Company News

2020 was a special year marked by the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic. Everyone worked tirelessly to fight and prevent the virus. Although the economy suffered, and work and life were disrupted, many miracles were created during this year. Looking back on this extraordinary year, it was filled with challenges, tears, successes, and achievements. At the year's end, Gaoming News launched the "My 2020" series to share the stories of Gaoming residents.

2020 was an exceptionally unusual year. The sudden COVID-19 pandemic caused massive disruptions to the normal order of life and economic development. Some industries struggled to survive, while others experienced explosive growth. Gaoming's Kangfu medical Facility factory, for instance, went from the brink of closure to achieving nearly a tenfold increase in output value. Today's "My 2020" series brings you the story of this factory.

"At the start of the machine, always make sure the elastic bands are in order because the most important part of a mask is the ear loops."

Xie Yingzhu, 58, has worked at the Kangfu medical Facility factory for 16 years. If it weren't for the pandemic, she might have retired to become a full-time housewife instead of now managing over 100 employees as the factory director. Reflecting on this year, Xie and the entire factory staff have been overwhelmed with a mix of emotions—busyness, pride, gratitude, and even relief.

In 2004, a year after the SARS outbreak, the Kangfu medical Facility factory was established in Gaoming, producing products like gauze rolls, cotton swabs, surgical masks, and gowns. However, the company showed little growth and was on the verge of collapse by 2019.

Xie Yingzhu, Director of Foshan Kangfu Medical Facility Factory:

"The past few years before the pandemic were tough. We were nearly at the point of closure due to financial issues. We supplied over 200 hospitals, but payments took three to six months to come through. With fierce competition and low profit margins, survival was extremely challenging."

In early 2020, when the COVID-19 pandemic broke out, there was a critical shortage of medical supplies. The factory was tasked with producing masks, working overtime from the second day of the Lunar New Year.

Xie Yingzhu, Director of Foshan Kangfu Medical Facility Factory:

"We worked non-stop from the second day of the Lunar New Year until May. It was exhausting, but given the circumstances, we had no choice. Initially, some employees didn’t understand, as it was the Spring Festival. However, the company's slogan, 'One more mask might save a life,' deeply resonated with them. Understanding the severity of the pandemic, employees were highly motivated, especially during January to March, working nearly 24/7."

Since many employees had returned home for the holiday before the factory closed, staffing was a major issue. At this critical moment, Gaoming District authorities mobilized volunteers to assist.

Xie Yingzhu, Director of Foshan Kangfu Medical Facility Factory:

"We are truly grateful to them. At the time, around 60 to 70 volunteers came to help in shifts."

Initially, the factory’s production capacity was limited to about 60,000 surgical masks per day. With the district government’s support, the company urgently acquired Facility, expanded production facilities, and increased staffing. The production lines grew from two to 15, and daily output rose to 1–1.5 million masks. At the height of the Wuhan outbreak, the company donated 200,000 masks to the city.

Xie Yingzhu, Director of Foshan Kangfu Medical Facility Factory:

"Our sales revenue from January to November was about 200 million yuan, compared to 20 million yuan annually before the pandemic."

This business boom revived the company, bringing joy to its 60 long-time employees.

Xie Yingzhu, Director of Foshan Kangfu Medical Facility Factory:

"Many employees have been with us for 16 years, coming to Gaoming. Despite challenges, we never delayed salaries and provided full social insurance for all employees. This factory feels like a warm place, especially for people with disabilities who have jobs and housing here. Although the pandemic made this year tough, workers' salaries doubled, making them very happy."

As domestic pandemic prevention enters a normalized phase, the factory's mask production has stabilized. In 2021, the company plans to explore new markets, bringing medical protective products into more households.

Xie Yingzhu, Director of Foshan Kangfu Medical Facility Factory:

"We aim to meet public demand and explore how to bring our products into homes."

Let me know if you'd like any adjustments or further refinements!

Reported time:2020.12.25