Small town in Hebei forges big shovel base

Q: What about the market share of the steel shovels produced in Luannan county?

Fu Changyi: The domestic market share of steel shovels made in Luannan is as high as 85 percent, while the county's exported shovels account for more than 90 percent of the country's total exports.

Q: How have local residents benefited from the steel shovel industry?

Fu Changyi: The town now boasts over 180 companies, including 13 large-scale producers. They make 280 million steel shovels and other hardware annually.

The industry employs more than 5,400 local workers, and its incidental industries have provided more than 10,000 jobs. Their average monthly income tops 4,000 yuan ($600).