Reinventing the Millennium.

Chapter 370 The Forerunner (Two in One)

Fang Zhuo wanted to visit Zhang Rujing, so he naturally knew more about him and the development history of SMIC before that.

Previously, I only had a hazy impression of these two, but after a little deeper understanding, I realized that they are indeed remarkable.

He entered the famous Texas Instruments in 77 and did 8 years of R&D work, and then took charge of the company's semiconductor factory construction around the world. He is known as the "master of factory construction".

In 97, Zhang Rujing came to the mainland to work for a short time after early retirement from Texas Instruments, but was forced by the administrative pressure of Baodao to return to Dasemi as the general manager. This is Baodao's third fab after TSMC and UMC .

Around 2000, TSMC aggressively acquired other manufacturers in Taiwan, and the major shareholder of Shida Semiconductor sold the company to TSMC for US$50 billion.

At that time, Zhang Rujing proposed that TSMC build a factory in the mainland, but this proposal was rejected by TSMC President Zhang Zhongmou, who also threatened that "if you want to go to the mainland, you cannot take TSMC's stock."

However, Zhang Rujing went to the mainland wholeheartedly, gave up valuable stocks, sold his house in the United States, and brought his subordinates who voluntarily followed him to Shanghai to establish SMIC.

In just 13 months, SMIC built its first factory, advancing the manufacturing process to the nanometer level, and then established four 4-inch production lines and one 8-inch production line at an unprecedented speed in the world within three years.

That is to say, this year, in 2003, SMIC has become the fourth largest semiconductor foundry in the world, and was named "Best Semiconductor Factory of the Year" by the semiconductor magazine "Semiconductor International".

That's why Fang Zhuo heard the news that I don't know how many hands it was - "The gap between SMIC and TSMC is only one or two years, and he can even catch up in nine months."

This is Zhang Rujing's judgment based on reality, not outrageous words.

This year, Zhang Rujing is 55 years old, but still has the ambition to catch up with the world-class level.

It is said that SMIC is now planning to go public and will be able to raise more funds for development.

Fang Zhuo only looked at the development of SMIC in the past three years, and saw Zhang Rujing's determination to build a factory in the mainland. At the same time, he also gained a better understanding of the cost of semiconductor fabs.

Zhang Rujing managed to raise US$14.8 billion in funds from all parties when he established SMIC, and there will be a series of investments in the follow-up. However, SMIC has not yet announced a profit, which makes people hesitate.

Of course, this is normal for semiconductors, but for Fang Zhuo, the financial pressure visible to the naked eye is indeed a bit too much.

The visit to Zhang Rujing went smoothly. The other party didn't know if he had heard the title of "the richest man in Shanghai" recently, and he even seemed a little enthusiastic on the phone.

Fang Zhuo didn't bring many people with him, but only Su Wei, the vice president, and two assistants, one of whom was Liang Mu, who was the assistant to the president's office.

Including the driver, a group of five went to SMIC on June 6.

Fang Zhuo was still looking at SMIC's information on the road. He read it slowly and thought about it from time to time.

As Liang Mu, who aspires to become the best biographer of business figures in the country, he has a strong ability to read words and demeanor. Seeing Mr. Fang's expression, he asked, "Why is Mr. Fang always frowning? Is it because of financial considerations?"

Fang Zhuo closed the file, shook his head after a few seconds of ecstasy, and said, "No, I feel that there is a problem with SMIC, um..."

Su Wei also looked over when she heard this.

However, Fang Zhuo didn't intend to continue. He just opened the file and glanced at it before falling into thought.

Ever since they met the three guests on the 21st, Liang Mu and Su Wei could often see the boss's contemplation, so they suppressed their curiosity and did not disturb this state.

At ten o'clock in the morning, the group arrived at SMIC in Zhangjiang, which is known as "China's Silicon Valley" and is a key development area in Pudong New Area.

Fang Zhuo saw Zhang Rujing. He was wearing a white shirt and black trousers. He was not tall and wore glasses. He couldn't tell that he was the head of a large semiconductor company.

Judging from the information and resume, the impression in Fang Zhuo's mind is "deep eyes, firm expression", but this one's eyes are very kind, with a joking smile.

"Mr. Fang, I've known you for a long time, why didn't you drive your Ferrari?"

This is how Zhang Rujing came up to say hello.

Fang Zhuo was stunned for two seconds, shook hands with this man with a smile, and talked about his troubles: "Ferrari is too popular, I'm afraid Mr. Zhang will think I'm frivolous. I've grown a beard for three days for this trip to SMIC."

Zhang Rujing laughed and shook the hand of the richest man in Shencheng. Indeed, Ferrari is too popular, and Mr. Fang is too young. He must have suffered many surprised eyes in this regard.

He let go of his hand and said, "Boss Fang, I'll show you around our factory."

Fang Zhuo was delighted, just to see how expensive this fab is.

The founder of SMIC and the richest man in Shanghai traveled together. The former's enthusiasm not only surprised Fang Zhuo, but also surprised Su Wei and Liang Mu.

However, this enthusiasm soon found reasons.

After visiting the very expensive, very expensive factory building, Fang Zhuo was like Zhu Bajie tasting ginseng fruit, and followed him to the office without tasting anything.

After complimenting and exchanging greetings for a few words, he expressed his intention of coming: "Mr. Zhang, I want to build a wafer foundry. Do you think now is a good time?"

Hearing this question, Zhang Rujing laughed out loud, thinking that the richest man in Shanghai was joking with him.

However, he laughed for a while, seeing that Fang Zhuo was still serious, he stopped laughing and stared at the young man's expression.

Fang Zhuo was embarrassed by this semiconductor tycoon.

"Mr. Fang, are you joking?" Zhang Rujing was surprised.

"Well, I'm willing to do my part for semiconductors." Fang Zhuo nodded.

Zhang Rujing continued to be surprised: "I heard that Mr. Fang seems to have no experience in semiconductors, and the fab has invested a lot. The key here is not money. Mr. Fang, do you have anyone? Do you have engineers?"

Fang Zhuo shook his head, thinking to himself, he saw many engineers in the SMIC factory building just now.

Zhang Rujing smiled again: "So, since Mr. Fang wants to contribute to semiconductors, he should just invest in our SMIC."

Well, no wonder you are so enthusiastic.

Fang Zhuo found the reason.

Also, what else can the other party see in themselves besides money?

He pondered for a moment, then slowly said: "Mr. Zhang, to be honest, I had such an idea, but..."

Zhang Rujing concentrated: "Boss Fang, but it's okay to say."

"I heard that SMIC introduced many shareholders when it was established, and the ownership is very scattered?" Fang Zhuo asked.

Zhang Rujing nodded and admitted frankly: "Yes, on the one hand, there is indeed a shortage of funds, and on the other hand, we need to introduce foreign capital to avoid the risks of purchasing equipment."

This is where Fang Zhuo’s doubts lie. After researching SMIC for the past few days, he found that SMIC’s shareholding dispersion is not ordinary. The preliminary estimate is that there are more than ten shareholders, and there is no absolute major shareholder.

Does this situation need to be more familiar?
Fang Zhuo said, "Boss Zhang, this is what worries me about investing."

Zhang Rujing smiled and said, "Why did Mr. Fang consider this? Although our SMIC shares are scattered, we are all focused on making semiconductors well. Let's put it this way, I have smooth communication with all shareholders."

At this time, a vice president of SMIC next to him turned his head and whispered a few words to the president about the struggle for control of the listed company Sina.

Zhang Rujing:? ? ?

No wonder!
That's it!

This is a criminal record!

He couldn't laugh or cry. He heard that the richest man in Shencheng was because of such a thing as "Hanxin", but he didn't expect that there was another "outrageous guest" in front of him?This person won Sina with a decentralized shareholding, so he dare not invest in SMIC?

Zhang Rujing looked at Fang Zhuo for two seconds, then thought about it: "Mr. Fang is amazing. I only know of Mr. Fang's reputation in capital operations when I focus on SMIC."

Fang Zhuo replied calmly, "It's all just false names."

"SMIC's shareholding is dispersed, but I have confidence in controlling SMIC." Zhang Rujing explained seriously, "Mr. Fang may not know much about the semiconductor industry. SMIC was founded by me, but how can I support it alone?" Starting a business like this?"

He continued: "I came to Shanghai to establish SMIC. I also came with colleagues from Texas Instruments and Shida Semiconductor. There are more than 300 engineers in total. They all have confidence in the future."

Zhang Rujing paused, and said meaningfully: "I also have confidence in me."

Fang Zhuo understood, one person started the incident, and more than 300 old troops followed.

"Also, I appealed to overseas talents to return to China, and there are more than 100 engineers here." Zhang Rujing said confidently, "If Mr. Fang is worried about my control because of the equity, it is really unnecessary."

Fang Zhuo nodded slightly, climbed up and called, and the world looked down.

He thought with some regret, then, where is the problem?
Zhang Rujing increased his stake again and gave a message: "I don't know if Mr. Fang has heard the news about our plan to go public. I can say that even if I can't go public next year, I am confident that SMIC will start to make profits."

"SMIC is doing well in all aspects, and raising more funds after listing will usher in great development."

Zhang Rujing resolutely said: "Mr. Fang, why do you have to plunge into semiconductors alone? We work together, and its benefits will cut through gold!"

Fang Zhuo was almost persuaded.

However, after repeated confirmation, he also guessed the problems that SMIC might encounter.

SMIC is now known as the fourth largest semiconductor foundry in the world, and it is developing rapidly. So, are the three in front just sitting idly by?
In particular, the TSMC in Taiwan.

Fang Zhuo didn't know what kind of method it would be, but if it was him, he would have to do it.

Back then, when Japanese semiconductors dominated the world, how did South Korea's Samsung take the opportunity to develop?

Taking advantage of the U.S. suppression of Japanese semiconductors, it lured, lured, and poached people to dig equipment. At that time, in order to get closer to Toshiba, it specially erected a glass sculpture that symbolized the good relationship between the two countries to please it.

Later, when the Japanese bubble economy collapsed, Samsung offered three times the salary to poach people from major Japanese companies. In the end of the 90s, South Korea surpassed Japan in the field of memory semiconductors with Samsung alone.

Fang Zhuo believes that the development of SMIC will inevitably have to poach people from TSMC. After all, Zhang Rujing himself came from Taiwan, and information acquisition in business competition may also have areas that can be attacked.

Otherwise, it is impossible to see that SMIC, which has a good momentum now, will become wasted.

There is no problem with Zhang Rujing's self-confidence. His personal reputation alone can suppress all shareholders and firmly control SMIC. But what if he is no longer in SMIC?

Fang Zhuo's expression was extraordinarily dignified because of his thinking.

"Mr. Fang, let's chat while eating. Let's go for a walk." Zhang Rujing didn't wait for Fang Zhuo's answer, and he wasn't disappointed. Investment matters can't be decided in a short while. Also as an opportunity to gossip.

The lunch reception didn't go to other places, it was in the cafeteria, but it opened a small stove alone.

Zhang Rujing curiously asked Fang Zhuo about Hanxin during the dinner, and was able to know the whole picture of this uproarious matter. He was also surprised that the chip logo was really polished with sandpaper.

Fang Zhuo asked about the semiconductor tycoon returning to the mainland to build a factory, and he really admired his unswerving determination.

"Back then, I was still in Texas Instruments. At that time, I was quite famous and built factories all over the world." Zhang Rujing recalled, "My father was a well-known steelmaking expert in the industry before the founding of the People's Republic of China. One day, he flew to the United States and asked asked me a question."

"He asked, when will you go to mainland China to build a factory?"

Zhang Rujing smiled and said: "I don't have any other skills. I just build factories and engage in semiconductors. Our country's industry is not good. Just like Mr. Fang said before, my heart is the same. I will do my best. Power."

"You don't do it, I don't do it, he doesn't do it, so who will do it? You can't sit and wait for a fab to fall from the sky."

"Mr. Fang, come on, let's do it together. You pay for it, and I will help."

Zhang Rujing once again issued a sincere invitation.

Fang Zhuo looked at the 50-year-old man holding a wine glass, and didn't know what to say for a while.

He silently clinked glasses, and seeing that Zhang Rujing had already started to raise his neck, he took a long breath: "Mr. Zhang, I will think about it, and I will definitely think about it seriously."

"Mr. Fang is young and promising. From now on, the industry and the society will still depend on you young people." Zhang Rujing said with a smile.

Fang Zhuo changed the cup and changed the topic, for example, the lawsuits and breakouts that Yike encountered abroad, these are not seen in the domestic media pages, but they are more interesting.

Different from his usual nonsense with Liang Mu, now facing Zhang Rujing, he chatted with great sincerity about his uneasy state of mind at that time, which aroused Zhang Rujing's similar feelings in certain situations.

The lunch atmosphere was good. Zhang Rujing drank a little too much and needed a break at noon.

Fang Zhuo did not leave immediately, and went around the production line again under the leadership of Qiu Ciyun, the vice president of SMIC. This time, the explanation he heard was much more detailed, and he also knew that many machines were difficult to obtain.

At 03:30 in the afternoon, Fang Zhuo will end his trip to SMIC.

"Mr. Fang, in order to buy equipment, Mr. Zhang even went to meet with the people from the US Department of Defense and promised not to use these for military purposes." Qiu Ciyun sighed, "Everything is difficult at the beginning, but it is much easier for those who come later."

Fang Zhuo's heart moved, he tasted some different flavors, and said with a smile: "Yes, everything is difficult at the beginning, Mr. Qiu, let's leave a phone number and keep in touch. I am in Shanghai."

Qiu Ciyun nodded: "Contact often, Mr. Fang."

Fang Zhuo shook hands with the vice president of SMIC, turned around and got into the car, and left the most promising semiconductor manufacturing company in China.

(End of this chapter)