By LONG Yun & BI Weizi

Mr Robert Geldner. (COURTESY PHOTO)

Before meeting the Austrian railway expert Robert Geldner, we heard from his Chinese colleagues that he has both outstanding professional skills and a great personality.

Geldner, with a background of more than 20 years in industrial manufacturing technology, is an expert in material and welding technology. Currently, he is the welding director for CRRC Zhuzhou Electric Locomotive Company (CRRC ZELC), playing a pivotal role in contributing to rapid development of China's rail transit and propelling it onto the global stage.

Witnessing development of rail transit in China

Geldner first set foot in Shanghai 25 years ago, embarking on what would be a transformative career journey. "The first time I came to China was for a business trip in Shanghai to investigate and analyze Shanghai Line 1 Metro's operation performance," he recalled. The trip led to a significant collaboration between Siemens and CRRC in 2001, where he served as a welding engineer.

Geldner's work in China has been marked by joint efforts and significant achievements. "I remember working on the welding aspects of the locomotives and metro vehicles, ensuring every weld met our strict standards for safety and durability," he said, highlighting the importance of attention to detail. This meticulous approach has not only enhanced the quality of the trains manufactured, but also contributed significantly to the safety and reliability of China's rail system.

Among the projects he's been involved in, Geldner highlighted the development and rollout of several new locomotives and metro vehicles as especially memorable. "Seeing these projects through from the initial design phase to the final production and rollout was incredibly rewarding," he said.

Geldner is proud of the progress he has witnessed. "The evolution of China's rail industry over the past two decades has been extraordinary," he noted, adding that, "Being a part of this transformation has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my career."

He is also impressed by the remarkable manufacturing scale and supply chain capabilities within the sector in China.

“The yearly output for one CRRC manufacturing site is about 10 times more than a major European manufacturing site,” he said, citing metro vehicles. In his view, this difference stems from China’s strong domestic market demand and the strategic impact of the Belt and Road Initiative.

Fostering spirit of craftsman

Geldner was particularly impressed by the sector's swift shift towards automation and digitalization, noting that CRRC has achieved a level of automation unmatched by any other global railway vehicle manufacturer.

The pursuit of perfection is deeply rooted in Geldner’s belief in the importance of craftsmanship within the high-speed railway sector. "To foster true craftsmanship, one must lead by example, strive for perfection, and accept nothing less," he said. For Geldner, the essence of craftsmanship lies in its power to drive innovation, making clear a distinction in the boundaries of speed, safety, and sustainability in rail vehicle design and manufacturing.

"Leading by example, insisting on perfection, and never compromising on any imperfection is necessary to foster craftsmanship," Geldner explained. He believes that the spirit of a craftsman is a driving force behind innovation in railway vehicle design and manufacturing, pushing the industry to be faster, safer and greener.

Exploring opportunities in China

Living in China, Geldner has found that cultural differences between China and Austria almost do not exist, appreciating the similar values of cherishing family bonds, hard work, and diligence shared by both cultures. He's particularly fond of the collective spirit and social warmth of Chinese society, from group dances in parks, to having parties with families and friends. Reflecting on his journey, Geldner shared a touching moment when his CRRC ZELC colleagues gifted him a set of Chinese technical books during a farewell ceremony.

His advice to foreign experts considering a career in China is pragmatic. He encouraged them to explore opportunities in China, highlighting the country's world-class companies, financial resources for R&D, supportive government services for startups, and top universities.

In 2023, Geldner received the Chinese Government Friendship Award, the highest honor bestowed upon foreign experts who have made outstanding contributions to international cooperation.