The sudden outbreak of COVID-19 in 2020 threw the world’s progress into disarray. Facing an exceptionally extraordinary year, STEP leaders pressed forward with unwavering determination. At the Wuzhen Conference, the focus was on strategy; at the Huizhou Conference, the emphasis was on organizational transformation. This sparked new passion and gave rise to a fresh slogan: “Step out of your comfort zone and embrace a new future.”

《 STEP in 2020 》STEP annual review film highlights five key chapters: focusing on strategy and transforming the organization; enhancing industry influence and taking proactive roles; driving technological innovation and nurturing industry leaders; putting customers first and actively expanding markets; and fighting the pandemic together to overcome these challenging times. This film takes a comprehensive look back at STEP journey through 2020.

Wu Yuhui, General Manager of STEP

At the conference, Wu Yuhui, General Manager of STEP, delivered a keynote speech titled “Step Out of Your Comfort Zone and Embrace a New Future.” First, Mr. Wu extended his congratulations on STEP outstanding performance in 2020. He noted that, guided by the company’s strategic vision, all our employees have worked tirelessly, embraced innovation and transformation, and achieved the best business results in our history. In 2020, our sales revenue growth exceeded 10%, and our profit growth surpassed 50%. Looking back over the past year, we’ve tackled tough challenges, made breakthroughs through innovation, and strived with unwavering determination—qualities that fill us with pride.

In the report, General Manager Wu evaluated STEP performance across its five business segments—intelligent manufacturing, robotics, motion control, electrical control, and variable-frequency drives—under the leadership of intelligent manufacturing. STEP Group has achieved outstanding results in areas such as transformation, operations, innovation, market promotion, and overall performance. In particular, STEP ranking at No. 50 among Shanghai’s manufacturing enterprises is truly inspiring.

Smart Manufacturing & Robotics. The STEP palletizing robot has achieved a cycle time exceeding 1,200 packages per hour, placing its technology on par with that of world-class international brands. Two robotic stamping and welding production lines have been delivered to Haier’s Jiaozhou Industrial Park in Qingdao, supporting the company’s role as a lighthouse factory for Industry 4.0.

While deepening its expertise in the white-body welding and assembly field, the business unit is vigorously expanding into the niche market of intelligent manufacturing. In the general industrial sector, it has achieved breakthroughs in the construction machinery field and secured several large orders for smart production lines.

The first batch of 20 smart factories in Shanghai has been unveiled, and STEP Robot’s smart factory has been honorably included on the list. STEP variable-frequency drive intelligent manufacturing line and STEP Robot’s intelligent production line have both gone into operation this year.

In the inaugural Shanghai Industrial Robot Technology Application Skills Competition and other similar events, STEP has fully committed its human and material resources to strongly support the healthy development of the industry.

The field of motion control. While achieving significant growth in sales performance, the Ω6 high-performance servo system—developed following the IPD process—boasts powerful control performance, multiple protective features, unique functional design, and meticulously refined industrial design. As a result, it has been awarded the Annual New Product Award in the motion control field.

The field of variable frequency drives. Significant achievements have been made in scientific and technological innovation. The National Science and Technology Support Program—Port Inverter Project and the National Key R&D Program—SiC Power Devices Project have both successfully passed acceptance testing.

Electrical control field. The Elevator Cloud solution, built on big data technology and blockchain encryption algorithms, provides elevator manufacturers with a new avenue for revenue growth. The contactless elevator-call system for smartphones, powered by the “Elevator Cloud,” has demonstrated its unique advantages in the nationwide fight against the epidemic, earning widespread acclaim from frontline institutions such as hospitals.

The innovative product—the G9000 elevator control cabinet—marks a transformation and upgrade in manufacturing and processing. The automated assembly line currently under construction will revolutionize the industry’s traditional manual assembly methods, enabling fully automated, streamlined operations.

Scientific and technological innovation achievements have received awards. Mechanical Equipment Control System – Mechanical Industry Science and Technology Award; Key Technologies for Elevator Drives – Shanghai Municipal Science and Technology Progress Award; SE-Type Elevator Controller, AS-Type Intelligent All-in-One Machine – Shanghai High-Value Transformation Project.

Ji Yi, Chairman of STEP

At the conclusion of the conference, Ji Yi, Chairman of STEP, delivered a speech, sharing his reflections on and advocating for STEP corporate culture. First, team culture—emphasizing collaboration, trust, growth, efficiency, and mutual progress. Second, a customer-centric culture focused on creating value for customers. Third, a culture characterized by professional leadership, a sense of mission, and a keen awareness of crises.

At the conclusion of his speech, Director Ji summarized: “Because we see, we believe; and because we believe, we have. I wish everyone good health and an endless source of joy in both work and life.”

From 1995 to 2020, STEP celebrated its 25th anniversary. On this milestone occasion, the company has embarked on a promising path of sustained growth. STEP corporate vision is to become an internationally renowned brand in the field of intelligent manufacturing. Let’s keep striving forward with courage and determination, and together create an even brighter tomorrow!