Advanced Reinforcement Technology - A Tribute to Wu Rujun, Chairman of Guangzhou Shengte Building Technology Development Co., Ltd.

He is a master of his craft, adept at tackling the peculiar and complex issues in the construction industry. From large-scale projects like adding stories, correcting and stabilizing structures, and bridge pile replacement and lifting, to smaller tasks such as reinforcement and renovation, slope treatment, and foundation replacement, he excels at all. What is even more impressive is his generous sharing of the ideas and technologies he discovers during his projects with his peers. He actively promotes the healthy and orderly progress of the industry through this kind of technical exchange.

Pioneering efforts lay a solid foundation

In 1994, at just 27 years old, Wu Rujun left a state-owned unit, packing only a simple bag and traveling south from Beijing to Guangzhou. The young man hoped to showcase his expertise in civil and construction engineering in this pioneering front line of China's reform and opening-up, aiming to start a business and achieve wealth. As spring turned to summer, the persistent rain seemed particularly attached to Guangzhou's skies. Some buildings, unable to withstand the repeated washing and soaking, began to show signs of leakage. Wu Rujun struck a stroke of inspiration, "The market for leak repairs is promising!" And so, he dove into the field of building leak repairs.

At the time, "building reinforcement" was not widely known, and there were very few experiences to draw from. To make a living, Wu Rujun would carry his homemade flyers around town during the day in search of clients, and at night, he would work on leak repair and reinforcement plans under the light. On weekends, he would hide in Xinhua Bookstore, looking for information on building diseases, but as he couldn't afford books, he had to copy down the useful information page by page. In the early stages of his startup, although Wu Rujun had established a construction team, he still had to frequently visit construction sites. When encountering problems he had never seen before, he would consult books and materials, perform tests on-site himself, and only have the workers follow suit once the results were satisfactory. In practice, he carefully discovered that most house leaks were actually structural issues.

In 1998, Wu Rujun officially founded Guangzhou Shengte Building Technology Development Co., Ltd. The business of building leak repairs gradually evolved into reinforcement and renovation services, and it was done with great success. Unsatisfied with the status quo, Wu Rujun pursued a Master's degree in Building Disease Treatment under Professor Tang Yeqing (a leading expert in the field of building displacement, correction, and reinforcement technology in China) and determined to focus on reinforcement and renovation, correction, and underpinning of buildings as the company's main development direction. With a small team in the early days, the company needed both business and technical support. While studying and running a business, Wu Rujun had to frequently travel between Beijing and Guangzhou. "It's tough, but I can endure it," Wu Rujun's eyes reflected an unwavering determination.

 Scientific management shows its effectiveness

With unwavering determination and professional expertise, "Shengte" has gradually established a firm foothold in the Guangdong market. Once confined to a 20-square-meter room, the Shengte company has seen its scale double annually. In 2005, the six-story Shengte Technology Building, independently constructed by the Shengte team, was completed and put into use in Jinzhou, Guangzhou.

"In the past, I handled most of the business negotiations, even setting a record of signing 8 contracts in a single day. However, one person's energy is limited, and only by fully utilizing the team can the company expand in a healthy manner." Thus, Wu Rujun shifted from a paternalistic management style, clearly defining departmental responsibilities, but his wife believed that the excessive departmental setup would lead to overstaffing. Amidst their differing opinions, in 2001, Wu Rujun and his wife pursued MBAs at the Asia (Macau) International Open University, using Shent as a testing ground to link management theory with practical situations, gradually transforming the company's management style. In 2006, he pursued another MBA at Sun Yat-sen University. Today, Shent has established a comprehensive management system, delegating business operations to the vice-presidents. Wu Rujun has stepped back from day-to-day management, only occasionally negotiating major deals and tackling high-tech challenges, rarely seen on the front lines, now focusing on strategic issues related to the company's development.

As the company actively expands its market presence, it enhances its core competitiveness by adopting a development strategy of "new economy, new technology, new services, and new image." We uphold the business philosophy of "specialization, dedication, focus, and concentration," establishing internal mechanisms to strengthen teamwork and competitive incentives, and external practices that prioritize customer satisfaction and win through integrity. We publish a special edition of "Shengte Times" annually, regularly organize employee training, produce the large-scale corporate documentary "Ten Years of Glory, Shaping the Future," create the inspiring corporate song "Shengte Marches Forward," and host a variety of cultural and recreational activities. A harmonious work environment and a passionate work ethic propel "Shengte" forward with great strides.

Strengthening and renovation is an industry fraught with high risks and great challenges. Shengte's success is attributed to having a leader with a technical background who is a perpetual learner, and not only that, he also motivates his team to improve through his own advancements.

As one of the first enterprises to receive the reinforcement and reinforcement qualification from the Ministry of Construction, "Shengte" stands out for its commitment to technology leadership, driving construction technological advancements through scientific research and transforming technological achievements into practical construction techniques. In 2003, "Shengte" established a specialized research and development center for reinforcement and transformation technology, fostering a strong cooperative relationship with relevant research institutions. All technical solutions of the company are developed by the R&D center, with at least 50 design proposals per month. Under the guidance of Professor Tang Yeqing, the company has obtained multiple national patent technologies. In 2005, during a correction project at a Dongguan industrial park, a 60-meter long, 10-meter wide, six-story factory building, which was "twisted like noodles," was technically deemed near collapse and scheduled for demolition. "Shengte" utilized its patented technology to successfully correct the tilt, enhancing its reputation.

Responsible private enterprise for society

Through relentless efforts, "Shengte" has successively established branches in Foshan, Shenzhen, Huizhou, Zhongshan, and other regions. With the spirit of "excellence, uniqueness, pragmatism, and pioneering," Shengte has overcome one technical challenge after another, completing over 2,000 projects, including structural underpinning, foundation underpinning and lifting, and various reinforcement and renovation projects, tilt correction projects, etc. Notable among these are the reinforcement and renovation of the Bai Nao Hui Building in Guangzhou, the underpinning project of the Innovation Overpass on Line 5 of the Shenzhen Metro, the underpinning project of the Nancheng Department Store in the Metro, and the foundation reinforcement and tilt correction project of the Luogang Agricultural Credit Cooperative in Guangzhou. These high-stakes, high-tech projects have solidified Shengte's reputation as a leading player in the specialty industry.

Wu Rujun believes that structural reinforcement is a burgeoning industry. To gain societal recognition, this field must first address its weaknesses in technical strength and the chaotic, low-cost competition. For this purpose, "Shengte" has participated in the formulation of national industry standards such as the "Technical Specification for Building Displacement, Correction, and Reinforcement," the "Technical Code for Concrete Durability," the "Technical Specification for Post-Disaster Building Treatment," and the "Technical Specification for Building and Structure Replacement." Moreover, the series of books on specialized construction engineering, "Design and Construction of Building Displacement, Correction, and Reinforcement," co-authored by the company, will serve as textbooks for undergraduate and graduate students in major universities. "Shengte" also frequently participates in and organizes technical seminars and exchange meetings on specialized construction industries such as reinforcement, transformation, lifting, correction, and replacement across the country. In November 2009, company staff successfully co-organized the 8th National Academic Seminar on Building Transformation and Treatment of Pathological Conditions. The company has published papers in renowned academic journals, tirelessly working to promote the development of the discipline. "Shengte" is steadily growing into a responsible and mature private enterprise.

The development of "building reinforcement" has promoted the diversification of the construction industry. We firmly believe that the emergence of a group of professional reinforcement experts like Wu Ru Jun has not only laid down meritorious service in keeping buildings away from danger, but more importantly, it has contributed an indispensable element to the realization of an environmentally friendly and energy-saving society.