Building a Conglomerate in Another World - Chapter 70 - Expanding Abroad

By early 1884, the meteoric rise of Hesh Motors had captured global attention. Matthew Hesh knew that to sustain growth, it was time to expand beyond the borders of the Great Republic of Amerathia. The demand for automobiles was growing in Europe and Asia, and Matthew saw an opportunity to establish Hesh Motors as a global leader. With the success of the military contracts and the booming civilian market, the time was right to take the company to the next level.

Matthew sat in his Hudson office with Amber, Robert, and several senior executives to discuss the next big step. A map of the world was spread across the conference table, marked with pins indicating potential locations for expansion.

“Europe and Asia,” Matthew said. “These are the two regions we need to target. Europe has strong industrial capabilities and a burgeoning middle class. Asia, particularly the Yamato Kingdom, is modernizing rapidly and offers untapped potential.”

Amber nodded, tracing her finger along the map. “Where in Europe are you thinking?”

Matthew pointed to the pin placed on Britannia. “We’ll start in Britannia. It’s an industrial powerhouse and has shown great interest in our vehicles. From there, we can branch out to neighboring countries like Francois and Prussia.”

“And Asia?” Robert asked.

“Yamato Kingdom,” Matthew replied confidently. “They’re undergoing a period of rapid modernization, embracing Western technology. If we establish ourselves there early, we’ll have a foothold in the entire region.”

The team nodded, recognizing the scale of the plan. Amber leaned forward. “How do we approach this? Setting up international branches is no small feat.”

Matthew smiled faintly. “We’ll break it into phases. First, we’ll establish regional headquarters in Britannia and Yamato Kingdom. These offices will oversee local production, sales, and logistics. Next, we’ll set up factories to manufacture vehicles locally, reducing shipping costs and import tariffs. Finally, we’ll launch aggressive marketing campaigns tailored to each region.”

Within months, Matthew and a select team arrived in Britannia, where they were greeted by industrial leaders and government officials eager to see what Hesh Motors could bring to their economy. The chosen site for the European headquarters was in Manchester, a bustling industrial city known for its skilled workforce and access to trade routes.

The first step was securing land for the factory. Matthew met with Lord Richard Cavendish, a prominent landowner and businessman, to negotiate the purchase of a large industrial plot.

“This land is well-situated,” Lord Cavendish remarked as they walked the site. “Close to railways and ports. It’ll serve your operations well.”

Matthew nodded. “Exactly what we need. I envision a factory here capable of producing 5,000 vehicles a year, with room to expand.”

The deal was struck, and construction began almost immediately. Hesh Motors also recruited local talent, blending Britannian expertise with the company’s innovative approach. Amber worked tirelessly to adapt the company’s branding to European sensibilities, emphasizing craftsmanship and reliability—values Britannians held dear.

When the first Britannian-made vehicles rolled off the production line six months later, they were met with enthusiasm. A grand opening event in Manchester drew crowds of curious onlookers, and pre-orders poured in from across the country.

In Asia, the expansion presented unique challenges. The Yamato Kingdom, though eager to modernize, was deeply rooted in tradition. Matthew knew that success here would require more than just selling automobiles; it would mean understanding and respecting the culture.

Amber, having studied the Yamato Kingdom’s customs and market dynamics, accompanied Matthew on the journey to the kingdom’s bustling capital of Edo. Their goal was to meet with influential figures who could facilitate Hesh Motors’ entry into the market.

One such figure was Lord Takamura, a progressive daimyo known for his support of modernization. Over tea in a traditional tatami room, Matthew presented his vision for bringing automobiles to the Yamato Kingdom.

“Lord Takamura,” Matthew began, bowing respectfully, “Hesh Motors seeks to be a partner in your nation’s progress. Our vehicles are not just tools of transportation but symbols of innovation and possibility. With your guidance, we can introduce this technology in a way that benefits your people.”

Takamura sipped his tea thoughtfully. “The Yamato Kingdom is at a crossroads, Mr. Hesh. We are eager to embrace the future but cautious of losing our identity. How will your company honor our traditions while introducing your technology?”

Matthew gestured to Amber, who presented detailed plans. “We intend to employ local workers and train them in modern manufacturing techniques. Our vehicles for Yamato will also incorporate elements inspired by your culture, such as design motifs and naming conventions that reflect your heritage.”

Takamura nodded slowly. “If you can deliver on this promise, you will find great success here.”

With Takamura’s support, Hesh Motors secured a site near Edo to build its Asian headquarters and factory. The factory design incorporated both modern engineering and traditional Yamato architectural elements, blending seamlessly with its surroundings.

The first vehicle produced in the Yamato factory was named “Hesh-Tenshi,” meaning “Hesh Angel,” symbolizing progress and harmony. The launch event was a spectacle, featuring traditional music and dance alongside demonstrations of the car’s capabilities. It captured the imagination of the Yamato people and cemented Hesh Motors’ place in the kingdom’s modernization efforts.

Back in Hudson, Matthew reflected on the company’s rapid transformation. The Britannian branch was thriving, with orders coming in from across Europe. The Yamato Kingdom had embraced Hesh Motors, and the factory in Edo was already planning to expand production. Experience tales at My Virtual Library Empire

Amber entered his office, a stack of reports in hand. “Matthew, the numbers from Britannia and Yamato are in. Both branches are exceeding expectations.”

Matthew took the reports, skimming through them. “Good. Now we focus on maintaining quality and adapting to each market’s needs. We’re no longer just an Amerathian company—we’re a global one.”

Amber smiled. “And to think it all started with a few automobiles in Hudson.”

Matthew set the reports down and looked out the window, his mind already turning to the next challenge.

“Soon we will dominate the world where every part of the world will have automobiles.”