Chapter 216 - Chapter 216: Manager Samura
Archibalt Steel's Sales Manager Samura was in a difficult position. Long before the financial results announcement, sales had already failed to meet expectations, and a downward revision was inevitable. However, if that happened, there was a possibility that his promotion to executive officer would be erased. That was why he had wanted to extend sales by any means necessary.
"What can I do to increase sales? Creating demand for iron from scratch now is difficult. Even if I try to steal customers from rival companies, changing the tied materials won't be easy."
"Tied materials" refers to a transaction form where steel manufacturers continuously supply steel materials in a form close to made-to-order production for specific large-volume customers such as automobile manufacturers, shipbuilders, and construction firms. Even with the same JIS Standards, there are variations in material characteristics. Customers often purchase materials with specifications as close to their preferences as possible, so it is not a battle decided by price alone. Therefore, changing steel manufacturers in the middle of product production is something they will not do unless there is a very serious reason.
In other words, asking them to transfer orders now is impossible.
"If only we could develop a competitive product..."
With that, resentment toward the development department slipped out.
After worrying like this for several days, he received a contact from a certain customer saying they wanted to introduce someone.
That customer was a large-volume consumer, so Samura decided to visit them personally.
And what he met there was a man with the appearance of a refreshing young man.
"This is Mr. Balt."
He was introduced as such.
"Nice to meet you. I am Samura, the Sales Manager of Archibalt Steel."
"I am Balt. I have come from the Big Bear Empire to this Kingdom of Cascade seeking pipes. I heard your company's pipe manufacturing technology is high; do you have anything that can be used for oil field development in our country?"
"Yes. We pride ourselves on being able to manufacture the straightest pipes in the world. We have received high evaluations for development in oil fields and the like."
What Balt was seeking was pipes. And Archibalt Steel possessed the technology to create large pipes used for oil field development and the like. Since these were civilian goods and were also sold to neighboring countries, there was no problem if the Big Bear Empire wanted to purchase them.
Furthermore, the Big Bear Empire lies to the east of the Holy Nation, and the distance is quite far.
And from there, the explanation of Archibalt Steel's general trading conditions began. This concerned payment terms and liability waivers. For new customers with no trading record, cash transactions were a condition, and Balt nodded in agreement regarding this as well.
However, the deal was not established today. Although Samura wanted sales so badly he would have given up his throat and hands, this transaction might be a fraud, so it did not conclude immediately.
And the day ended.
Now, regarding this Balt, it was true that he came from the Big Bear Empire, but his real job was that of an agent. He had infiltrated the Kingdom of Cascade for a certain purpose.
Returning to the hideout, a subordinate spoke to him.
"Lord Balt, how was it?"
"It was safe for a first attempt. However, purchasing only pipes means nothing. How about the Doctor?"
"He says he will come to our homeland with us."
"I see. Just the blueprints are not reassuring."
Saying that, Balt turned toward his homeland.
"All of this is for our homeland, the Big Bear."
Saying that, his subordinate continued.
"For our homeland, the Big Bear."