Chapter 580: Dar es Salaam National Cable Factory No. 1
Dar es Salaam.
"Director Mori, how did your factory perform this year?"
"Director Walz, I report that our production capacity increased by nearly seven percent compared to last year, and foreign trade orders rose by about three percent—especially orders from the Far East and related regions, which saw faster growth."
"Be specific—why was your factory's performance so strong this year?"
"Two main reasons: First, we recruited many secondary school graduates this year. They're well-educated, quick learners, and easier to train. This greatly alleviated our staffing issues and solved our earlier shortage of skilled workers. Second, our existing workers have become more skilled over time."
"Hmm, that makes sense. Solving the manpower issue naturally improves output. But what about your machinery—do you have enough?"
"Most of our machinery was imported directly from Austria-Hungary, primarily from Hechingen Electric or Siemens. The factory was built under the guidance of Hechingen Electric engineers, so we've had no problems with equipment. In fact, we still have an entire unused production line. We're planning to recruit more workers this year."
Walz nodded. "So you're saying your production equipment is actually underutilized. Then why not fill those positions now? Can't you just hire regular workers? Do they have to be secondary school graduates?"
"Director Walz, it's not that we have high standards—it's the Ministry of Industry's requirement. Because our plant is involved in foreign trade, the ministry holds Factory No. 1 to a higher standard. So we can't be lax in choosing workers. We don't need many secondary school graduates, but we do need some to ensure product quality."
"What's the reasoning behind that?"
"Well, these machines require technical knowledge. If you can't even read the manual, how can you operate them? Understanding physics and chemistry is also necessary. Otherwise, when technicians explain problems, the workers won't understand, and we'll be wasting time talking past each other."
Walz finally understood. "So without a basic level of education, they can't operate the equipment effectively?"
Mori shook his head. "It's not that simple. You need basic knowledge—especially in electricity and physics. Of course, they don't need to understand it deeply. Real production problems differ from what's taught in textbooks. For example, our factory is about handling heavy, clunky machinery that students wouldn't encounter in school."
Walz agreed. "I went to primary school in Germany, so I know a bit about learning—it's not easy. But it opens your mind. Reading and writing help a lot in daily life. Since coming to East Africa, though, I've probably forgotten most of it."
Mori chuckled. "Director Walz, secondary school is quite different from primary school. Many East African students take practical courses. Schools like Municipal No. 1 and No. 2 send interns to our factory every year. These young people adapt much faster to new things than we older folks do."
"True. The times are changing quickly. Trains, ships, big factories—we've lived through the rapid rise of both Germany and East Africa. I used to be from Hanover. Director Mori, where are you from?"
"I'm from Baden, in southern Germany."
"Then I suppose you've also seen the explosive development of both regions?"
Mori denied it. "Not really. Before migrating to East Africa, my family were farmers for generations. I'd never even been to a city. One year, there was a drought and the harvest failed, so we joined the wave of migrants to East Africa. I never saw German industrialization firsthand."
This surprised Walz. "Then how did you become a factory director in East Africa?"
Mori explained, "I served in the army. My strength was a love of learning. The army noticed and recommended me for school. You know about overseas scholarships, right?"
"Of course. So you were sent to study in Germany at the government's expense and became a factory director afterward?"
"Not quite that simple. I earned some military honors but got injured and couldn't continue active duty. Because of my strong learning ability, the army helped me get a scholarship."
"And after graduation, you were immediately appointed director?"
"There were a few bumps. I interned at Hechingen Electric first. With military experience and that internship, I was given the factory."
Mori made it sound easy, but it was clear his résumé was exceptional. Anyone recommended by the military for foreign study had done something significant. His appointment as director of Dar es Salaam's national cable plant likely meant he had served since the early colonial period.
Walz concluded, "So what was your rank when you left the army?"
"I was a battalion commander when I retired."
"That makes sense. Your comrades must be quite accomplished too."
Mori only smiled. Indeed, East African officers were never ordinary—even in retirement. His success owed much to luck, but he had still fared better than most.
After learning these personal details, Walz's attitude shifted. "Director Mori, as you know, this factory is a key enterprise under both the Ministry of Industry and the province. Most of your output is for domestic use, but you're weak in exports. Our Foreign Trade Department has secured a large order in the Far East—a major undersea cable. The upper levels insist it be made with locally produced materials. That's why I'm here."
"How much do you need?"
"It's a big order. It'll be laid under the sea in the Far East, so the distance is long and material quality must be top-notch. You'll have a heavy production task next year."
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