In Linqing, Shandong, known as the "Hometown of Bearings in China", over 5,000 bearing enterprises are scattered like stars across the sky. Shandong Huagong Bearing Co., Ltd., as one of the largest manufacturing enterprises in the region, is writing a transformation story from domestic leadership to global expansion through intelligent manufacturing and quality upgrading.

Entering the intelligent manufacturing workshop of Huagong Bearing, one can see robotic arms precisely grasping and AGV vehicles shuttling back and forth, with almost no human presence along the entire production line. "After introducing the fully automated intelligent production line, production efficiency has increased by 35%, and comprehensive benefits have increased by 40%," said General Manager Zhang Baozhong. The intelligent transformation has given Huagong Bearing a dual advantage in efficiency and quality.

The quality of wind power bearings from Huagong Bearing has been recognized by many domestic leading enterprises, making it a supporting supplier in key supply chains. However, the company once faced the embarrassment of "selling well domestically but encountering obstacles overseas" - its quality was comparable to others, yet it struggled to break into the international market.

The opportunity for transformation comes from the momentum of the Belt and Road Initiative. With the completion of the Luxi International Inland Port and the opening of the Bonded Logistics Center, Linqing, which is neither border nor coastal, has achieved connectivity to rivers and seas. The efficient one-stop customs clearance service provided by Liaocheng Customs has cleared the way for Huagong Bearing to expand overseas. From "blooming within walls" to "selling globally", Huagong Bearing, together with the Linqing bearing industry cluster, is heading towards the international market.

From a county-level enterprise to a pioneer in the industry's "smart manufacturing", the growth trajectory of Huagong Bearing is a vivid epitome of the transformation of Linqing's bearing industry from traditional manufacturing to advanced smart manufacturing.