On March 2, the group convened its 2026 Annual Innovation and Development Conference. Attendees included group leaders, management representatives from various units, mid-level and above cadres, technical backbones, and recognized exemplary individuals. Also present was Prof. Zhang Shihong, Director of the Precision Copper Tube Engineering Research Center at the Chinese Academy of Sciences, and Head of the Advanced Plastic Processing Technology Research Group in the Professional Materials and Equipment Research Department of the Institute of Metal Research, Chinese Academy of Sciences, who is also a doctoral supervisor.

The conference announced the group's overall goals and tasks for scientific and technological innovation in 2026, and recognized outstanding collectives, excellent projects, and advanced individuals who have emerged over the past year in various areas, including scientific and technological innovation, lean manufacturing, and the three critical campaigns.

In the process of the group's high-quality development, a group of exemplary pioneers has emerged, characterized by their enterprising spirit and innovative drive. They have demonstrated courage in taking on challenges, dedication to hard work, and a commitment to continuous improvement, successfully accomplishing various goals and tasks, and making significant contributions to the group's innovative development.

Chairman Jiang Zhongmin of the group delivered a speech at the conference. He expressed his highest respect to all cadres and employees who have consistently dedicated themselves to the development of the group, and extended his warm congratulations to the recognized advanced collectives and individuals.

He stated that in 2025, all members of Dongfang Special Steel, with a work attitude of "treating every day as the first day, and being diligent and conscientious," completed the three critical campaigns with high quality and standards, firmly advancing on the right path of rapid development.

All members of Dongfang New Materials demonstrated drive, diligence, and a pragmatic and truth-seeking spirit. Through continuous hard work, they withstood the pressure of industry involution, emerged from the trough, and established their own core competitiveness.

Tongtai High-Conductivity Materials focused on the "three comprehensives," refining and solidifying their work. This led to a significant leap in production capacity and key technological breakthroughs in producing high-quality oxygen-free copper through the continuous casting and rolling process.

Runlai Technology deepened innovation in precision copper materials, completing the development and application of thin-diameter, thin-walled internally finned tubes, leading the industry. It also advanced over ten R&D tasks, including the commercialization of high-strength tubes, continuously broadening the innovation landscape.

Innovation drives development, and solid work papes the way for the future. The year 2026 marks the beginning of the 15th Five-Year Plan period and is also a year in which the group’s "Lean Run'an Project" will be comprehensively advanced in greater depth.

He emphasized that the core focus of the group’s development in 2026 remains "lean manufacturing and smart factory+," aiming to make lean manufacturing a core competency. The heads of all units must shoulder the responsibility as the "first responsible person," taking the lead and personally ensuring that the group’s strategic plans are translated into tangible actions.

Dongfang Special Steel must steadfastly pursue high-quality development, further focus on advantageous product varieties, and cultivate a fertile ground for talent. Dongfang New Materials must adhere to the dual-extremes philosophy to serve a broader market. Tongtai High-Conductivity Materials must unwaveringly build the "Quality Tongtai" brand. Runlai Technology should strive to excel from a later starting point, focusing on production lines to further enhance efficiency.

The group must unite in purpose, focus its strength and interests toward a common goal, align in vision, co-build and share benefits, stay true to its original aspirations, act with dedication and perseverance, and strive tirelessly to contribute to industry progress and local development, while creating a fulfilling life for its employees.

At the meeting, Liu Jianchao, Vice Chairman of the group, announced the Decision on Commending the Three Critical Campaigns of 2025.

Chen Jun, the Group Union Chairperson and Director of the Group General Office, announced the Decision on Commending the Advanced of 2025.

Group Chairman Jiang Zhongmin presented the Three Critical Campaigns Awards.

Honorary President of the group and Chairman of Dongfang New Materials Cao Yubing presented the Innovation Achievement Awards.

Liu Jianchao, Vice Chairman of the group, presented the Efficient Team Awards.

Chang Jianhua, Vice President of the group and General Manager of Dongfang New Materials, presented the Lean Star Honorary Medals.

Qian Lihui, Vice President of the group, presented the Group Artisan Honorary Medals.

Yin Min, Director of the Group Supervisory Committee, presented the Group Innovation Pioneer Honorary Medals.

Chen Jun, the Group Union Chairperson and Director of the Group General Office, presented the Group Safety Guardian Honorary Medals.

Wang Lingyun, Group Audit Director, presented the Group First-Class Commendation Medals.

Gao Ziming, Group Finance Director, presented the Group Second-Class Commendation Medals.

Zhao Rongtuo, Group Information Technology Director, presented the Group Third-Class Commendation Medals.

Representatives from various units and departments of the group, covering areas such as lean manufacturing, group artisans, high-quality development, and efficient teams, delivered exchange speeches at the conference.