Wang Zhifang is chief molding engineer at the intelligent-equipment center of Jiangling Motors Group Co., Ltd (JMCG), in east China's Jiangxi Province. Wang has dedicated her life to developing automotive components. Wang and her husband, Xie Wanzhao, have also dedicated themselves to various public-welfare initiatives. They have set a good example for their sons, and their words and deeds have deeply influenced their children. The family lives in harmony, and it has gained happiness through giving warmth to others.

Great Passion

While at JMCG's assembly plant, Wang usually wears a safety helmet, dresses in blue work clothes, and has a graduated scale sticking out of her shoulder pocket. She is responsible for the creation of the molds used to manufacture the automotive components. She is also responsible for the development and application of the 3D printing technology required by the plant. "I have worked at JMCG for more than 20 years, and my fondness for this profession has increased day by day. I am passionate about automotive-mold manufacturing," says Wang. 

The automaker introduced 3D printing into the development of its components at the end of 2018. Wang was entrusted with the important task. Knowing full well the importance of digital-manufacturing technology in the development of an automotive company, she accepted the task without hesitation. 

"There was much for me to learn about the 3D printing technology. I started from scratch. From the establishment of the 3D digital model, the 3D printing programming, operation of the 3D printing equipment, to the polishing of the 3D-printed components, I made repeated attempts at each step. At that time, I often worked overtime. However, when I successfully completed the 3D printed components, I felt it was all worth it," recalls Wang. 

"My husband and mother-in-law back me up, firmly, by supporting our family. As such, I can put my heart and soul into my career. Achieving one goal, after another, in my work, helps me find joy in my life, and gain a sense of happiness," she continues. 

In 2020, Wang combined traditional machine manufacturing with 3D printing and topology-optimization technology to complete the verification of the design schemes for vehicles' interior and exterior decorations. This move shortened the development cycle by about 3.5 to 4 months, it reduced the number of problems in the early stages of the development cycle by 80 percent, and it saved more than 6.5 million yuan (US $915,493) in costs. 

"In the past, we had to spend several months on customizing automotive components. Now, it takes only a few days. The application of 3D printing technology, in the early stages of product design, helps reduce development costs and investment risks, and it also shortens the development cycle," Wang says. 

The traditional thinking is the automotive industry is dominated by men. However, in Wang's view, women have become an indispensable force in the field of automotive-intelligent manufacturing. "With tenacity, care and hard work, women are showing their unique advantages in the automotive-manufacturing industry. As the intelligent level of the industry has been upgraded, women have been able to do more work in this field. I will make more efforts to accelerate the technological innovation, to contribute to the high-quality development of our province's automotive industry," says Wang. 

In recognition of her contributions to the field of automotive manufacturing, Wang has received several awards, including being named a National Women Pacesetter for Achievements, and a March 8th Red-Banner Holder of Jiangxi Province. 

Warm Family

As an engineering technician, working overtime and business trips are often the norm for Wang. Xie, also a JMCG employee, is often busy with his work. Wang's mother-in-law supports them, by taking good care of their children. That allows Wang and Xie to concentrate on their work. 

Wang is grateful her mother-in-law has her back. She loves her mother-in-law, and she often spends her free time chatting and strolling with her mother-in-law. Wang also takes care of her mother-in-law; for example, by massaging her neck and shoulders, to relieve her discomfort. Wang also regularly helps her mother-in-law color her white hair, with medicinal hair dye. In 2017, Wang wrote a letter to her mother-in-law, during an essay activity, with the theme of family values and family education, to thank her for her care and support throughout the years. 

Xie is often busy with his work. Whenever he has time, he does what he can to help his wife, and to accompany their sons. "When I encounter difficulties, my husband will help me deal with the problems ... I usually return home late. He heats up the dinner before I arrive home. He often spends time running, biking and hiking with our children, and he teaches them how to be real men," says Wang. 

She believes it is important for a couple to think of each other's position, and to show mutual respect. Wang and Xie understand and support each other, in both work and life. They have created a warm and harmonious family atmosphere, and their family is always filled with happiness. 

Sharing Love

When asked about the "family education" they are providing their children, Wang says she and Xie must set a good example for their sons, as she believes parents' words and deeds can deeply influence their children. Also, Wang and Xie focus on helping each child cultivate a good character, and good habits. They teach their children the importance of showing filial piety to the elderly, and they urge their children to be modest, polite people. 

Their oldest son is a senior high school student, enrolled in the Attached Middle School to Jiangxi Normal University. Their youngest son is a junior school student, at the same school. The boys regard their parents as their role models, and their parents' good character traits have inspired them to study hard, and to be good people. 

Both Wang and Xie often participate in volunteer activities, such as donating money and goods to needy children and neighbors, and to people who have suffered from natural disasters. They also help care for elderly people in nursing homes. By contributing to society, Wang hopes to set a good example for their sons, so the boys will become people who are ready — and willing — to help others. 

Wang and Xie often take their sons to visit and care for elderly people in nursing homes, and they participate in voluntary activities and environmental services, especially those organized by the residential community. The family has gained happiness through giving warmth and care to others. 

"I have an ordinary family ... My husband and I support each other, and we live an ordinary, but happy, life. Our family life seems like a flowing stream. Even though we may encounter rocks, we are able to overcome the obstacles and finally flow to the vast ocean," Wang concludes.

Photos from Zhang Jiamin and Interviewees

(Women of China English Monthly January 2025)

Editor: Wang Shasha