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In early 2022, International Finance News, published and managed by People's Daily, dedicated a full-page column to an in-depth report titled "The 'Comeback' Code of Kailong Hi-Tech, Practitioner of Craftsmanship." The article explored and uncovered the secrets behind Kailong Hi-Tech's path to success. Let us read it together and discover the 'comeback' code of how Kailong Hi-Tech grew from a startup to an industry leader.

We all use smartphones and tablets, yet few people realize that 95% of the chips inside them come from ARM. Even fewer know that this small company — once dismissed by Motorola and Intel — would become the textbook example of a "comeback." This successful underdog tells a story: a small firm that started by making licensed computers, was blocked from obtaining Intel chip licenses, was forced to pursue independent R&D, and ultimately grew into a powerful rival to Intel. The reason I bring up that story is to tell another one — a story that is unfolding right now. Not only do these two stories share many similarities, but I also hold great expectations for this company. Since 2001, this enterprise has been continuously developing, steadily surpassing multinational giants, and has become the market leader in China — yet it continues to push forward. It is a true underdog that fought its way to the top. What makes it even more remarkable is that the founder has a very clear-eyed view of himself, a strong sense of crisis awareness, and an unwavering commitment to the "craftsman spirit." He has continuously increased R&D investment and is determined to make this his life's work — to become a true entrepreneur and industrialist. The story that follows is about Kailong Hi-Tech, based in Wuxi, and its founder Zang Zhicheng.

Twenty Years of Dreaming: From Scratch to Breaking Foreign Monopoly

Zang Zhicheng was born in Wuxi in 1963. He is a senior engineer at the researcher level and currently serves as Chairman and General Manager of Kailong Hi-Tech Co., Ltd., Vice Chairman of the Aftertreatment Branch of the China Internal Combustion Engine Society, and Head of the Diesel Engine SCR Exhaust Aftertreatment Working Group of the National Technical Committee for Internal Combustion Engine Standardization, among other roles.

In 2001, driven by the dream of "using Chinese technology to make the sky bluer," Zang Zhicheng founded Kailong Hi-Tech. Over twenty years, he led the company step by step — from manufacturing automotive exhaust heaters to building the world's only complete independent innovation SCR (Selective Catalytic Reduction) exhaust aftertreatment industrial chain, breaking the long-standing monopoly of foreign giants such as Bosch, Cummins, BASF, and Johnson Matthey, filling the domestic gap in automotive exhaust treatment, and growing Kailong into a frontrunner in China's engine components industry.

The Core of the "Comeback" Code: Craftsman Spirit and Independent R&D

Kailong Hi-Tech's success was not accidental. It was built on more than two decades of relentless focus on core technology research and development, an unwavering commitment to independent innovation, and the courage to challenge multinational giants. The company has established China's first national-level enterprise technology center in the engine emission treatment field, a CNAS-accredited laboratory, and a world-class engine exhaust system comprehensive performance test research base. It has formed the only complete emission treatment industrial chain in China, with 195 authorized patents (45 invention patents), and has led or participated in the drafting of 19 national industry standards.

Looking Ahead: Carbon Neutrality and the Broader Mission

Kailong Hi-Tech's aftertreatment technology plays a critical role in China's dual-carbon strategy. As the nation advances toward carbon peak by 2030 and carbon neutrality by 2060, the demand for clean emission solutions will continue to grow. Kailong is well-positioned to contribute to this mission — not only in traditional automotive applications, but also in emerging sectors including industrial waste gas treatment, new energy vehicles, and marine propulsion systems.