From retired soldier to senior technician

Over the past 35 years Wu Hongli has transitioned from being a frontline solider to becoming a master in mechanics.

Wu now works for Norinco Group, Northeast Industries Group, in Jilin province, and was selected as one of the Top Ten Craftsmen in Jilin on April 19.

More than 50 kinds of fitting tools can be seen when entering the workshop. These tools are re-manufactured by Wu for different fittings and have largely improved the workshop's efficiency, which helps Wu gain respects from all staff members at the factory.

Wu Hongli is hard at work inspecting an item. [Photo/chinajilin.com.cn]

Furthermore, Wu cooperated with colleges on a program focusing on improving the rough honing of main cylinders, which solved a honing problem that had persisted for over 20 years.

Other innovations include pincers, knives, and hydraulic clamps for special use in automobile factories to improve both work efficiency and products quality, which has increased revenues by 1.47 million yuan ($213,163) for the factory.

Wu not only makes innovations all the time, but also is willing to share his achievements and findings with other staff members.

He always demonstrates his newly created tools to his colleagues the first time, and prepares lectures and learning schedules for younger workers.

Wu works on fitting devices at the workshop. [Photo/chinajilin.com.cn]

In 2015, a personal innovation workshop, sponsored by Norinco Group, was established under his name and since then Wu has started to promote his "craftsman spirit" to more people by telling them about his own experiences.

To date, Wu has successfully cultivated 15 technicians, six among whom have become backbones of the factory.

Wu said he hopes his experiences can effect more people and make them believe that they can succeed through continuous effort, innovation, and by making contributions to achieve the Chinese dream.