Building a Conglomerate in Another World - Chapter 68 - Working on the Prototype

The next morning, Matthew gathered his leadership team in the conference room of Hesh Motors’ Hudson headquarters. The energy in the room was palpable, with every member of the team eager to hear about the Army’s request.

Matthew stood at the head of the table, a blueprint rolled up under his arm. Amber sat to his right, her notebook open, ready to take notes. Robert, the assistant, was stationed near the door, prepared to distribute documents.

“Ladies and gentlemen,” Matthew began, “we’ve been presented with an incredible opportunity. The Army wants us to design and deliver 500 vehicles for logistical purposes, with the potential for much larger orders if the field tests go well.”

A murmur of excitement swept through the room, but Matthew quickly raised his hand for quiet.

“This is unlike anything we’ve done before,” he continued. “The Army’s requirements are demanding. These vehicles need to be durable, reliable, and versatile enough to handle rough terrain and heavy loads. They’ve also given us a tight timeline—six months to deliver the first batch.”

Amber interjected, her tone measured. “Six months is ambitious, but if we focus our efforts, it’s achievable.”

Matthew nodded. “Exactly. That’s why I’ve called this meeting. We need to reallocate resources and establish a dedicated production line for this project. This means pausing some civilian production temporarily, but the potential rewards far outweigh the short-term adjustments.”

He unrolled the blueprint on the table, revealing a rough design of a military-grade pickup truck. The vehicle featured reinforced suspension, all-terrain tires, and a modular cargo bed that could be adapted for different uses.

“This is our starting point,” Matthew said, pointing to the design. “We’ll call it the Hesh-M1. It’s based on our existing pickup truck model but with significant upgrades to meet the Army’s needs.”

Matthew turned to the head of engineering, Lionel Harrington. “Lionel, I want your team to focus on the technical upgrades. Reinforced suspension, durable axles, and an engine that can handle extreme conditions. We’ll need prototypes ready for testing within the next six weeks.”

Lionel nodded, already jotting down notes. “We’ll need to source new materials for the suspension and tires. I’ll contact our suppliers today.”

Matthew then addressed the head of production, Andrew Nills. “Andrew, you’ll oversee the establishment of the new production line. Coordinate with Lionel to ensure the assembly process accommodates the upgraded components. I’ll authorize additional hires if needed.”

Andrew gave a firm nod. “Understood. I’ll start planning shifts and reassigning workers from our civilian lines.”

Turning to Amber, Matthew continued, “Amber, you’ll handle communication with the Army. Keep them updated on our progress and arrange for their engineers to visit the factory. Their input will be crucial during the prototyping phase.”

Amber smiled. “I’ll make sure they’re involved at every step.”

“Thank you for doing this, voluntarily,” Matthew said.

“Well, it’s boring to stay at the mansion and do nothing but paint all day,” Amber chuckled. “At least here, it’s more fulfilling.”

Finally, Matthew addressed Robert. “Robert, I’ll need you to coordinate with our driving schools to create a specialized training program for Army personnel. Work with the instructors to tailor the curriculum to military needs.”

Robert stood straighter, his expression determined. “I’ll get started immediately.”

Over the next several weeks, the team worked tirelessly to bring the project to life. Lionel’s engineering team encountered their first major challenge when the reinforced suspension system proved too rigid, causing the prototype to lose stability on uneven terrain.

“We need to find a balance between durability and flexibility,” Lionel explained during a progress meeting. “Otherwise, the vehicle will be too rough for extended use.”

Matthew leaned over the blueprint, studying the suspension design. “What about a dual-shock system? It could absorb more impact without compromising durability.”

Lionel’s eyes lit up. “That could work. I’ll have the team prototype it immediately.”

Meanwhile, Andrew faced his own hurdles in the production line. The heavier components required adjustments to the assembly process, and the workers needed additional training to handle the new parts.

“Efficiency is dropping,” Andrew reported. “But it’s to be expected with such a steep learning curve.”

“Keep at it,” Matthew encouraged. “Once the workers are familiar with the process, production will speed up.”

Amber, on her end, coordinated with the Army’s engineers, who visited the factory to review the prototypes. They suggested adding a removable canopy for the cargo bed to protect supplies from the elements.

“That’s a great idea,” Matthew said, sketching the modification on the blueprint. “We’ll integrate it into the final design.”

Six weeks into the project, the first Hesh-M1 prototype rolled off the production line. The team gathered in the factory’s testing yard, where the vehicle would undergo its initial trials. Painted in matte olive green, the truck looked every bit the part of a military workhorse.

Lionel climbed into the driver’s seat, with Matthew and one of the Army engineers riding as passengers. The truck roared to life, its powerful engine purring steadily.

They drove the Hesh-M1 through a series of tests, including steep inclines, muddy tracks, and rough gravel roads. The dual-shock suspension system performed flawlessly, absorbing impacts and keeping the ride stable.

“This is impressive,” the Army engineer said as they returned to the yard. “It’s exactly what we need.”

Matthew smiled, relief washing over him. “It’s a good start, but we’re not done yet. The next step is mass production.”

With the prototype approved, Andrew ramped up production. Workers operated in shifts around the clock, assembling vehicles at a steady pace. The factory hummed with activity, the sound of machinery and the chatter of workers creating a symphony of progress.

Amber reported regular updates to General Warner, who expressed satisfaction with the project’s pace.

“If the rest of the vehicles are as good as the prototype, this will be a game-changer for the Army,” Warner said during a phone call.

By the end of the fourth month, the first 100 Hesh-M1 trucks were delivered to the Army for field testing. Soldiers at a nearby base were trained by Hesh Motors instructors, who guided them through operating and maintaining the vehicles.

The feedback was overwhelmingly positive. Soldiers praised the trucks’ durability, ease of use, and adaptability to different tasks. General Warner sent a letter of commendation to Matthew, expressing his gratitude for Hesh Motors’ dedication to the project.

In his office, Matthew read the letter aloud to Amber and Lionel. “This is just the beginning,” he said, setting the letter down. “If the field tests go well, we’ll be looking at a contract for thousands of vehicles. Hesh Motors is entering a new era.”

Amber smiled. “You’ve built something incredible, Matthew.”

Matthew nodded, a sense of pride and determination filling him. “And we’re just getting started.”