Behind the Spring #2: Meet The People Behind Our Expertise

Behind the Spring #2: Meet The People Behind Our Expertise

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02.09.2026.

We present the second of our employee stories – a project to recognise the great work of our colleagues and demonstrate their diverse stories.

“To approach every detail with precision and demonstrate our company’s values through professional and responsible work.”

This is how Xingcun Jia describes the principle that guides his work every single day. For more than four years, he has been working as a production process engineer at BAUMANN Shanghai, contributing to the development of wave springs, process optimization, and technical excellence on the shop floor. We interviewed Xingcun about technology, responsibility, and what expertise truly means to him.


Xingcun Jia

  • Production Process Engineer
  • Shanghai plant, China
  • At BAUMANN since 2021
  • Enjoys sports, fishing and cooking.

“For someone enthusiastic about technology, this is the right place to grow.”

Let’s start from the very beginning, Xingcun. What made you choose BAUMANN as your employer?

In our industry, BAUMANN sets the bar high for technology and quality. Working here immerses you in a culture that strives for excellence in craftsmanship, product performance, and reliability. That is important to me. At the same time, we work with advanced equipment and world-leading high-precision manufacturing machinery, including innovative spring design software. For someone enthusiastic about technology, this is the right place to grow.

How long have you been in your current position?

I have been working at BAUMANN for more than four years, and I have been a Production Process Engineer since I joined. In addition, I have taken on responsibilities as acting supervisor of the Large Compression Spring group and currently serve as supervisor of the Secondary Process group. Before BAUMANN, I worked in three Taiwanese-funded enterprises in similar technical roles, so I arrived with some experience.

If you look back, do you remember your early days at BAUMANN?

Very clearly. The company provided structured onboarding that covered corporate culture, product knowledge, and practical skills. Each training session reflected BAUMANN’s commitment to professionalism and its attention to detail. The most important lesson I learned was that details are the cornerstones of professionalism. From product knowledge and quality control to standardized service processes, everything is interconnected. Quality is not only a responsibility to the company — it is a promise to every customer. This understanding still guides my work today.

And now, what are your main responsibilities?

My role includes the development of wave spring products, on-site process optimization, personnel training, and technical support. A considerable part of my time is dedicated to helping colleagues in resolving production issues. When challenges arise on the shop floor, I provide professional advice and support from both a process and reliability perspective.

How do you ensure the precision and quality of production every day?

Quick responses are crucial. I support production lines by troubleshooting technical issues, participating in the design and acceptance of tooling and fixtures, and planning maintenance. Training operators is equally important — ensuring they fully understand and correctly execute process requirements. In production, I focus on process stability and reliability: quality, efficiency, and cost control. That includes close control of process parameters such
as tempering temperature, grinding, shot peening, demagnetization, setting, and surface treatment. I also work on error prevention through standard operating procedures and error-proofing devices. Continuous technological innovation and optimization — such as introducing new materials, equipment, and automation — plays a vital role in increasing efficiency while reducing costs.

What has been the most technically challenging task you have solved?

Developing and producing wave springs using domestically manufactured equipment was a major challenge. The process covered everything: concept development, planning, machining, debugging, tooling improvements, trial runs, and mass production — all while ensuring quality and on-time delivery. Achieving stable results through each phase requires patience, systematic analysis, and close teamwork.

You mentioned improvements. Have you introduced changes that made a real difference?

Yes. During the development of a wave spring project for one of our customers, the outer diameter production proved unstable. By improving the tooling structure, we achieved stable mass production. That moment demonstrated how technical insight, combined with persistence, can directly impact customer satisfaction and production reliability.

„Inspiration is not just about ideas — it is about passing on knowledge and helping others grow.“

If you think about your typical day at work, what does it look like?

Morning meetings, on-site inspections, reporting, evaluating new product processes, supporting equipment development, and debugging. It is dynamic and requires constant prioritization. Planning daily and weekly milestones in advance keeps things on track and ensures nothing is delayed — this reflects our value of TIME.

Do you and your team support strategic customers?

Yes. Based on customer requirements, we review technical drawings, analyze in-process data, and develop optimization solutions using design calculations, specialized software, and production experience. In the automotive and industrial sectors, where components must perform under extreme conditions, meeting specifications is not enough — reliability is key. That is why we apply structured quality planning methods already in the development phase. We analyze potential risks in both product design and production processes to prevent problems before they occur. Preventing problems is the essence of expert thinking.

It has been a year since the opening of the new BAUMANN production facility in Changshu. Has this milestone influenced your work?

Definitely. Work processes have become more standardized, supported by structured systems and automated production lines. Efficiency and production capacity have increased significantly. Higher automation reduces manual work and helps us better manage production pace, quality, and delivery pressure. It enables us to meet customer expectations with greater reliability.

You also mentor colleagues. What is that experience like for you?

It is a journey of mutual growth. I started out with no knowledge of the equipment — and now I operate it independently and solve complex technical issues. Being able to pass on that experience to new colleagues is something I take pride in. Inspiration is not just about ideas — it is about passing on knowledge and helping others grow.

So, what advice would you offer to someone starting as a setter at BAUMANN?

First, familiarize yourself with processes, then get hands-on. Observe more and seek guidance often. Always prioritize safety while ensuring quality and efficiency. Respect colleagues, follow rules, communicate proactively, and integrate into the team as quickly as possible. Keep learning.

In your opinion, what skills are essential for a good setter? Where does expertise lie?  

In solid professional skills and a deep understanding of product requirements. Strong time management and the ability to work efficiently matter just as much. So does a proactive attitude and a willingness to take responsibility. In my line of work, strong teamwork and communication skills are crucial. The job would be much harder without the ability to build positive relationships and resolve workplace conflicts effectively.

„Professionalism is about responsibility for one’s skills and results.”

When you think of BAUMANN, what comes to your mind?

Efficiency and punctuality. Continuous improvement. Collaboration and mutual success. These principles shape how we work and grow — both individually and as a team.

And how do you see our BAUMANN values — TIME, INSPIRATION, TOGETHER — do you think they are reflected in your daily work?

Yes, I do. For me, TIME means careful planning, following schedules, and resolving issues promptly so the overall project stays on track. INSPIRATION, for me, means constantly learning new equipment and processes, observing on-site challenges, and proposing practical improvements. I also appreciate close coordination with different departments, open communication, and actively contributing to shared goals.

Do you ever experience this sense of delight — we internally call it “the spring effect” when you know that something works because of something we produce?

Indeed! Every time I see a product that uses springs, I start thinking about the precision behind it. It is a professional reflex. 🙂

And what are you personally most proud of so far?

My personal growth. Going from being unfamiliar with new equipment to confidently managing complex technical challenges and sharing that knowledge with others. Earning the trust of leaders and colleagues by completing tasks reliably and on time — that means a lot to me.

What does success mean to you? How would you describe it?  

At work, it means performing my role reliably, efficiently, and accurately; achieving goals on time and earning trust. In life, it means maintaining health, emotional stability, and harmonious relationships with family and friends — and feeling a true sense of belonging.

And after work? How do you relax?

I exercise, walk, listen to music, watch shows, browse short videos, or chat with family and friends. I also enjoy sports, fishing, and cooking. If I were not working in manufacturing, I might choose landscaping — I appreciate working with nature and nurturing gradual improvement.

What’s the biggest catch you’ve had so far?

The biggest fish I've ever caught was a black carp, about 5.5 pounds. It's one of the "four major domestic fish" we have in China.

Xingcun, thank you so much for the open conversation. We have one final question for you — what or who is your inspiration?

An experienced colleague who is quiet but exceptionally meticulous. He often says, “Work is done for oneself, not for show.” This reminds me that professionalism is about responsibility for one’s skills and results.


THROUGH THE EYES OF THE MANAGER

“Xingcun Jia has always shown a calm and grounded approach to his work. He is someone who prefers to stay in the background, yet he remains extremely focused, precise, and consistent in all his work. What I appreciate most is his dedication to technical excellence. He continuously pushes himself, sets very high standards, and actively seeks opportunities for improvement. When facing technical difficulties, he is not afraid to explore new ideas but always approaches them with careful thinking and precision — he truly represents a valuable technical expert. At the same time, Xingcun is a great team player. He collaborates effectively with colleagues at all levels, is always willing to help, and has gained the respect of those around him due to his calm and supportive demeanor. I greatly value his contribution over the past years. I am confident he will keep growing, remain committed to innovation, and continue developing his expertise — for his own benefit and the company’s.“

Mr. Justin Xu