How it all started

I could see the signs in 2003.  Actually, anyone who had a clue as to how the world works could see the signs.  After 9/11, the economy in general went into the dumpster.  I was working for a supplier to the electronic materials market. Specifically in electronic and semiconductor molding powders (EEMP and SCMP) – the stuff that protects the chips and other devices in just about every gadget out there, from cell phones to the space shuttle.  Orders were down and the plant, which had been running 3 shifts 24/7 prior to 9/11 had idled 3 production lines and cut back hours for the operators in all departments.  It was bleak.

I had joined the company in May of 2000, and moved to Western NY, which brought my wife no end of joy because she had family out here.  My job description was simple.  I reported to the plant manager and was told “figure out what needs to be done and go do it.”  Pretty much total autonomy, but I am largely self-directed.  However, in 2003, I was beginning to wonder how long it would last.

The products we produced were sold to customers who had significant operations throughout Asia.  Approximately 90% of our customers were in the Pacific rim, as were 100% of our competitors.  How long we could survive shipping bulk material half way around the world was anyone’s guess.

So I decided to go after a PE license.  Twenty one years after my BS degree.  Because I figured that it is always good to have something to fall back on.  So I continued my work and studied in my free time, passed the exam and received my license in 2004.

Fast forward to late 2004.  Management mentioned to the senior staff that Headquarters was looking for JV partners in China and they may need people to play a part if things got that far.  The company decided they had 2  choices:  JV over in China, or sell the business and let someone else move it.  They decided they wanted the money from the business.  After our meeting, I approached my boss (RBJ) and his boss (JAK) and told them I would be interested in such an opportunity.  The way I figured it, I could either make the change happen, or let the change happen to me.  They said they would consider me for the opportunity if it came about.

A few months later, a new face (Lisa) appeared at the plant in the QC department, but no “meet and greet” happened.  Which was odd.  Because every new office or lab employee got introduced around the offices and labs so we could welcome the new member of the family.  Also, it was strange that Lisa was Chinese; although “Lisa” is not a very Chinese name, and Lisa spoke almost no English.  So it appeared that they found a potential JV partner.

Then around early April there was a meeting; I was called into it and was introduced to NAH and TC. NAH was very senior in the company and had over 30 years in the business.  TC was new to the company and was Chinese; he spoke very good English, received his education in the US and was looking to move his family back to China.  I sat through a presentation of the potential JV partner.  I briefly met with TC and told him I had volunteered for the chance to be the Lead Engineer for the project.  We talked about where the facility was located, and he told me that the city was Lianyungang, in northern Jiangsu province.   To locate it on a map, place a straightedge connecting Beijing and Shanghai; Lianyungang is about midway, right on the coast.

I did a little research on the local area, and there was very little to be found.  There were very few westerners in this place.  So it was going to be an adventure.

I did not hear very much more until about the third week of May when the IT guy came into my office and asked what software I wanted installed on my laptop.  This was a strange question, as I did not have a laptop, and nobody told me I was getting one.  A little while later, I saw RBJ and he asked me if my passport was in order and could make arrangements to get to China on June 1.  This was right before the Memorial Day weekend, and it was a very rush job to get the visa application with all the supporting documentation to the service in New York and back in time.  For those who need visa services in a hurry, check out Travel Document Services; they do a very good job.

Next: A long strange trip.