My name is Nicolas. I'm LDC’s Chief Operating Officer for China. My responsibility is to ensure that day-to-day operations run smoothly and efficiently, that risks are identified and managed and that the organization achieves its strategic goals.
How can we achieve operational excellence?
Operational excellence focuses on improving the reliability and efficiency of our business processes to maximize customer value while minimizing waste and costs. This is important because it enables us to grow profitably and sustainably. Initiatives are underway to drive operational excellence in China. Let me give you a few examples. First, digital transformation: we want to leverage the power of data and new technologies to make our supply chain more efficient, better control our costs and improve communication with our customers. We are also streamlining and standardizing our business processes to eliminate waste, drive automation and create scalability. As part of this initiative, we’ve established a shared business center in Tianjin. I would also mention investment in our assets to reduce industry costs, increase yields and productivity, and make our production more sustainable. Finally, safety and quality control are also paramount. We continually strive to improve the safety of our operations and ensure that our products meet the highest food standards. All these initiatives aim to enhance the quality of our products and services, while effectively managing costs.
What are the main focus areas for operations in China?
China is a major importer and producer of agricultural products. We are building and opening two major soybean processing facilities in Fuling and Zhangjiagang, and we plan to continue growing our industrial footprint and commodities business. China is also the fastest-growing consumer market in the world, and we want to tap into downstream opportunities. We're opening an R&D center in Shanghai to develop new proteins for animal nutrition and provide the food industry with innovative ingredients. We also entered the market for bottled cooking oils and juices. So, in short, China is a critical component of LDC’s global commodity business and we also view it as a place where we can innovate and explore new business opportunities.
What does LDC’s 50th anniversary in China mean to you?
Over the last five decades, LDC has established a strong presence and a reputation in China. This is a testament to LDC’s commitment to China, and the dedication and talent of our people. So looking back, we can all be proud of what has been achieved, but equally the future really excites us, as there’s so much more we can do together. We have the knowledge, skills and passion to make a difference and shape the future. So I’d like to wish everyone happy fiftieth anniversary and a long and exciting journey ahead with LDC in China.
