— Learning from the “Spirit of the Hydraulic Pallet Truck”: My Journey of Growth

Amid the hustle and bustle of the factory, the hydraulic pallet truck moves quietly yet with a strong presence. Despite its compact frame, it effortlessly lifts and transports loads weighing several tons, playing a vital role on the factory floor. In many ways, its humble strength mirrors my own journey of growth.

I graduated from university in 2015 and joined the Technical Section of the Manufacturing Department at Changzhou OPK. My first assignment wasn’t to draw design blueprints—it was to step onto the shop floor and undergo hands-on training across all teams, including machining, assembly, and welding.

When I first set foot in the factory, I was full of questions. How could such a slender hydraulic cylinder support so much weight? Why did parts that met dimensional standards still require constant adjustments? And why did weld lines that looked flawless still have to undergo non-destructive testing?

As I worked closely with my senior colleagues and immersed myself in hands-on experience, the answers gradually became clear. Tolerance, weld quality, assembly precision—these fine details are the true essence that breathe life into machines. They are the very keys that transform “small forces” into “great strength.”

One of Changzhou OPK’s guiding principles is: “Even a single flaw in a flower can lead to a thousand miles of deviation.” (This proverb emphasizes that even a tiny imperfection, if overlooked, can lead to significant problems over time). It was only through real-world experience on the factory floor that I came to truly understand the weight of those words. 

In 2016, I was transferred to the Procurement Department, where my perspective broadened from craftsmanship to the “economics” of manufacturing. I came to understand that even the slightest cost difference in individual components can significantly impact the bottom line in mass production. A delay of just one day in delivery could disrupt the rhythm of the entire production line. Through this experience, the precision I had cultivated on the shop floor evolved into business skills such as cost control and delivery coordination.

From 2017 onward, I began focusing exclusively on technical operations. The experiences I had accumulated over those two years gradually transformed into the “real strength” needed for solving complex problems.

For instance, when the welding team faced production challenges, I applied my knowledge of machining to optimize structural design, significantly boosting efficiency. In quality inspection, I introduced digital systems to improve transparency and traceability. Drawing on my hands-on experience in procurement, I also proposed improvements that helped reduce the risk of oil leaks.

To me, the hydraulic pallet truck has been the quietest yet most profound teacher. It never boasts of its power, yet steadily carries heavy loads with quiet determination. It has taught me a vital truth:

“Growth and achievement do not come overnight. The key lies in refining the smallest details, finding breakthroughs through accumulated experience, and building strength step by step.”

When I first started, I didn’t even know the names of the parts. Now, I’ve grown into a technician who can identify issues on my own and work toward solutions. The driving force behind this transformation has always been my respect for, and belief in, the power of “small efforts.”

Moving forward, I will continue to stay true to my beginnings, embracing the “spirit of the hydraulic pallet truck.” Step by step, I aim to accumulate small strengths that, together, will contribute greater value to the company.

Date of Contribution: November 2025
Author:
Changzhou OPK Material Handling Equipment Co., Ltd.
Manufacturing Department
Chen kaibo