Chapter 70: Departmental Meeting

The conference room in building B was brimming with the heads of departments of the Axelsen & Nielsen Air Brake Company. Poul Nielsen and Jonathan Axelsen, the company's co-founders, were seated at the head of the table, keenly listening to each department head as they shared their observations and suggestions.

Timothy Anderson, the head of the Research and Development department, was the first to present. "We have been working on developing innovative technologies to enhance the efficiency of our air brakes. We have made remarkable progress in reducing the time required to activate the brakes and are working to improve the braking power. We believe that these improvements will make our brakes more desirable to railroads. Furthermore, Mr. Walter Schneider and I have devised a new technology, and we have already created a prototype. Please take a look at it in your spare time."

Poul Nielsen nodded in agreement, marveling at the rapid progress made by their engineers. "That's wonderful news. Thank you for your efforts to improve our air brakes. We will examine the prototypes that you have worked on."

The next department to present was Marketing. Erik Johansen, the head of Marketing, stood up and began his presentation. "We have been working on expanding our customer base, and we have been successful in securing new contracts with railroad companies in the United States. However, we must enhance our marketing strategies to attract more customers, especially overseas."

Jonathan Axelsen replied, "We acknowledge the significance of marketing, Erik. We will allocate more resources to our marketing endeavors. What strategies have you come up with so far?"

"There are four approaches, Sir Axelsen. The first is print advertising. We can place ads in popular magazines, newspapers, and other print media in the countries we are targeting. For instance, in the German Empire, there is Kreuzzeitung, Le Figaro in France, the Novoe Vremia in the Russian Empire, and The Times in the British Empire. The second is participating in trade shows where we showcase our products and meet potential customers face-to-face. The third is direct mail, where we send information about the product directly to railroad companies. The fourth is simply establishing a branch in those countries. It's more direct than mail, but it would require significant capital."

"We've been contemplating expanding our business overseas," Poul said. "One of the options we've considered is establishing a branch in those countries."

"Establishing a branch in those countries is a wise move, Sir Nielsen. With a local presence, we can better understand the market and the needs of our customers there. We can also hire local staff who have knowledge of the local language, culture, and business practices, which would help us to build stronger relationships with potential customers. Moreover, having a physical presence in these countries would enable us to provide better customer service and support to our existing customers."

"I will have my secretary and you work it out and draft a plan," Poul said.

The Production Department was next to present. Soren Petersen, the head of the Production Department, stood up and said, "We have been working on improving the efficiency of our manufacturing processes. We have made significant improvements and believe that we can reduce our production costs without sacrificing quality."

Poul Nielsen inquired, "How did you do that?"

"Since the company had already adopted mass production techniques and new technologies, standardization, and automation, it already reduced production costs. To reduce the cost even further, we have implemented a lean manufacturing method, cost-saving measures, and optimized our supply chains."

Poul Nielsen smiled, "That's excellent news, Petersen. We want to keep our costs down to remain competitive in the market."

The next department to present was Finance. Terrence Metoyer, the head of the Finance Department, stood up and presented the company's financial performance for the past quarter.

"We have seen steady growth in revenue, and we have also been able to reduce our operating costs thanks to the efforts of the production department. We are in a strong financial position, and we believe that we can continue to grow the company by supporting its initiatives like establishing a branch abroad."

Jonathan nodded, "That's great to hear, Metoyer. Keep up the good work."

Finally, it was the Human Resources department's turn. Brian Owens, the head of HR, stood up and said, "We have been working on improving the working conditions for our employees. We have made significant progress in reducing accidents in the factory, and we have also been providing training programs to help our employees develop new skills. Not only that, but we have also been successful in increasing our workforce as one thousand more have applied for a job in the company."

Poul smiled, "That's exactly what I want to hear from the Human Resources Department. Now, I want to ensure that the benefits that our workers are receiving should be extended also to the new workers."

"Don't worry, Sir Nielsen. We will do our best to ensure that," Brian said.

The meeting continued for another hour as Poul and Jonathan listened to their department heads' suggestions and made plans to further improve the company.

As the meeting was about to conclude, Poul and Jonathan rose to their feet and glanced at every head of the departments.

"So, should I say it?" Poul whispered to Jonathan.

"No, I will do this," Jonathan whispered back. He cleared his throat, preparing himself to speak to the people present in the meeting.

"I wanted to take a moment to thank each and every one of you for your hard work and dedication to the Axelsen & Nielsen Air Brake Company. Though our heads of departments may have been with us for a short time, their contributions have been invaluable, and they have helped us to move forward as a company.

In this fast-paced business world, it's easy to forget the importance of building strong relationships with those we work with. But it's those relationships that make all the difference in the world. And so, I wanted to extend my sincerest gratitude to each and every one of you for your continued commitment to our company's success.

We have achieved great things so far, but there is still much work to be done. I know that with your expertise and dedication, we will continue to make great strides in the future.

Thank you all for your hard work, and I look forward to continuing to work together to make our company the best it can be."

As Jonathan finished his speech, the department heads sat with a sense of gratitude and appreciation for their work being recognized by the company's founder.

The head of the Production Department, Soren Petersen, was nodding his head in approval as Jonathan thanked him for his team's contribution to the company. He felt proud and fulfilled knowing that his department's hard work did not go unnoticed.

Erik Johansen, the head of the marketing department, sat with a smile on his face, feeling proud of his team's accomplishments. He felt that his department was making a difference in the company's growth and expansion.

Brian Owens, the head of the Human Resources Department, felt inspired by Jonathan's words and felt motivated to continue his work in building a strong and dedicated workforce.

And after that, the meeting concluded, and the department heads left the conference room. Poul and Jonathan were satisfied with the reports they received.

"I must say, they exceeded my expectations. You sure do know a lot of people, Miss Weiss," Poul said.

"I'm honored, Sir Nielsen. Just as I assure you, I'll get the best staff in the world to work with your company."

"And you have done just that," Jonathan stepped in. "I think with this, I will forgive you for trying to get the specific details about the gun."

Amelia gulped, feeling a lump in her throat.

"Stop it, Jonathan. She's just a curious individual. I mean this country loves guns, who wouldn't be so curious?"

"I want you to stop simping on her, Poul. It's bad for you."

"Uhm...what is simping?" Amelia asked with a nervous voice. She had never heard that word before. Was it an Avalonian lingo?

"Trust me, you wouldn't want to know," Jonathan said, saving his partner from the embarrassment he is going to face should he tell her the meaning.

"Don't mind him, Amelia. Jonathan can be a bit of a joker sometimes," Poul said casually.

"Uhm...okay."

Amelia smiled, grateful for the friendly gesture. "It's okay, Sir Nielsen. If you don't want to tell me, it's fine. Being too familiar with the two of you could result in misunderstanding from other employees."

"Enough of that, let's return to business," Jonathan stepped in. "Now that the departmental meeting ended, what is the next line of business?"

"We have a meeting with John Morgan scheduled for later this evening. You can use the time before that to work on your respective duties. As for me, I will return to the office and continue my work."

"Okay, I will see the prototype that Mr. Anderson and Schneider created. How about you Jonathan?"

"I'll finalize the documents for the construction of the new office building and then to the foundry," Jonathan said.

"Great, we'll reconvene later."