WERNER GERICH: FIRST FOREIGN FACTORY DIRECTOR IN CHINA'S REFORM, OPENING UP
(Xinhua file photo)
There stands a bronze statue of the German Werner Gerich on Hanzheng Street in China's central city of Wuhan. Gerich is most famous for the title of "the first foreign factory director" in China's reform and opening up.
In 1984, he was dispatched to the Wuhan Diesel Engine Factory by a Germany's Senior Experten Service. A few months later, he was appointed factory manager to lead production and operations.
It was unprecedented, at that time, for a Chinese state-owned enterprise to hire a foreigner as a factory director.
Since Gerich took office, he launched substantial reforms that reinvigorated the old enterprise. The products have been exported to many countries in Southeast Asia. And Gerich was nicknamed "Mr. Quality" for his strict management and quality control.
Gerich's professionalism, work ethics and quality-first principle provided valuable reference for enterprise management in China.
