BEIJING, Sept. 29,
2024 /PRNewswire/ -- As dawn breaks over Hangji
town in Yangzhou, Jiangsu
Province, the first rays of sunlight spill onto the bustling
streets, illuminating the rhythmic hum of toothbrush production
lines. In a cozy Beijing hutong, a
grandmother beams with delight as she unwraps her brand-new
toothbrush, its bristles gleaming with promise. Thousands of miles
away, guests at opulent hotels in Dubai indulge in lavish oral care
routines, where even this simplest act becomes a luxurious ritual.
While on the other side of the globe, in the icy expanse of
Antarctica, scientists endure
frigid winds, finding small comfort in their trusted toothbrushes
amid the stark wilderness.
Lives that seem worlds apart are intricately connected by this
small yet essential item produced in the small Chinese town
of Hangji, known for its toothbrush manufacturing. Nearly one
in every three toothbrushes in the world is produced here, Xinhua
reported. Hangji has become a global champion in toothbrush
production, with local stories of hard work and prosperity passing
down through generations. Residents here wield this small item as a
tool that connects them to the world, mirroring the dedication of
millions of workers over the last 75 years and embodying Chinese
people's pursuit of a beautiful and healthy life.
The small town also serves as a testament to a dynamic and
thriving China, where its people
have marched forward in high spirits, embarking on a vibrant
journey of pursuing a beautiful and flourishing life while
connecting to the world.
Returning to hometown
When the Global Times reporter entered, Tu Xinye, 37-year-old
manager of Shuguang Toothbrush Factory, was instructing his workers
to clean the factory's marble sign. The brand, with "Shuguang"
meaning "dawn," is part of a cherished legacy from his grandfather
and father, symbolizing the resilience and innovative spirit of his
family.
Established in 1976, it was the first toothbrush factory in the
town, witnessing the evolution from manual labor to mechanization,
and later, the digital transformation brought about by the
internet.
Tu has been gaining the attention of netizens in 2020 when he
invited his grandfather and father – former factory managers – to
join him for live selling, while sharing the trials and triumphs of
the family business. Viewers were captivated by the heartfelt
stories of dedication and the pursuit of prosperity that have
defined the Tu family's journey in the toothbrush industry.
Returning home to inherit the family business was not Tu's
initial choice. He pursued a degree in aircraft engine design in
the UK, driven by dreams of aviation. However, the relentless
efforts of his family to innovate and sustain the toothbrush
factory ignited his sense of responsibility. Having observed his
father tirelessly seeking market opportunities to provide jobs for
local residents, he began to realize that the toothbrush industry
was not just a business. It was a lifeline for his hometown.
In 2013, Tu decided to return to China and take over the family business. He
dropped out of a PhD application, and started from the ground up,
working as a factory worker to understand the intricacies of
production. Over the last decade, he made efforts with all
employees to double the factory's output and expanded its reach to
over 40 countries worldwide.
Three generations face different challenges in different
historical contexts. Tu's grandfather, the first factory
manager, faced the challenges of the 1970s' planned economy in
China when production was fine,
but sales were not. In the early 1980s, as the planned economy
began to dissolve and privatization took hold, Tu's father
encountered a sudden drop in orders while navigating market
complexities. During his childhood, Tu often found himself in the
factory, waking up to his parents discussing machine upgrades and
strategies to tap into overseas markets, despite a lack of English.
However, their commitments to exploration opened doors to
international markets and set the factory on a successful path.
In recent years, Tu has embraced e-commerce as a new
frontier for growth. In October 2019,
a leading Chinese e-commerce platform approached his factory to
collaborate on a budget-friendly electric toothbrush. The factory
invested in research and development, ultimately launching an
electric toothbrush costing only 9.9
yuan ($1.4) that sold over
30,000 units in just one day. This success highlighted a growing
demand for quality dental care products, even in rural areas, he
told the Global Times.
"Was it worth investing hundreds of thousands into a workshop
environment that consumers could not see? My parents questioned me.
But I wanted foreign visitors to see that our production standards
were on par with the best in the world," he explained.
Tech drives greener future
In a small town covering just 40 square kilometers and home to
fewer than 40,000 residents, an astonishing economic phenomenon is
unfolding, marked by impressive figures.
What's behind it is an engine powered by technology and
environmental sustainability. In recent years, the toothbrush
industry in Hangji has undergone a significant transformation,
moving toward standardization and scalability. This shift has
inspired a growing number of local youths to learn the
craft.
Dong Tao, a recent university
graduate from Yangzhou, exemplifies this trend. After leaving
a large corporate job, he joined Sanfeng Brush Factory, where he
started his day at 7:30 am, preparing
materials and warming up machines on the production line. Dong
finds fulfillment in his role, utilizing his engineering skills and
applying his knowledge of WIFI modules and Bluetooth technology to
develop new products. He noted that many young graduates are eager
to return to their hometowns, leveraging national policies and
local technological advancements to carve out new career paths.
The factory Dong works for has made attempts at innovation in a
recent decade, supplying its toothbrushes to Xuelong 2, a
Chinese icebreaking research vessel.
Li Yang, the factory's manager,
introduced that they tried different ways to develop a toothbrush
with bristles measuring just 0.1 millimeters in diameter, designed
to prevent gum bleeding in extremely cold conditions. The brush
handle is made from polylactic acid, which can biodegrade in as
little as three months, minimizing the ecological impact of
research activities in polar regions.
Driven by technological innovation, toothbrush manufacturers
in Yangzhou are increasingly introducing smart toothbrush
products. Tan Yuanshuai, the head of Fengyun Intelligent, a
subsidiary of Sanfeng Brush Factory, showcased an AI-interactive
toothbrush for children that utilizes a smart processor for
real-time calculations and feedback, reminding kids to brush missed
areas.
"The popularity of this toothbrush reflects the growing
consciousness and emphasis of Chinese people on healthy and
environmental friendly lifestyle," Tan said.
Similarly, Zhang Degang, the second-generation owner of Yangzhou
Minsheng Brush Factory, highlights how the pursuit of quality and
sustainability is reshaping their industry. Over the last decade,
he has transformed production facilities to meet international
standards, striving for a cleanroom environment akin to those used
in chip manufacturing.
Zhang said that in the past, they primarily focused on contract
manufacturing, but now Chinese brands are becoming increasingly
innovative and popular in the world. Zhang's factory also
incorporates Chinese cultural elements such as the Grand Canal and
Wenchang Pavilion, into the design of the toothbrush handle,
attracting overseas customers who have interest in Chinese
culture.
The synergy of technology and sustainability is revitalizing
local economies and inspiring a new generation of young people to
pursue careers in their hometowns.
Better life through hardworking
In 2011, the China Toothbrush Museum, the only special
industrial culture museum in the world named after a toothbrush,
was established in Hangji. This museum houses over a thousand
toothbrush specimens that span more than a thousand
years.
The story of Hangji reflects a typical narrative of how
Chinese people have created a better life through hard work over
the last 75 years. Countless small towns in China, which have achieved remarkable success
through their advantageous industries, owe their progress to a
group of pioneering individuals who are able to endure
hardships.
In China, 70 percent of
China's violins come
from Huangqiao township in Jiangsu; 80 percent of freshwater pearls are
sourced from Shanxiahu township in Zhejiang Province; and 70 percent of
industrial brushes are produced in Yuantan, Anhui Province. These industries have become
new engines for China's
economy.
In a report on the achievements of economic and social
development over the last 75 years, released by the National Bureau
of Statistics on September 20, it was
highlighted that under the strong leadership of the Communist Party
of China, living standards and
quality of life have seen historic improvements. As residents'
incomes continue to grow, consumption levels have risen, with
notable enhancements in quality and ongoing optimization of
consumption structures.
Each artisan contributing to these progress writes their glory
and dreams into the new journey of national rejuvenation. Today,
the vibrant presence of hardworking individuals from various
sectors is evident, showcasing a lively and colorful tapestry of
life. These ordinary individuals, through their relentless efforts,
are striving to increase their incomes and enhance their quality of
life.
Tu has inherited the legacy of his family's toothbrush factory,
"Dawn," along with a pursuit of excellence. His spirit of
perseverance, adventurous drive, and practical determination
resonate with countless young people striving to find their own
"dawn" in the new global landscape.
https://www.globaltimes.cn/page/202409/1320580.shtml
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SOURCE Global Times