Working Together to Battle the Typhoon: A Chronicle of the Company’s Efforts to Resist the Storm

On September 7, 2024, the super typhoon "Morakot" made landfall in Quang Ninh Province. This destructive typhoon caused severe damage to the company’s facilities and equipment, resulting in a nine-day production halt. In the aftermath, all departments and factories swiftly launched cleanup and repair efforts to accelerate the resumption of operations. Currently, the company has largely restored its production and business activities.

1. Proactive Defense Efforts by Departments and Factories

As the typhoon approached, the Operations Department organized employees to clear drainage ditches inside and outside the factory to ensure unobstructed water flow. Damaged steel roofing sheets were repaired in time, raw materials were either transferred to storage or covered with tarps and secured. Measures were also taken to prevent flooding and waterlogging near furnace areas.

During the typhoon preparedness meeting, company leaders instructed production units to cease operations if safety could not be guaranteed. At 12:30 PM that day, production was suspended, night shifts were canceled, and employees were sent home early. Safety officers Ding Wufeng and Du Nengde remained on duty, prioritizing employee safety by even driving workers living far away back home. Thanks to careful planning, all employees returned safely.

2. Severe Damage to Company Assets

The typhoon caused power outages, internet disruptions, and a lack of mobile phone signals in the area. On-site inspections revealed significant damage: five power poles were downed or broken, three major factory roofs were partially destroyed, with the second factory roof almost completely gone, requiring an estimated 6,000 square meters of roofing sheets to be replaced. Equipment and materials were soaked, leading to varying degrees of damage. Additionally, about 30 trees in the factory premises were toppled, some uprooted.

3. Post-Typhoon Recovery Work Underway

On the morning of September 8, the company quickly organized safety inspections and held a post-disaster recovery meeting. The tasks were divided among departments:

• Technical Equipment Department: Formed two teams to restore external power lines and repair factory equipment.

• Operations Department: Arranged for roof inspections and repairs with contractors.

• Business Department: Procured necessary materials and communicated updates to clients.

• Finance Department: Liaised with insurers to verify losses and claim compensation.

• Administration Department: Ensured logistical support.

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Despite personal losses, employees arrived early to clean up fallen trees and debris. Using chainsaws and tools, teams worked tirelessly and even helped local residents clear fallen trees.

4. Accelerating Recovery and Resumption of Operations

The first priority was restoring power by addressing five damaged power poles. Severe regional demand for poles and contractors posed a challenge, but Equipment Manager He Yusheng personally drove to the power bureau to secure a procurement and repair plan. By September 9, plans were in place.

Excavation for pole foundations faced groundwater flooding, causing collapses. Through relentless efforts, foundations for five poles were finally completed. On September 10, during pole installation, heavy rains and high tides created additional challenges. Generators and pumps were deployed to drain water, and workers braved flooding to manually fill foundations with gravel and concrete, stabilizing the poles after six hours of underwater operations.

Simultaneously, contractors repaired roofs, while internal repair teams worked on equipment. Using sunny weather, the Operations Department dried 1,100 tons of products and wet materials. Power was restored on September 15, with production resuming ahead of schedule.

5. Comprehensive Logistical Support

Before the typhoon, the canteen stocked a week’s worth of food to ensure meals for on-duty employees and expatriate residents. During the storm, kitchen staff braved fear to complete their tasks, delivering meals and ensuring everyone’s safety.

Finance Manager Su Wenhuang coordinated insurance claims and procured generators from Hanoi to ensure power and water supply. The Business Department actively sourced repair materials from nearby cities.

6. Prioritizing Safety in Post-Recovery Production

Resuming production posed significant safety risks due to wet furnaces and materials. After thorough preparations, two electric furnaces in the third factory restarted successfully. However, the first factory’s 102# furnace faced difficulties, requiring nearly 12 hours of effort. Third factory leaders Wu Gang and Yang Xueyong stepped in to assist, ultimately avoiding accidents.

The second factory completed roof repairs and resumed operations on September 24.

7. Solidarity Amid Adversity

The typhoon caused significant damage to both the company and employees’ families. Recognizing this, the company issued higher wages during the shutdown, visited affected employees, and provided support. Outstanding individuals and teams will be commended for their dedication, resilience, and selflessness during the crisis.

8. Review and Lessons Learned

Company leaders conducted a comprehensive review of the typhoon response, identifying shortcomings and areas for improvement. Departments provided reports and suggestions to enhance future preparedness. Leaders praised employees' efforts and emphasized the importance of addressing weaknesses to strengthen resilience against similar events.

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