Linuo Group, a leading private manufacturing company based in Jinan, is implementing a range of innovative initiatives in digital transformation and industrial upgrading to boost its development, according to Liu Xingcun, vice-president of the company.

Over the past 30 years, Linuo has developed robust industrial clusters in healthcare, new energy, and new materials. Its flagship companies include Hongjitang Pharmaceutical, Linuo Ritter in the new energy sector, and Wuhan Youji Holding Co in new materials.

In response to the rise of AI, Linuo is accelerating the development of new quality productive forces. The company was recognized among China's top 50 industrial digital transformation leaders in 2024. With the support of the local government's policies, it is building a number of intelligent factories.

Twelve key projects, covering smart manufacturing of injectables, ejiao, pharmaceutical packaging, and new energy, are underway or operational, with plans to establish lighthouse factories, "dark factories" (fully automated smart factories that operate without on-site human labor), and industrial tourism model sites.

To develop smart manufacturing talent, Linuo is building a tiered talent system to support its digital transformation, with frontline workers shifting from blue-collar roles to skilled technicians and engineers.