Smart manufacturing transforms Ningbo's small business

A small enterprise in Ningbo, Zhejiang province, has embraced smart manufacturing to significantly enhance production efficiency and product quality, setting an inspiring example of how small businesses can thrive through technological transformation.

Ninghai Yuezhi Mould and Plastic Co Ltd which specializes in cutting boards, recently introduced a fully automated production line in its intelligent facility. With the help of industrial robots, a cutting board is produced every 12.5 seconds, drastically improving both efficiency and precision.

"The upgrade has allowed us to increase production efficiency by about four times compared to manual operation, with no need for human intervention throughout the process," said Wei Jinjie, the company's production director.

The leap forward is not only evident in higher output but also consistent product quality. The precision of robotic programming ensures that each cutting board meets stringent standards, laying a strong foundation for the company's competitiveness in the market.

The shift to automation has also had a positive impact on employees.

"Work is much easier now. The machines keep running, and the products are automatically moved by AGVs," said production line worker Gu Yunchao, "Efficiency has increased, and so has my pay."

Yuezhi's product lineup is diverse, with hundreds of unique cutting board designs that cater to various market needs, from modern minimalist styles to those inspired by traditional craftsmanship. The company has achieved significant success, with orders scheduled through August of this year.

"Despite being a small company, we've managed to sell our products worldwide — something we never imagined a few years ago," said the company's CEO You Yuewei.

Yuezhi has invested more than 10 percent of its annual sales into R&D, focusing on material innovation and precision production. Notably, the company has developed antibacterial cutting boards for European and American markets that incorporate eco-friendly materials and special coatings.

In 2024, its annual output reached 80 million yuan ($11 million), double that of three years ago.

"Smart transformation is essential for reducing costs, increasing efficiency, and staying competitive in today's market," You said.