Yang Rongfeng, the chairman of Yongfeng Group, has become a prominent figure in China's construction industry, earning more than ten international awards for his innovative approach to sustainable building practices. His work, particularly in advancing aluminium alloy formwork technology, has set new standards for reducing environmental impact in large-scale construction projects.
Since starting Yongfeng Group in 2007, Yang has steadily grown the company's footprint. What began as a modest operation has expanded rapidly, with the company's output value soaring from 18 million RMB to 1.3 billion RMB by 2018. This growth is driven by Yang's vision for innovation and sustainability, making him a respected leader within the industry.
Transforming Construction with Aluminium Alloy Formwork
A key area of Yang's impact has been his work with aluminium alloy formwork, a material that is now seen as a critical component in modern construction. Traditional formwork, which uses timber, results in high levels of wood consumption and waste. By introducing aluminium alloy as a replacement, Yang has helped reduce the installation time and cost by 40 percent. The formwork's ability to be recycled multiple times further reduces waste and cuts costs for construction projects.
This focus on efficiency has paid off for both the company and the environment. Shaanxi Yongfeng Group's aluminium alloy formwork production plant, which spans two million square metres, integrates design, processing, leasing, and recycling into a single operation. With a total investment of 1.5 billion RMB, the plant's fully automated production lines have significantly impacted the company's rapid expansion.
"The future of construction relies on materials that are both sustainable and durable," Yang explains. "Aluminium alloy formwork achieves both while also cutting down on environmental harm."
This initiative has earned the company recognition within China and internationally. Among the awards it has received is the Luban Award, China's highest honour in the construction sector. The company has also been recognised as an Innovative Development Enterprise, cementing its reputation for advanced solutions in construction.
Advancing Technology in Construction
Yang's focus on technological innovation extends beyond formwork. He holds six national patents related to construction technology, showing his commitment to improving both efficiency and sustainability in the industry.
One of his most notable achievements is developing a specialised software for designing aluminium alloy formwork. This software automates the design process, allowing faster construction and more precise resource management. By automating key parts of the process, the company has reduced waste and streamlined operations, giving it an edge over competitors.
The success of these technological reinventions has allowed Yongfeng to diversify his business, offering services beyond manufacturing. The company now provides leasing, installation, and refurbishment services, making it a one-stop solution for large infrastructure projects.
Yang emphasises the importance of continuous development in these areas. "Our approach to research and development is simple: we must invest in the best people and tools available. Failure is part of the process, but it should never stop progress."
Building a reputation for reliability and innovation, Yongfeng Group ranked among the top construction firms in Northwest China in 2019, a recognition that reflects its ability to handle large, complex projects across various sectors.
Industry Recognition and Awards
Since the company's founding, Yongfeng Group has completed over 300 projects across China, consistently meeting high standards of excellence. The company boasts a 100 percent project success rate, a statistic that has contributed significantly to its award-winning status.
In addition to the Luban Award, Yongfeng has received the National Quality Engineering Award, highlighting its focus on maintaining high standards in every aspect of its operations. The company's ability to execute complex projects with precision has earned its partnerships with major state-owned enterprises like Sinohydro Corporation and China Resources Group.
These awards reflect the quality of the projects Yongfeng Group has completed and the strategic leadership Yang has brought to the company. He has fostered a culture where employees are encouraged to take on challenges and seek new ways to improve. Today, the company has a team of more than 50 R&D professionals.
Exploring New Markets Abroad
After establishing a strong foothold in China, Yang Rongfeng is now turning his attention to international opportunities, with Australia being a key focus for future growth. His interest in the Australian market stems from its reputation for supporting sustainable development initiatives and fostering a business-friendly environment.
Yang's connection to Australia also has a personal element. With both his son and daughter pursuing higher education in Sydney, he has spent considerable time in the country, gaining insights into its construction sector. Given Australia's demand for sustainable building solutions, he sees Australia as a natural next step for Yongfeng Group's expansion.
"We have seen promising potential in Australia, especially in the area of sustainable construction," Yang says. "It's a market where our experience with environmentally conscious materials, like aluminium formwork, can make a difference."
Yang envisions bringing the same innovative construction technologies that have transformed his business from China to Australia. As global demand for eco-friendly solutions grows, he believes that his company's expertise in reducing the environmental footprint of construction can contribute meaningfully to the Australian market.
