pdf-ebookys Chapter 239 Old Kohler's New Job
Chapter 239 Old Kohler's New Job
Chapter 239 Old Kohler's New Job
Lorne wasn't particularly skilled at running a factory. He did have some weapon design blueprints that were ahead of their time, but he didn't have much experience in specific business management and didn't want to waste his precious time on the daily trivialities of the factory.
Leave professional matters to professionals.
Therefore, when deciding to acquire the factory, he considered that directly employing the original management personnel might be a good option. This would maximize stability during the handover period and avoid unnecessary chaos. Once everything was running smoothly and production was stable, it wouldn't be too late to gradually weed out some employees with inadequate management skills and recruit more outstanding talent.
With someone looking after the factory for me, I can finally be a hands-off manager.
Upon hearing Lorne's suggestion, Ted was taken aback at first, but then an indescribable joy welled up in his heart, making his eyes, which had been dimmed by disappointment, shine again.
For him, this factory was, after all, one that he founded, and being able to continue working here and watch it come back to life was undoubtedly the best outcome.
"Mr. Scott, I—I am very willing to take this position!" Ted, who had been dejected, straightened his back and put on a long-lost smile.
Afterwards, the two briefly discussed the follow-up details.
"Mr. Ted, I'd like to build a complete mechanical production line for the factory and purchase some stamping equipment, etc. Approximately how much would that cost?" Lorne asked.
"Five thousand pounds," Ted pondered for a moment, then held out a hand. "At least that amount."
He explained, "Even including the current machines, the equipment cost for a truly mechanical production line would be at least this much."
Five thousand pounds was acceptable. Lorne nodded; the figure did not exceed his budget.
"I have some firearms patents here, take a look and see what you think," Lorne said, pulling a folded sketch from a hidden compartment in his pocket and handing it to the other person.
"You...you acquired the factory just for this?" Ted asked, somewhat puzzled, as he took the sketch.
"More or less." Lorne didn't elaborate further.
Ted carefully unfolded the sketch, examined it closely under the gas lamp for a long time, and a look of amazement gradually appeared in his eyes.
"Amazing!" he exclaimed.
"This design is really interesting—a lever-type structure that uses the reciprocating motion of the lever to complete ejection and loading—how come I never thought of that?"
"Can the factory produce it?" Lorne asked.
"It's a bit more complicated than the ordinary single-barreled or double-barreled shotguns on the market, but no problem!" Ted said confidently. "Even without upgrading the equipment, we can produce it with the skills of our current workers."
"What do you think of the sales prospects for this gun?" Lorne asked again. Even though he had done a lot of market research, he wasn't necessarily more knowledgeable than Ted, a professional. He wanted to hear Ted's opinion.
"There isn't a weapon of this type on the market right now. Its rate of fire is faster than traditional shotguns, and it's easy to operate, making it suitable for both self-defense and hunting. I personally think it should sell very well—but—"
Ted changed the subject and sighed, "The industry as a whole isn't doing well right now. Sales channels are limited, and in some places, we're even engaged in price wars. This gun's structure is much more complex than a normal single-barreled shotgun, so the cost is definitely much higher."
He seemed somewhat pessimistic. After all, he had just experienced a devastating bankruptcy, and he wasn't optimistic about the market outlook.
Complex items are bound to be expensive, and if they're too expensive, they might not sell—Lorne understood his concerns and nodded, saying, "Purchasing some new stamping equipment should reduce costs somewhat."
"But then we won't have enough workers, and we'll need to recruit another batch," Ted added.
"Mm." Lorne nodded.
"I'll bring over the detailed blueprints later. You organize the manpower first and try producing a small batch, testing the waters with the current channels." He paused, then continued, "Stop producing other gun parts for now. Bullets—you can continue producing them, but at a slightly reduced quantity."
Before Ted could speak, Lorne continued, "You just need to focus on production; I'll figure out the new sales channels."
He already had several directions in mind.
First, there's Hazel. He plans to visit this young lady again to see if he can get her father's help and establish connections with the military through her. Congressman Macht only has one daughter, Hazel, and he values her highly.
I could visit Hazel myself as her friend and ask her to put in a good word for me, or I could simply ask her for advice as a junior. That shouldn't be a problem. If all else fails, I could bring Hazel into the business; it's my daughter's business, after all, a father shouldn't refuse to help.
Although he held leverage over his opponent, Lorne really didn't want to use it until the very last moment. After all, using it would mean completely breaking off relations.
Furthermore, the colonies also have a huge demand for arms. There are various resistance armies there, as well as countless adventurers and local forces. With his connections with Edwina and Cattleya, he can also ask them for help in finding suitable markets at sea.
Of course, the procedures and formalities involved are definitely more complicated.
"Okay." Seeing that his new boss was so confident, Ted didn't say anything more.
"Sigh, if only there were a time when we could produce things without worrying about selling them," he suddenly sighed.
"That might only be possible if there's a world war," Lorne joked.
"Hehe." Ted chuckled at the dark joke, which lightened the heavy atmosphere in the office considerably.
The two then briefly explained the specific handover process.
"By the way, is there still a security guard at the factory?" Lorne suddenly asked before leaving.
"A gatekeeper? A doorman—" Ted thought for a moment and said, "We used to have them, but the factory had difficulties and they were laid off. There's usually nothing going on during the day. Lately, I've been living in the office, and I go out to patrol at night myself."
"Now that we have money, hiring another person shouldn't be a problem, right?" Lorne asked.
"Of course, no problem. What's wrong?"
"Um."
"Sir, have you reached an agreement?"
Upon seeing Lorne emerge from the office, Old Kohler, who had been patiently waiting at the door, immediately stepped forward and asked.
"Yes, this factory is mine now," Lorne replied.
"Congratulations, sir," old Kohler said sincerely.
"Old Kohler, where are you planning to go next?" Lorne asked.
"Me?" Old Kohler was a little surprised, but still answered honestly, "I plan to find the cheapest hotel first, take a good shower, get some sleep, and then go out to see if there are any odd jobs I can do."
"You're in good health, and you seem like a pretty honest person," Lorne said, looking at him. "I have a job here, do you want it?"
"Work?" Old Kohler was stunned, momentarily speechless.
"Hmm, the factory is short a gatekeeper. Are you interested?"
"Yes! Of course!" Old Kohler blurted out, his face beaming with delight. But a moment later, he became flustered, waving his hands repeatedly, "Sir, you don't need to do so much for me. You've already helped me so much. Besides, I'm getting old—"
"No, it's not as simple as just being a doorman," Lorne interrupted him.
He lowered his voice and explained, "I need you to watch over this factory for me."
Old Kohler looked puzzled.
"I won't stay here forever; I'll just come back periodically. The factory management is still the same group as before. As an outsider, I might not be able to understand many things about the factory."
For example, whether management has engaged in any underhanded practices, whether anyone has embezzled funds, whether workers' wages have been withheld or misappropriated, and whether there are any issues the factory manager hasn't told me about—all of these require time to verify.
Lorne's gaze sharpened: "I need you to help me write down everything that happens in the factory and then tell me. I need the most authentic, firsthand information."
"I understand!" Old Kohler instantly understood what Lorne meant.
"Thank you, sir!" He nodded heavily, a thin, cloudy tear welling in his eye. He sniffed hard, trying not to cry in front of his employer.
Although Lorne's words made sense, he knew in his heart that the other party was mainly trying to help him. Given his age and physical condition, finding a job in the harsh environment of the East District was incredibly difficult. And not being able to work meant he might truly not survive. This "gatekeeper" job was nothing short of a lifeline for him.
"Hmm." Lorne nodded. He had done a divination before and confirmed that Old Kohler was a good person and trustworthy, so he went along with it and helped him out.
He extended his hand to old Kohler: "James Scott, your employer."
Seeing Lorne's outstretched hand, old Kohler hesitated for a moment, then vigorously wiped his hands on his worn clothes before solemnly shaking them.
"Thank you, Mr. Scott! I will not let you down!"
"I need to walk around the factory some more. For the specifics, go talk to Factory Manager Ted; he'll explain everything to you."
"Thank you, sir!" Old Kohler released his hand, nodded heavily, and expressed his gratitude again.
Watching old Kohler walk away towards the office building, Lorne stood there, muttering to himself:
Am I being too kind-hearted?
Once again, he began to doubt his own moral standards, which were out of step with the times.
After a moment, he sighed helplessly:
"Forget it, it would have been fine if we hadn't run into them, but since we have, it wouldn't hurt to lend a hand."