Chapter 743: 255. Shipyard and Military Factory_2
What’s your view on this matter?
Robert hadn’t expected Donnie to actually want to build a large shipyard. After all, even if they couldn’t buy suitable warships from the navy and retrofit them into cargo ships, they could purchase from other shipyards.
Doing so would significantly reduce costs.
However, after hearing Donnie’s following two ideas, Robert knew that this was definitely something they needed to do.
At Donnie’s status, mere wealth could no longer measure his influence. Only by impacting more lives could Donnie ensure an invincible position in the United States forever!
Still, Robert had his own considerations.
... ᴛʜɪs ᴄʜᴀᴘᴛᴇʀ ɪs ᴜᴘᴅᴀᴛᴇ ʙʏ Novᴇ(l)Fɪre .ɴᴇt
“Regarding this matter, I have no objections, but as you’ve mentioned before, many things require proper advance preparation. There’s no pressure in terms of financing a large shipyard construction.
But what about research and development talent?
If you want to delve into the naval industry, then you’ll need a greater number of higher-end talents.”
In this regard, we have no experience.
Next, what about the shipyard’s management talent?
A shipyard that meets your expectations will require a construction cost of at least 15 million US dollars. Such a massive factory, if not managed by suitable talent, could be disastrous.
Lastly, for such a large shipyard, its workforce will certainly be counted in the thousands. Nowadays, labor unions are being established in all sectors across the United States. What do we do if unions get involved with this?”
Tang Fei shook his head; solving one problem always brought a slew of others.
Fortunately, this was not a spur-of-the-moment decision for Donnie but something he had been planning for a long time.
“There’s no need to worry about management talent at the moment. I’ve already asked Helen to contact managers from several shipyards, and three of them are interested and have agreed to meet with us.
Regarding the research and development talents, have Kafe contact Seymour Stratton, the Vice Chancellor of MIT, and tell him that I am willing to 2 million US dollars to MIT in my personal capacity!
As for the unions, the newly built factory will definitely not introduce unions. I’ll personally discuss this with Cape May and the people of New Jersey!”
Although Seymour Stratton is currently just the Vice Chancellor of MIT, his boss, Elihu Thomson, is about to step down, and Seymour Stratton will take over as the President of MIT!
MIT, as one of America’s top research universities, if we can collaborate with them on research and development, it would greatly enhance the technological capabilities of the shipyard.
“2 million dollars?” Robert was a bit shocked, “Isn’t that a bit too much?”
Donnie shook his head; 2 million US dollars, while a significant sum now, was not the ceiling for MIT. Eastman Kodak’s founder had d over 20 million US dollars to MIT between 1912 and 1920.
Of course, a one-time donation of 2 million US dollars, even for MIT, was substantial.
This was enough to afford Donnie a VIP treatment at MIT!
“That’s all. Our collaboration with MIT isn’t limited only to the shipbuilding industry.”
Robert nodded, “I understand. I’ll have Kafe contact MIT right away!”
Donnie continued, “Also, help me see if there’s any arms manufacturer that’s about to go under, and look into acquiring it!”
With the end of World War I, the arms business has become challenging. These military factories had been operating beyond capacity and norms to meet the weapon consumption during the war.
Now, with the war over, the consequences of their expansions to increase production capacity are beginning to surface.
Otherwise, Colt Company and Springfield Company wouldn’t have cared so much about Donnie’s orders.
“Acquiring military factories?”
Both Robert and Chris were shocked by Donnie’s decision. Hadn’t everyone been discussing United States Logistics?
Why suddenly shift to military factories?
Donnie glared at them and said, “Did you forget what I just said? Our shipyard will not only produce civilian cargo and passenger ships but also cater to navy demands.
If we don’t have our own military factory, how can we coordinate with the new shipyard’s warship development? Even though the military industry is struggling now, the international situation isn’t secure. If the United States doesn’t have orders, we can work on international orders. You should know, as long as there are humans on this planet, war will never end!”
Not just internationally!
The sale of weapons within the United States isn’t as rampant now as it will be later. At this time, American arms dealers are focusing more on the Army, Navy, and Air Force, neglecting the civilian market.
This is excellent for Donnie, as he can get a head start and develop this market sooner.
As for whether the proliferation of guns in the United States might occur earlier due to Donnie’s decision… what’s it to me? I’m just a businessman, only responsible for selling goods!
Moreover, this business holds another advantage for Donnie, he possesses an understanding of firearms that is definitely ahead of the current era.