Chapter 168: Threatening Moves

"I'm deeply satisfied that all that I have seen in this factory were all within my expectation, good work to you, Mr. Jensen," Poul praised as Jensen escorted him out of the factory floor.

"It is great pleasure that we were able to delight you with our work, Mr. Nielsen. Should I expect you to return anytime soon? You know, to make this smelter an official company of yours?" Jensen asked.

"Once my partner returns to Pittsburgh, we will make that decision, for the meantime, it will stay as a steel company under its former name."

That's right, the aluminum smelter was once a steel manufacturing company, but it suffered under the competition primarily from Carnegie, the biggest steel magnate of the country and the era. Cargenie was known for his ruthless business tactics, including undercutting his competitors' prices, buying out smaller steel companies, and driving them out of business. He also had a reputation for treating his workers poorly, paying them low wages and subjecting them to long working hours in dangerous conditions.

This company was one of the victims and was on the brink of bankruptcy until Poul came along with his idea of smelting aluminum. Where he renovated the factory for equipment infrastructures suitable for smelting aluminum.

But Poul knew that aluminum wouldn't be able to compete with steel, as steel is still the most commonly used metal in construction and manufacturing, and still would be in the future. So there's no doubt that Poul and Jonathan would face Carnegie in the field of steel manufacturing if they started a steel business.

Poul looked at Mr. Jensen's face and saw a melancholic expression etched on it. It must have hurt his heart that the company he built was crushed utterly in the competition to see it belonging to someone else. Well, his feelings are understandable and so Poul decided to extend a gesture of goodwill to Mr. Jensen, who had been kind enough to assist him throughout the renovation process.

"Mr. Jensen, I would like to offer you a position in the new company we plan to establish. Your expertise in the steel industry would be invaluable to us, and I believe we could benefit greatly from your knowledge and experience," Poul said.

Mr. Jensen was surprised by Poul's offer, but he couldn't help feeling a glimmer of hope. The steel industry was his passion, and he dedicated his life to it. To be given the chance to work in it again would be a dream come true.

"Thank you, Mr. Nielsen. That is a generous offer, and I appreciate it. I would be honored to work with you and your partner," he replied and continued. "Though may I ask what would be the name of the company?"

"Well, the same format we always do in our enterprise, me and my partner's surnames and the industry. So it will be Axelsen and Nielsen Aluminum Manufacturing Company, but as it grows and expands to other metals, like steel, we will rename the company name."

Mr. Jensen nodded in agreement, feeling a sense of excitement at the prospect of working for a company with such potential for growth and success. He could already envision himself back in the steel industry, using his knowledge and experience to help the company compete with the likes of Carnegie.

"So you are going up against the steel magnate. I assume you have some plans on how you will compete with him?"

Poul paused from his walk and faced Jensen. "Innovation triumphs over the competition, Mr. Jensen. We will focus on developing new technologies and processes to make our products more efficient and cost-effective. We will also prioritize the safety and well-being of our workers, unlike some of our competitors. We believe that if we can offer superior products and working conditions, we can gain a significant advantage in the market and compete with even the biggest players."

Mr. Jensen smiled, feeling inspired by Poul's words. He knew that with Poul's vision and leadership, the new company had a bright future ahead of it.

As they walked out of the factory, Poul turned to Mr. Jensen and said, "I'll be in touch, Mr. Jensen."

"And I'll endeavor to make sure the factory is ready for your return, Mr. Nielsen," Mr. Jensen replied with a smile.

Poul nodded in appreciation before turning to head back to the carriage waiting for him.

***

Meanwhile, in New York, 26th street Broadway stood an office building of the Standard Oil Company

The door to one of the top-floor offices opened, and a man stepped out. He was tall, with a commanding presence that demanded attention. He wore a dark suit, and his perfectly slicked-back hair glistened in the light. His eyes were cold and calculating, and his mouth was set in a thin, tight line. It was John D. Rockefeller, the founder, and owner of the Standard Oil Company.

Rockefeller had become a prominent figure in the oil industry with his sharp business skills and aggressive strategies. He had a history of acquiring smaller oil companies and using his influence to dominate the market. His reputation as a calculating and profit-driven businessman preceded him, and his actions were often criticized for their lack of consideration for the well-being of his workers.

As he walked down the hall, his eyes scanned the offices and the workers at their desks. He seemed to take pleasure in the power he held over them, knowing that they were all dependent on him for their livelihoods.

Rockefeller's appearance struck fear into the hearts of those who crossed his path. He was a villain in the eyes of many, a man who had built his fortune on the backs of others. But to him, it was simply business as usual. He had no qualms about using whatever means necessary to achieve his goals, and he would stop at nothing to maintain his position as the king of the oil industry.

Arriving in the main lobby, his assistant approached him and handed him the newspaper.

Rockefeller grabbed the newspaper and unfolded it to read the contents.

"Hmm...so this metro station is really being built by those young industrialists huh?" Rockefeller muttered under his breath.

"Not only that Mr. Rockefeller," his assistant said. "It seems like the industrialist duo is expanding their enterprise in the oil industry."

"Hoh? What makes you say that?" Rockefeller raised a brow.

"Well, they are looking into buying some lands in the Appalachian Basin, Texas, and in Wyoming. Those lands are situated in areas rich in oil reserves, and you probably knew what it meant for us."

Rockefeller's expression darkened at the news. He had always been wary of competition, and the thought of these young upstarts encroaching on his territory made him uneasy.

"Looks like we are going to pay him a visit? Mr. Axelsen is in New York, right?"

"That's right, Mr. Rockefeller, I believe he is the supervisor of the metro station project."

"Good, set up a meeting with him."