition to the Hong Kong market, we have also opened up the Sing Tao 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 was launched in 1956, and it entered the Sing Tao market last year (1957).

In fact, the mere annual sales of 1000 million bags is nothing.

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

At present, Hong Kong has a population of about 250 million, and the average annual consumption is 2 to 3 bags, which is obviously nothing!
"How's the situation at Nissin?"

Chen Ping immediately reported in detail:

"Nissin Ramen has been on the market for almost a year and a half. The price is 35 yen per bag. It is very popular in Japan. Now, the monthly sales are 800 million bags. However, some imitation instant noodles have appeared in Japan, and they have deciphered how to make instant noodles. and machine technology, and prices are starting to come down."

"Recently, I am hiring a team of Japanese lawyers, and Momofuku Ando from Nissin Corporation, to prepare for a lawsuit in Japan on the copyright of 'instant noodles' and the patented technology rights of instant noodle machines."

Lin Zhichao asked again: "What about after winning?"

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 object of 'sanctions'.

Moreover, there is another way that the Japanese government judges you to win the lawsuit, but those manufacturers continue to produce, 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 not that much energy!
Chen Ping said: "As long as we own the copyright of 'instant noodles' in Japan, we can take the initiative, and at least we can charge 'transfer patent fees', which will generate much more income. Moreover, we can also collect fees from Japanese equipment manufacturers for patents on instant noodle machines."

Lin Zhichao said: "Well, it makes sense! You can discuss with Momofuku Ando more, he is Japanese, and we can better solve these problems. Of course, the 'copyright of instant noodles' and 'patents for machinery and equipment' you mentioned must be in the 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, the doll transferred the technology and patent of "instant noodles" to him, provided the right to buy machines, 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!

Remembering that Koreans like to talk about 'instant noodles' in variety shows in the future, and they are known as the big country of instant noodles, Lin Zhichao wants to laugh. When the variety show of Hong Kong TV station comes, "instant noodles were invented by Hong Kong" will be slapped in the face!

"I have invested in a piece of land in Kwun Tong and plan to build an industrial building. At that time, the production of doll noodles will be moved there. Instant noodles are a big question. The strength and texture of noodles, as well as instant noodles with 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 had absolute admiration for Lin Zhichao, the boss. He often took one step and thought three steps, and his understanding and views on instant noodles were far longer than his vision.

The only thing that puzzled him was, did the boss have enough time?
"Yes, the boss is right, the boss, do we need to enter Japan, Taiwan Island, Southeast Asia, South Korea and other regions for our instant noodles?"

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

Lin Zhichao said: "There is no need to enter now, it will be detrimental to us! We just need to cooperate with local companies in these regions and countries at the right opportunity, and enter through equity participation, so that we can continuously obtain profits. Only when the time is right, Doll Noodles will consider entering overseas. After all, there are no locals to explore the market and increase the popularity of instant noodles, and there will be no one interested in our sales.”

In the 60s, Doll Noodles can take the lead in developing cup noodles with 'expanded polystyrene as a container' 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, one needs to eat every bite.

Chen Ping said modestly: "Yes, let's increase our popularity 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 the challenge. Doll noodles will not be a small business, but will become a world brand."

The Nissin ramen in this life is limited to Japan. After all, it loses the right to joint ventures with Taiwan and South Korea, and "cup noodles" will be developed first by doll noodles. It is impossible to achieve success overseas.

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

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

In the shipyard, Lin Zhichao listened carefully to the introduction of Toshio Toshio, the president of 'Ishikawajima Harima Heavy Industries'.

"The actual load capacity of the 10-ton oil tanker we designed is 104520 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 concern: "What about the technology?"

At present, only [-] tons of oil tankers have been launched this year, and [-] tons of oil tankers will be launched next year. Although Lin Zhichao believes in Japan's shipbuilding capabilities (the country organizes various study groups, and after learning in Europe and the United States, it will be distributed to various shipyards), But the speed of Japan made Lin Zhichao a little unbelievable.

Tu Guangminfu immediately said confidently: "Mr. Lin, we only dared to actually build a [-]-ton oil tanker after we demonstrated the technology. At present, we have already placed orders from domestic shipping companies."

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

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

Tu Guangshen was overjoyed. For Lin Zhichao, a customer, the Japanese shipyards are very aware of their strength and reputation, and they are the targets of major shipyards.

Moreover, it was rumored that Global Shipping accepted the settlement in Japanese yen from the chartering company, and even the funds were deposited in major banks in Japan, and they did not withdraw them.That is to say, Global Shipping itself intends to build ships in Japan.

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

"Mr. Lin, this way please, let's go to the conference room to chat!"

"please"

When he came to Japan this time, Lin Zhichao really had the intention of building a [-]-ton oil tanker, so he had already made up his mind at this time.

But in the meeting room, the two sides negotiated for a long time, from technology to price, are the key negotiating objects.

For a 980-ton oil tanker, Ishikawajima Harima Heavy Industries quoted US$[-] million, which is still very cheap.

The price of the ship is not fixed. The price may increase by 10-20% in the peak season, and it may be cheaper in the off-season, which 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.

Now a 20-ton oil tanker can build a first-class Grade A office building in Central Hong Kong (counted as land); but 20 years later, a [-]-ton oil tanker can only buy a "medium-sized building" in Central , but also depends on the location and area.

If Lin Zhichao is not rich, he can afford to buy a building in Central Hong Kong at any time, otherwise he would rather use the funds to buy a building in Central, of course, the premise is that someone sells it or the government land is auctioned.

"President Tuguang, in the next three years, our global shipping is expected to build 20 oil tankers with a capacity of more than [-] tons in Japan. And we can give priority to satisfying the 'low-price leasing' of Japanese customers. In this regard, 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 lease them to you at low prices."

Tu Guangshenfu was startled when he heard that there were [-] oil tankers with a capacity of over [-] tons, and then remembered that Global Shipping accepted Japanese shipping company yen settlement, which further verified this point.

"If this is the case, our lowest price can be 950 million US dollars!"

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

Lin Zhichao nodded, and immediately agreed to the price.After all, it's all about this, and there's no point in bargaining. This isn't 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 generally three years, because the market for 60s oil tankers is good.

The lifespan of an oil tanker is far less than that of a freighter. A freighter can be scrapped within 40 years, but an oil tanker may only have a lifespan of 20 years before 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 Tuguang, do you know the semi-submersible ship designed by Chinese-American scholar Ka Baoqi?"

Mr. Tu Guangshen was still very familiar with his business, and 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 only a laboratory design, I have consulted him himself and through careful demonstration, I think it is feasible. Once this type of ship is built, it will be much faster and reduce fuel consumption, so I would like to cooperate with your company to build a 1.2-ton multi-purpose passenger and cargo ship according to this design, which is specially used for fixed routes to the west coast of the United States."

In this day and age, some people dare not make planes, some people can't afford to fly planes, and some people are inconvenient to make planes, so "passenger and cargo ships" appear.

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

"Okay, I'll send someone to the United States to talk later, and then come to your company to talk."

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

This experiment was published in a magazine in the mid-50s, and no shipowner has been willing to try it. Now Lin Zhichao is trying boldly, first because he has analyzed the technology and thinks the design is feasible; , to demonstrate their expertise.

In the previous life, Dong Haoyun looked down on Bao Yugang, and there was Bao Yugang who only knew about "long-term leasing to customers" to calculate economic accounts and bank accounts, but he did not show his skills in shipping.

And Dong Haoyun started a shipping magazine in 1954, which published some shipping technologies and prices for people's reference.

And in this life, Lin Zhichao also published the whole system design of "container shipping" in 1954. As soon as the article was published, it was sought after by the world's shipping magazines; as a result, the Americans achieved this goal last year, which incidentally made Lin Zhichao famous again up.

Lin Zhichao's publication is not the theoretical knowledge of his previous life, but his technology in this life, which integrates the theory of the previous life, and also participated in the "advisory group" of global shipping during the period.

Anyway, Lin Zhichao also needs to keep brushing up the character design, so he occasionally publishes some articles for shipping magazines.

After the two oil tankers were settled, Lin Zhichao came to the headquarters of Nissin Ramen, accompanied by the management of Chen Ping Doll Noodles.

Ando Momofuku still has no complaints about Lin Zhichao, or the doll noodles. On the contrary, he is grateful. After all, the doll noodles are the inventor of instant noodles; more than two years.

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

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

In one and a half years, the monthly sales volume is 800 million packs, and the annual sales volume is [-] million packs. This growth rate is really fast.

Momofuku Ando said modestly: "Japan has a large population base, and the speed of development is normal. Nissin Ramen has just started!"

Lin Zhichao nodded.

Afterwards, 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 visiting around, it gives people the feeling that it is developing fast, but when you think about the annual sales of 2000 million packs of ramen and the profit of [-] million Hong Kong dollars, it is a matter of course.

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

"The current price of Nissin ramen is 35 yen, but now many manufacturers in Japan are entering the market at a cheaper price, and we have encountered great difficulties." Momofuku Ando introduced.

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

Hearing that, Momofuku Ando said, "What you said makes sense!" But then he changed the subject and said, "Mr. Lin, the market in Hong Kong is small after all. Have you considered selling doll noodles to Nissin Ramen? Pay a high price!"

Lin Zhichao and Chen Ping were taken aback for a moment, they never thought that Momofuku Ando would come up with this idea.

Indeed, if ordinary people own 49% of Nissin Ramen and do not have a huge market, they may also consider selling it; but Lin Zhichao is not an ordinary person, he will not consider this at all.

Chen Ping immediately said: "Mr. Anteng, I know you are looking at our patent, right?"

Momofuku Ando nodded honestly, and said, "Yes, I can't deny that! Facing knockoff factories in Japan, our Nissin Ramen needs patents to deal with them!"

Lin Zhichao said with a smile: "If Mr. Iteng was given your patent, how would you deal with them? Could it be that they are not allowed to produce?"

Seeing Lin Zhichao's relaxed smile, Momofuku Ando immediately understood that his opponents saw farther than him.

He could only say: "The only way is to win the Japanese copyright 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 shortage of Japanese agriculture. "

After so many years of recovery of Japanese agriculture, it still cannot meet the food supply of the Japanese, so American flour still occupies a large share; however, the Japanese do not like to eat bread, so ramen alleviates this problem.

So, why is instant noodles said to be 'one of the greatest inventions', because it is a very useful product for Japan, and also for Korea.Because the United States only provides flour from these two countries, but not rice, because Americans don't like to eat rice.

Lin Zhichao said seriously: "This time we came to Japan precisely 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 we We can win the lawsuit in Japan. As for the future, we can open it to other Japanese brands, but they have to charge patent fees. Similarly, we also have patents for instant noodle making machines.”

Momofuku Ando smiled bitterly: "Mr. Lin is really good at doing business, I admit that what you said is very reasonable!"

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 for the shares; although when the factory was first established, Doll Noodles also provided a lot of help - such as providing channels for machines and loans.

But undoubtedly, the price of Nissin ramen is the biggest.

Next, Lin Zhichao eased the atmosphere: "Mr. An Teng, I also hope to get your help when I come to inspect Nissin Ramen this time, and participate in winning the 'Japanese Copyright for Instant Noodles' for us. Anyway, Nissin Ramen can be the first to get it. It also took the lead in occupying the Japanese market. Moreover, we will not charge too high a patent fee. In the future, Nissin Ramen will also be the leader in the Japanese ramen industry, and we can cooperate in these areas.”

The implication is that the amount of the patent fee will allow Nissin Ramen to participate in the negotiation at that time. If it is cheap, then Nissin Ramen can gain fame in the Japanese industry.

In fact, Lin Zhichao didn't plan to charge too much, because if he charged too much, he would offend others.What he wants is the 'reputation right', and even if each company pays 2 US dollars for patents, I believe there are dozens of companies paying, which is also a fortune.

"Yes, I agree to this matter. 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 one bone.

At this time, Lin Zhichao threw a bone, and he 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 has to agree to cooperate or not before we can say it!"

Momofuku Ando immediately agreed.

Only then did Chen Ping say: "Pork bone ramen!"

The so-called tonkotsu does not taste like the bones of some rare animals, but the taste of big pig bones.

"Dog" means pig in classical Chinese and Japanese, and there is an important knowledge in it - dolphin, which is a Chinese character, not Japanese.

Many people in later generations eat tonkotsu ramen, thinking that it is a Japanese patent, but they don't know that "pork" 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.

In the past two years, instant noodles were researched. It was because Lin Zhichao gave too many opinions, so it was not considered an innovation. Just follow his ideas.

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

The implication is, will you talk about patents!
Lin Zhichao said: "Nissin Ramen can enter any country and region, including Hong Kong. However, if we cooperate with overseas companies, the patent fees must be handed over to us. Of course, I still hope that overseas companies will cooperate with us. After all, we are inventor."

If the Koreans do not cooperate with Doll Noodles, it would be difficult for Doll Noodles to go to South Korea to win. The place is still barren and there is no reason to say it.Therefore, Lin Zhichao did not say too much.

But on Taiwan Island, Lin Zhichao is going to find a company to cooperate with in the 60s.

As for doll noodles going overseas, it has to be a matter of the future, which is the day when cup noodles were born.

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

Now that Lin Zhichao said so, a thought suddenly emerged in his heart, there is still a chance to buy doll noodles in the future.If Nissin Ramen grows bigger in the overseas market, and the patent for doll noodles has expired, then why should the Hong Kong market not be allowed to be acquired?
Therefore, Momofuku Ando rekindled his hope-to buy doll noodles!

In fact, he was dreaming!

Lin Zhichao wouldn't think about it at all.

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

On the whole, 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.

(End of this chapter)