Once the factory was completed, Alvin was entrusted with full authority to manage its operations.
Initially, the factory’s performance was decent, but as foreign cosmetics brands took over the market and faced competition from other large domestic cosmetic factories, Alvin’s factory began to decline.
Three years ago, the factory started incurring losses, which continued for three consecutive years.
This cosmetics production factory was Alvin’s pride and joy, the foundation of his lifetime’s work. The years of losses prompted Alvin to make a major change.
Firstly, he decided to comprehensively update the outdated production equipment in order to gain a competitive edge in terms of technology.
However, what Alvin didn’t anticipate was that the shareholders were unwilling to invest. Coupled with dismal financial reports, banks were hesitant to provide loans.
With wages unable to be paid to the workers regularly, the factory eventually came to a complete halt.
Just a week ago, a shareholder meeting was convened. The decision was made to announce the factory’s current situation to attract potential companies for acquisition. If no company expressed interest in acquiring, bankruptcy would be pursued.
Just when Alvin was feeling despondent, a savior emerged.
Representatives from Azure Financial Investment Company arrived and conveyed their willingness to fully acquire Maple Springs Cosmetic Products Manufacturing Factory.
Naturally, the major shareholders were overjoyed. After settling employee salaries and other costs, each shareholder received nearly twenty million.
With the major shareholders leaving, Alvin took charge of the transition procedures.
Although Alvin had received a substantial sum of twenty million, he couldn’t find much joy in it. He had dedicated his youth to the factory, and after leaving, he had no idea what he could do next.
Thus, he held onto a fervent hope – to continue working in the factory he had built.
“Mr. Bloomer, from now on, you are the Factory Manager of Maple Springs Cosmetic Products Manufacturing Factory. I’ve organized all the information and details about the factory’s situation into files for your reference. Additionally,” Alvin hesitated a bit.
“Just say what you want to say.”
“I’ve been working here for so many years, and after leaving, I don’t know what to do. Can I continue working here, even if it’s as a technician?” Alvin expressed his thoughts.
Leo shook his head.
Seeing this, disappointment filled Alvin’s heart, and his face grew bitter.
“I don’t want you to be a technician. I want you to remain as the Factory Manager,” Leo calmly stated.
“What!?” Alvin thought he must have misheard, and his eyes widened suddenly.
“Don’t be so surprised. What I mean is, I’m appointing you as the Factory Manager. Even though I’ll be handling everything in practice, nominally, you’ll still be in charge.”
Leo had his reasons. Having married into the Henley family right after graduating, he had no work experience. Suddenly managing a factory was unrealistic; it was better for him to steer from behind the scenes.
“Mr. Bloomer, thank you!” Alvin suddenly stood up and bowed deeply to Leo.
Being able to continue as the Factory Manager was a dream come true for him.
Now that the factory was owned by Azure Financial and had been updated with state-of-the-art production lines, turning losses into gains was only a matter of time.
“Don’t get too happy too soon. If the factory doesn’t turn a profit within a year, I’ll have to dismiss you,” Leo handed out both a carrot and a stick.
“Mr. Bloomer, don’t worry. I won’t let down your expectations!” Alvin promised, patting his chest.
“Mr. Simpson, how long until the newest production line can deliver products?” Leo inquired.
Alvin thought for a moment before replying, “Since we’re updating on the existing production line, we should be able to produce the first batch of products within a month.”
Leo nodded and stood up from the couch. “Now, take me for a tour of the factory.”
“Sure, Mr. Bloomer, please follow me,” Alvin’s demeanor and behavior resembled that of Leo’s secretary.
Guided by Alvin, Leo carefully toured the interior of the factory, gaining a general understanding of its overall situation.
The structures in the factory were aged and somewhat dilapidated, requiring renovation along with the production line updates.
Moreover, the factory seemed rather deserted. With the production line halted and wages unpaid, the original workers had already moved on to other opportunities.
Alvin would need to hire a new batch of workers.
Back in the office, Leo issued three instructions to Alvin.
Firstly, the name of Maple Springs Cosmetic Products Manufacturing Factory was to be changed to Herbal Magic Cosmetics Company, and this change was to be widely publicized through various media outlets.
Secondly, after the new production line was installed and tested, the main focus should shift to producing cosmetics.
Lastly, seek out a distributor with the most favorable terms.
Alvin had no doubts about Leo’s instructions and assured full compliance.
“That’s enough work for now. Your performance will be the judge from now on,” Leo said as he stood up. “Let’s go to the guard’s office.”
Alvin didn’t understand what Leo was up to, but he followed him downstairs.
At the guard’s office, Leo summoned a man from outside.
“What’s your name?” Leo asked him.
“I’m Curtis Noah,” the man replied confidently.
“Curtis, starting from today, you’re the security leader here.”
“Who are you, and why do you get to make such decisions!?” Although the current leader sensed that Leo wasn’t an ordinary individual, he wasn’t happy about this. He had always held the position of security leader.
Alvin shot him a fierce glare. “Steward, if you utter another word, pack your bags and leave immediately! The factory has been fully acquired by Azure Financial Investment Company. He is Mr. Bloomer from Azure Financial. From now on, everyone in this factory will have to listen to him!”
Azure Financial?
Acquisition?
Mr. Bloomer?
After a momentary shock, the security personnel suddenly realized what this meant!
The factory was being revived, and they were now the security force of Azure Financial, a prestigious company!
Was there ever such a triumphant feeling!?
An overwhelming sense of excitement surged through their hearts!
Leo pointed at those security personnel who were still goofing around. “Curtis, as the security leader, your task now is to train them for a month. After the training, there will be an assessment. If you find anyone unsatisfactory, report to Mr. Simpson, and they’ll be dismissed!”
Curtis stood at attention and saluted Leo. “Yes, I’ll make sure to fulfill the task!”
“Mr. Simpson, get me a chair. I’m going to help Curtis with his foot,” Alvin signaled to a security guard, who promptly fetched a chair from the security office.
“Curtis, have a seat,” Leo gestured to the chair.
Curtis hesitated, finding it hard to believe. “Mr. Bloomer, can you really heal my foot?”