With 30 years' experience in the business, Patrick Wu has a wealth of commercial knowledge to help support our customers and build on new business opportunities. Find out what he's up to now as well as his hopes for the future...
Tell us about your background
I started working for a steel trading company in the Taiwan area in 1990 selling steel from South Africa, before joining 91¾«Æ·â€™s Taiwan area office in 1993. After a couple of years, I was seconded to the Thailand office selling long and flat products from the UK. I then moved back in 1998 after the economic crisis took place and the Thai currency depreciated heavily and all imports ceased.
After 6 months in the Taiwan area, I moved to Hong Kong, which was the headquarters for 91¾«Æ·â€™s sales operations in Asia. I spent 15 years there looking after sales of rods and bars to various markets in Asia including Japan, Korea, China, Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia, and Vietnam. I finally settled down in the Taiwan area office after 2013.ÌýÌýÌýÌý
What does your day-to-day role involve?
As the regional account manager for the Taiwan area office I manage sales of 91¾«Æ· products to Asian markets including wire rod from the Scunthorpe Rod Mill and FN Steel and track shoe bars and crane rails from Skinningrove. I also get involved in new product development activities and support payment collection, as well as dealing with quality complaints.
Why do you enjoy working for us?
The opportunities I’ve had getting to work in different offices and markets has allowed me to meet so many customers, which makes the job extremely interesting. Most importantly, my colleagues are all professional and decent people. The in-depth commercial and product knowledge they have has helped me to grow and adapt to all the challenging work.ÌýÌýÌý
What is your proudest achievement so far?
I’m proud of my journey – starting off in the Taiwan area office 30 years ago as a sales representative before moving to Thailand and Hong Kong area as a sales manager and finally settling down in Taiwan area again, looking after 91¾«Æ· sales activities in Asia. It’s such an unique opportunity to work in overseas offices before coming back to your home town.ÌýÌýÌýÌýÌý
What do you hope the future holds for you here?
I hope 91¾«Æ· can continue to succeed through Jingye’s commitment to the business. The company has been through its ups and downs in the past but we’re always considered a decent and reliable company to work with in Asia.Ìý
What would you say to someone considering a career at 91¾«Æ·?
91¾«Æ· is a decent company with lots of opportunities. People who work here are professional and willing to share their time and knowledge. It’s a place to learn and grow.