I was a tycoon in World War I: Starting to save France

Chapter 71 The Development of the Motorcycle Factory

Charles went to the motorcycle factory first, even though he knew Djokovic was not there.

At this time, the motorcycle factory was a major source of income for Charles, and it could generate a profit of about 20000 francs for Charles every month.

This is a considerable fortune, after all, the workers' monthly salary is only 28 francs.

The motorcycle factory has always been stable, but that doesn't mean that Charles can just come and leave it to fend for itself without even taking a look. This would affect the morale and enthusiasm of the employees.

Therefore, no matter how busy Charles is, no matter how unnecessary it is, no matter how much he knows that the potential for motorcycle development is not great, Charles will still take time to visit the motorcycle factory to avoid giving employees the impression that he is favoring some over others.

When Charles showed up at the motorcycle factory, the employees were first surprised by his military uniform, and then they whispered:
"Look, Master Charles came here to inspect right after he came back. This shows how much he values ​​the motorcycle factory!"

"Of course, think about those orders from the military, they can keep us working for a few years!"

"Work hard, this is where there is the most hope!"

……

Guillaume came over in a hurry. He looked at Charles' uniform and hesitated: "Should I call you lieutenant, Master Charles?"

"As you please, uncle Guillaume," replied Charles; "I shall never change my name for you, whatever you choose to call me."

Guillaume's eyes were instantly touched and a little relieved. At that moment he suddenly had an illusion: how great it would be if Charles was really his nephew!

"Is everything all right?" Charles asked casually.

"Everything is fine, Master Charles!" Guillaume nodded, and he walked with Charles deeper into the factory, saying:

"I plan to reorganize the factory assembly line in the next few days."

“The previous planning was not very reasonable, which resulted in some parts being produced too quickly and some parts being produced too slowly.”

"This will leave some workers with nothing to do while others will have to work overtime and still not be able to keep up with the progress."

"After re-planning, this problem can be roughly solved. We can increase the output by about 5% with the same machines and the same workers!"

Charles highly praised this: "You always surprise me, Uncle Guillaume. I feel relieved to have you around!"

He knew not to use words like "very good" or "you did a great job"; that was too official, too mechanical, and too uncreative.

Sometimes a small change in the way you talk can make the other person feel good and make them give 120% of their enthusiasm. Why not?
Before leaving, Charles made another suggestion: "In addition to increasing production, I think we should also be innovative, Uncle Guillaume!"

"That's right!" Guillaume nodded repeatedly. "I've thought about that, too. We can't just stand still. Sooner or later, others will catch up with us!"

But after a moment's hesitation, Guillaume replied with a hint of embarrassment: "But I don't know which direction to go!"

Guillaume is an honest man. He will not avoid his weaknesses. He is good at reform and innovation in parts, but development in the general direction is not his forte.

Charles gave an answer casually: "We can consider the needs of the battlefield. For example, can the sidecar be converted into a transport vehicle? It can transport ammunition and food to the battlefield, and then transport the wounded back..."

It is necessary to show some talent from time to time, so that you will not be regarded as a waste who knows nothing except money by your employees. That will make you despised by your employees!
Guillaume's eyes widened: "It's a good idea, Master Charles, I... I know how to do it! Oh my God, we are going to receive a large number of orders again!" "Pay attention to the experience of the wounded!" Charles reminded: "This means improving the shock absorbers, otherwise the wounded may die on the road!"

"Of course, Master Charles," replied Guillaume; "I will start designing it at once."

Before leaving, he turned back and added: "It's an honor to work for you, Master Charles! I'm very lucky!"

In Guillaume's opinion, as a worker, nothing can be better than having dignity, honor and generous remuneration. He feels very satisfied and he believes that this is a factory worth devoting his whole life to.

After leaving the motorcycle factory, Charles walked into the tractor factory next door.

The tractor factory actually took a piece of land from the motorcycle factory and even some of the factory buildings and warehouses were borrowed from the motorcycle factory.

The reason is that motorcycles have a large chassis, which is not so necessary nowadays.

In the past, when it was used for civilian purposes, it was necessary to train every purchasing customer and set up a training venue for each customer.

A large area is necessary at this time. If there are two customers learning to drive on the same area, they may collide with each other on their motorcycles.

But providing motorcycles to the military is different, they require to practice together.

When Guillaume asked the soldiers to practice separately and form a team after they were proficient, the officer glared and roared: "We don't have time, old man! Besides, we have to go to the battlefield to face the enemy's bullets and shells. What does this little danger matter?"

In fact, the military basically does not need a venue, because after they know the basic common sense such as how to start and shift gears, and where the accelerator and brake are, they can ride their motorcycles on the road or even go to the battlefield.

As a result, the large area of ​​the motorcycle factory became useless, and Charles had a low wall built between them to enclose the area and several houses, and the tractor factory was formed.

Charles went straight to the R&D department, the heart of the factory, where Charles was manufacturing the prototype of a special tank, the "Mark I".

Dejoka and Joseph were both there, busy with the huge diamond-shaped steel behemoth when Charles came in.

"Hey, Charles!" Djokovic was not surprised when he saw Charles.

"I heard from Camille on the phone!" Djokovic came up to Charles and looked him over, then explained, "Although we are not very willing to let you join the army, this uniform really suits you!"

Joseph put down his tools and walked up to Charles to greet him: "Nice to meet you, Master Charles!"

"Is everything okay?" Charles turned his gaze to the Mark I tank.

Compared to the crude steel plates welded on the tractor before, this is a tank specially designed for battlefield operations. Once it is launched, it will undoubtedly eliminate all the tanks in Francis' hands.

No wonder Francis was nervous and eager to retaliate!

"Everything is fine, Master Charles!" Joseph nodded. "But we think that if there is still extra load, why not add a small-caliber cannon to it?"

Ciel shook his head slightly.

The idea of ​​adding artillery is tempting, and the Mark I tank historically had artillery, but Charles would not do that.

(End of this chapter)