Reborn in 2005, starting with repairing mobile phones

The car drove out of the factory and headed towards downtown DZ.

Lin Dong leaned back in his seat.

ATL.

This company was established in 2005, just six years ago, and is located in Chang'an Town, Dongguan.

The owner, Zeng Yuqun, has a technical background and started his business in polymer lithium batteries.

When he was reborn, ATL was already the world's largest supplier of polymer lithium batteries.

Apple, Samsung, Huawei, and Xiaomi are all their clients. More than half of all battery-powered devices, from smartphones and laptops to drones, use their battery cells.

big mac.

But that's a story for later.

Now, in 2005, they had only just started out.

Lin Dong had checked the information.

Last year, ATL entered Apple's supply chain to make batteries for iPods. Being able to get in indicates that their technology and quality control have passed the most stringent hurdles.

But Apple doesn't put all its eggs in one basket; ATL probably just got a share, not an exclusive deal.

This is not the most crucial point.

Most importantly, Lin Dong knew that ATL's truly good product wasn't the one Apple was currently using.

When Apple selects batteries, it prioritizes stability, maturity, and high yield.

At this stage, ATL has a battery under development with a significantly higher energy density than the current one, but the technology is too new and stability is still being tested, so Apple is hesitant to use it.

Lin Dong knew that that battery would become mainstream in the future.

That's exactly what he wanted.

If you act now, and wait until it's fully developed, it will be ready just in time for his phone to be released.

He can also help ATL run data, a win-win situation.

As for the Apple one, whoever wants it can have it.

In a private room of a teahouse in downtown DZ.

Zhang Minghai sat by the window, holding a cup of tea in his hand, but didn't drink it.

He glanced at the clock on the wall.

Ten minutes left.

The person who contacted him was named Lin Dong, from Shenzhen, and supposedly worked in the mobile phone industry.

He had seen the information; the young man was excessively young, only eighteen years old, and had just finished the college entrance examination. However, the company owned an entire floor in Futian and had a factory in Dongguan, and had recently received 50 million yuan in its accounts.

Unlike ordinary people.

Zhang Minghai put down his teacup.

He worked at ATL for three years, where he was responsible for new client development.

Last year's Apple order was secured by his colleague, not him. His colleague had a mature solution, and the client wanted stability and wasn't willing to take risks. The new battery he was promoting had a higher energy density, but it was too new, and no one dared to take the job.

In the past six months, he hasn't had a single decent order.

If this continues, forget about year-end performance reviews.

Today's Lin Dong is young, owns a factory, and has money in his account. Most importantly, he makes mobile phones, which require batteries.

Zhang Minghai glanced at the clock on the wall again.

Time is up.

The door to the private room was pushed open.

A young man walked in, followed by a silent driver.

Zhang Minghai stood up.

"President Lin?"

Lin Dong nodded and extended his hand.

"Manager Zhang."

The two shook hands and sat down.

Zhang Minghai sized up the young man opposite him.

Jeans, T-shirt, sneakers—he looks like a college student who just got out of school.

"President Lin is young and promising."

Lin Dong smiled.

"You're too kind, Manager Zhang."

The waiter came in to pour tea, then left.

Zhang Minghai spoke first.

"Mr. Lin makes mobile phones, so he needs batteries. We at ATL make batteries, specifically for mobile phones. We can have a good chat today."

Lin Dong nodded.

"That's what I think too."

Zhang Minghai took out several documents and placed them on the table.

"These are some of our company's main products right now. This one, 523450, has a capacity of 850 mAh and a thickness of 5.2 mm; it's used in many feature phones. This one, 603048, has a capacity of 1050 mAh and a thickness of 6.0 mm; it's suitable for slightly larger models..."

He introduced each item one by one.

Lin Dong listened, flipping through the documents, without saying a word.

523450 is for feature phones. 603048 is also for feature phones.

These are all mature solutions, readily available on the market. They can be installed and used, but that's about it.

What he wants is not something that can be used.

Yes, they can fight.

His phone screen is larger than a feature phone, consumes more power, and has stricter heat dissipation requirements than a feature phone.

With these batteries, the battery life won't last more than half a day.

Zhang Minghai is still giving his introduction.

Lin Dong turned to the next page.

It's still pretty much the same thing.

After Zhang Minghai finished his introduction, he looked at him.

"Which one is Mr. Lin interested in?"

Lin Dong closed the documents.

"I'm not entirely satisfied with any of them."

Zhang Minghai was stunned for a moment.

"Not satisfied with any of that? What size does Mr. Lin need?"

Lin Dong took out Su Xiaowen's design drawings, flipped to the page with the battery compartment, and pushed it over.

Zhang Minghai glanced at it.

stunned for a moment.

I've never seen this size before.

It's not Nokia, not Motorola, not Samsung.

The battery compartment of any mainstream mobile phone on the market is not this size.

He looked up and glanced at Lin Dong.

This person didn't make a reference design machine.

Lin Dong didn't say anything.

When he pushed that picture over, he knew Zhang Minghai would be stunned for a moment.

This size is not available on the market; it's not from Nokia, Motorola, or any of Samsung's reference designs.

This is exactly the effect he wanted.

Let the other party know that he's not there to build a reference design machine. He's there to create his own.

Zhang Minghai lowered his head again and stared at the size for a few seconds.

"Mr. Lin, this size, according to the current market solutions, really can't produce a very large capacity. The largest capacity that can be achieved on the market is the few models I just introduced. If you want a larger one, you'll have to get a thicker one."

Lin Dong shook his head.

Phones can't be thick. If they're too thick, the feel in the hand is ruined, and the design is wasted.

Su Xiaowen's lines, curves, and countless revisions were all designed to make it thin and light to hold. Making it thicker now would be a waste of all her efforts.

And it will have to get thinner and thinner in the future.

This is the trend.

"It cannot be thickened."

Zhang Minghai frowned.

If you don't want what you already have, and you can't make it thicker, then you'll have to order a custom-made one.

Customization is not impossible, but it requires creating new molds, re-running data, and re-measuring lifespan. It involves a long cycle, high costs, and significant risks.

Most customers wouldn't dare to do this.

"Well, there's no other way, we'll have to make it to order."

Customization is not an option.

The timeframe is too long; we can't afford to wait. We also don't have enough capital to afford the hassle. What he needs now is something that can be used immediately, not another new project.

He looked at Zhang Minghai.

"Does your company have any new models? The kind that are still under development?"

New model?

How did he know the lab had a new model?

At this size, mature solutions on the market cannot achieve large capacity, but he happens to have a battery that is currently running data, with an energy density 15% higher than the current one, and the size is also about right.

However, it is still under development and has not been mass-produced, so most customers dare not accept it, and even Apple has rejected it.

He glanced at Lin Dong.

Was this person asking casually, or did they know something about it?

Zhang Minghai took a deep breath.

"Yes, we have one in our lab, and we're currently running data tests. Its energy density is 15% higher than current products on the market, and it has passed 80% of its lifespan testing. But it's still in the R&D stage and hasn't entered mass production yet."

This is the one.

The mainstream battery of the future. ATL has just started running data, but it won't be long before it succeeds. Then everyone in the market will be scrambling to get their hands on it.

But that's for later.

It was 2005, and nobody dared to use this battery. Apple didn't dare, Samsung didn't dare, nobody dared.

He dares.

He's placing the order now, getting the samples now, and running the data now.

By the time this battery was truly mature, he had been running data for half a year, adjusting countless versions of the solution, and working back and forth with ATL's technical team countless times.

At that time, when others come to buy, they will be customers.

He bought it because he was a comrade-in-arms.

Lin Dong pointed to the design drawing.

"Will this fit my size?"

Zhang Minghai glanced down at it.

"...The size should be fine."

Lin Dong nodded. It's good that the size is correct.

"It's okay if there's no mass production yet. You just need samples, and I'll run the data. This way, we both benefit. If it works out, all future orders will be yours."

Zhang Minghai looked at him without saying a word.

This guy is really daring.

We gave him the samples, he ran the data, and he became the exclusive supplier. He took the risks, and we shared the profits.

He's been in this line of work for three years and has never seen anyone talk like this before.

"Mr. Lin," he began, "this product is still under development, and we do have a prototype. However..."

He paused.

"Are you sure you don't want to choose a proven battery? What if this one has a problem? Your phone project..."

Lin Dong smiled.

"I trust my judgment. I also believe in ATL's capabilities."

Vision, capability.

He promoted this battery for six months, but no one dared to take it on.

Now, an 18-year-old dares to use it on a phone he made himself.

He suddenly smiled.

"it is good."

Zhang Minghai looked at him.

"Mr. Lin, I've been promoting this battery for six months, and no one dared to take it on. You're the first."

He paused.

"Since you're so bold, I have no problem. The samples will be delivered to you next week. We'll run the data together. If it's successful, you'll have priority for ATL batteries from now on."

Lin Dong held out his hand. The battery was sorted out, and it would be the best and most popular battery for the next few years, even better than the one Apple was currently using.

The samples will arrive next week, and we'll run the data together. Once the order volume increases, we'll sign an exclusive agreement with them. For now, let's make a good impression.

It's a deal.

Zhang Minghai grasped it.

It's a deal.

As I walked out of the teahouse, it was still daylight.

Lin Dong got into the car.

"Ah-Hao, back to the factory."

The sun hadn't set when the car drove into the Oriental Precision Factory.

At the warehouse entrance, Zhang Mingyuan squatted on the ground, holding calipers and measuring something against a newly milled shell.

Su Xiaowen stood next to him, holding the blueprints in her hand, occasionally leaning over to take a look.

Li Guohui stood to the side, several cigarette butts lying at his feet. He just stood there, staring blankly at the pile of aluminum.

Upon hearing the car, all three of them looked up.

Lin Dong opened the car door and walked over.

Zhang Mingyuan stood up.

"Mr. Lin, you're back?"

Lin Dong nodded and glanced at the milled shells on the ground.

They are silvery-white and shiny, some with burrs on the edges, and some have been polished.

He picked one up and turned it over to look at it. It was still quite a bit short. But considering he'd managed to finish this much by now, Li Guohui certainly had some skill.

He put down the shell and looked at Zhang Mingyuan.

"Have you measured it?"

Zhang Mingyuan nodded.

"We measured them. The first batch of three all had size discrepancies. The closest one is 0.5 millimeters off."

Lin Dong nodded.

"Can you adjust it?"

Li Guohui chimed in from the side.

"Yes. With a little more work on the cutting process, the next batch should be able to meet the tolerances."

Lin Dong looked at the three of them.

Zhang Mingyuan's eyes were a little red, and he kept staring at the pile of shells without looking away. Su Xiaowen leaned against the wall, her hand holding the blueprints hanging limply. Li Guohui stood there silently, several cigarette butts lying at his feet.

It's been a whole day, since morning. He glanced at the sky; the sun was about to set, and these people hadn't even had a bite to eat.

We should take them out for something nice to eat.

"I have some good news to announce."

"The battery is sorted out," Lin Dong said.

The three of them were stunned for a moment.

Zhang Mingyuan was the first to react.

"All done? What battery?"

Lin Dong looked at him.

"ATL batteries. The latest model is still under development. We're helping them run the data, and the batteries should arrive next week."

Su Xiaowen raised her head.

Zhang Mingyuan's eyes lit up.

"What about the size? Is it suitable?"

Lin Dong nodded.

"Can."

Zhang Mingyuan took a deep breath.

"Great. With the mid-frame and casing done, and the battery arriving, my motherboard will be ready to run."

Su Xiaowen's lips twitched slightly.

Li Guohui smiled too.

Lin Dong picked up the shell again and turned it over to take a look.

The battery won't arrive for another week, no rush.

He put down the shell and looked at them.

"Everyone has had a hard day. Let's go eat first."

Zhang Mingyuan was stunned for a moment.

"Now?"

Lin Dong nodded.

"You can't rush things. You need to be well-rested to have the energy to work hard."

Zhang Mingyuan glanced at the calipers in his hand, then at the pile of shells. Su Xiaowen tidied up the drawings. Li Guohui put the cigarette pack into his pocket.

Lin Dong turned and walked out.

"Let's go eat, and let's invite Wang Mei too."

Li Guohui came to his senses.

"They're in the workshop. I'll go get them."

A few minutes later, Wang Mei came out of the workshop, followed by two workers. When she saw Lin Dong, she walked over quickly.

"President Lin."

Lin Dong nodded.

"You've worked hard. Let's go eat together."

Wang Mei smiled.

"That would be great."

Lin Dong turned and walked out.

"Ah-Hao, is there enough cars?"

Ah Hao looked at the person.

"Not enough. We need to bring another one."

Wang Mei chimed in from the side.

"Let's take the factory's vehicles; a few of us can go."

She pointed to herself, then to the two workers.

Lin Dong nodded.

Wang Mei turned around and greeted the two people.

"Come on, take that pickup truck. Follow me, I know a good place to eat."

Several people walked out.

Zhang Mingyuan followed, then looked back at the pile of shells.

Lin Dong saw it all.

"I'll still be here tomorrow; I can't run away."

Zhang Mingyuan smiled and followed.

Twenty minutes later, the two cars stopped in front of a restaurant near the factory.

It's not a high-end place, just the kind of restaurant that workers often go to, but it's clean, bright, and the portions are large.

The boss recognized Li Guohui and, seeing the commotion, quickly cleared out a large private room.

The round table could seat more than a dozen people. Lin Dong sat in the main seat, with Zhang Mingyuan, Su Xiaowen, Li Guohui, and Wang Mei sitting next to him. Two workers sat at the lower end, and Ahao sat near the door.

The food arrived quickly: braised pork, steamed fish, stir-fried vegetables, a large bowl of chicken soup, and several bottles of beer.

Li Guohui opened the wine and poured it for everyone.

"Mr. Lin, I'm in a good mood today, let's have a drink."

Lin Dong picked up his cup.

"Thank you for your hard work. This toast is for everyone."

Zhang Mingyuan raised his glass and downed it in one gulp.

Su Xiaowen took a sip, put down her cup, and picked up her chopsticks again.

Wang Mei laughed beside her.

"Designer Su, eat more. You're so thin."

Su Xiaowen paused for a moment, then smiled.

The atmosphere gradually warmed up.

Zhang Mingyuan began by explaining how the shell was milled today, and he was very meticulous when talking about Li Guohui's toolpath adjustments.

Li Guohui listened from the side, occasionally interjecting a word.

Wang Mei invited the two workers to eat.

Ah-hao sat by the door, not saying much, but the corners of his mouth were always curved.

Lin Dong looked at the group of people at the table. The battery was done, the casing was ready, and everyone was there.

He picked up the cup and took another sip.

By the time we finished eating, it was completely dark.

Li Guohui paid the bill, saying it was on him.

Lin Dong did not argue.

Stepping out of the restaurant, a night breeze blew by, making it much cooler.

Wang Mei walked over.

"Mr. Lin, where are Engineer Li and the others staying..."

Lin Dong thought for a moment.

Are there places to stay near the factory?

Wang Mei nodded.

"Yes. We rented a few single rooms in the building next door. But the conditions are so-so."

Lin Dong looked at Zhang Mingyuan and Su Xiaowen.

"Wang Mei, are there any decent hotels nearby?"

Wang Mei thought about it.

"There's one in town, a ten-minute drive away."

Lin Dong nodded.

"Send them over there. They can stay for the next few days, and we'll make arrangements later."

Wang Mei nodded.

"it is good."

Lin Dong glanced at Zhang Mingyuan and Su Xiaowen.

"Let's get back to work tomorrow. The batteries will arrive in another week, no rush."