Members of the electrodeposited cobalt team at Lanzhou Jinchuan New Material Technology Co look at a drawing. [Photo/WeChat account: jinchuanjituan]
Innovation is the driving force of development, and for the workers at the electrodeposited cobalt team of Lanzhou Jinchuan New Material Technology Co's Materials Factory No 1, it is a daily practice.
Team leader Jin Jitang, who has been with the company since graduating in metallurgy in 1993, embodies this ethos.
While many view innovation as the domain of engineers, Jin believes it belongs to everyone. He cites the team's optimization of the ion exchange column washing process as an example, inspired by everyday life, specifically laundry.
The ion exchange column traditionally required large amounts of water for washing the resin, reducing efficiency. Jin and his team drew parallels with the act of doing laundry, where clothes are soaked and agitated before rinsing. They proposed a similar approach: soaking the resin with a little water before rinsing. This reduced the washing time and water consumption, improving efficiency and cutting costs.
Jin describes fostering an innovative atmosphere as a gradual process. First, he encourages open dialogue, urging team members to share ideas without fear. Second, he promotes experimentation, supporting trial and error. Finally, successful innovations are rewarded with recognition and incentives, motivating further creativity.
Summing up the spirit of the electrodeposited cobalt team, Jin says, "Rooted in our roles, we remain true to our mission: to create value tirelessly. Every idea, no matter how small, is worth pursuing."
