On May 13–14, Dr. Zhu Wei, Deputy Director of Zhejiang University Technology Transfer Center, led a team of eight experts including Yang Jie, Assistant Dean of the Industrial Technology Research Institute, Shi Hongwei, Deputy Director of Zhejiang University Feitu Automated Production Line Joint R&D Center, and Yan Xuhong, Senior Designer of the Industrial Design Research Institute, to conduct an inspection tour of the wooden toy industry in Yunhe County. Lu Haiyang, Deputy Director of Yunhe County Bureau of Science and Technology, Lu Rui, Chief of the Planning Section, and other relevant officials accompanied the visit.

During the event, the experts conducted on-site inspections of the production workshops and R&D centers of four enterprises: Yunhe Jincheng Wood Industry Co., Ltd., Zhejiang Xinyun Wood Industry (Group) Co., Ltd., Zhejiang Jintaier Toys Co., Ltd., and Zhejiang Qiaozhimu Toys Co., Ltd. They gained an in-depth understanding of production processes, innovative product design, market brand building and other conditions. The experts held in-depth exchanges with corporate executives and technical staff focusing on production automation (machine replacement of manual labor), innovative product design and 3D design technologies. Based on the current development and market operation status of local wooden toy enterprises, the experts suggested promoting automated transformation for mature and high-volume single product lines to further improve production efficiency and reduce manufacturing costs. In terms of product innovation, enterprises should carry out targeted R&D according to market demand, integrate cultural stories and animation elements, and develop serialized product lines. After listening to the experts’ suggestions, Wang Wancheng, Chairman of Jincheng Wood Industry, expressed strong willingness to carry out in-depth exchanges and cooperation with Zhejiang University and other universities and research institutions. Against the backdrop of rising production costs and shrinking profit margins, local enterprises are in urgent need of upgrading production efficiency and cost control. However, most Yunhe wooden toy enterprises adopt order-based sales with a wide variety of products, which to a certain extent restricts their investment in automation upgrading and product design research. He hoped that experts would pay more regular visits to enterprises, help solve technical bottlenecks and create tangible economic benefits.

This event marks the starting point of further cooperation. Adhering to the philosophy of serving local development and enterprises, the Lishui Technology Transfer Center of Zhejiang University will organize more expert service activities in Lishui and contribute to comprehensive city-university cooperation.