王鹏娟：我们的用工量很大，我在平度产业园又买了厂房，花了800多万元，在装修着。 在平度市一家睫毛加工厂内，记者看到，原来需要纯手工完成的多道工序，正在被机器替代。 如今，在新建的青岛美妆在线新经济产业园里，自动化设备已大幅提升效率。过去工人手工一天最 多生产300副假睫毛，现在机器能生产近1000副。 然而，产量上去了，品牌短板依然存在。产业园运营部负责人潘薪宇坦言，他们希望建厂只是平度 睫毛企业"进化"的第一步。 潘薪宇：平度现在假睫毛企业市场在册的有5000多家，其中3800多家都是个体工商户，企业还是占 少数。产业想走向正规，还是得往产业集聚方面发展，做产品质量。通过整个园区、整个平度做"睫毛 之都"区域品牌，打造城市IP，通过这个IP来带动所有平度睫毛企业在网上的销售量。 央广网北京10月4日消息（记者任梦岩 王伟）据中央广播电视总台中国之声《新闻和报纸摘要》报 道，山东青岛平度被称为"中国睫毛之都"。从村办睫毛厂起步，如今当地从事睫毛行业的市场主体超过 5000家，年产值达百亿元。中国之声特别策划《我们村的"王牌"》4日推出：《睫毛"翘"动世界》。 全球每10副假睫毛，就有7副产自山东青岛平度。它 ...

Core Viewpoint - The article highlights the success story of Shaodong, a small city in Hunan, China, which has become the world's largest lighter production base, producing approximately 15 billion lighters annually and generating nearly 15 billion yuan in output value. The city has maintained a stable price of 1 yuan for its lighters for 20 years, showcasing effective cost control and innovation in production processes [4][12][28]. Group 1: Industry Background - Shaodong's lighter industry emerged as a result of a shift from the coastal city of Wenzhou, which faced challenges due to international market barriers and regulations [8][13]. - The lighter market was historically dominated by Western brands until Chinese manufacturers, particularly from Wenzhou, began to produce affordable alternatives, leading to a significant market share [11][12]. - The decline of Wenzhou's metal lighter industry due to regulatory challenges opened the door for Shaodong's rise in the injection-molded lighter segment, which began to flourish in the early 2000s [15][16]. Group 2: Key Success Factors - Shaodong's success can be attributed to three main strategies: focusing on technology and craftsmanship to enhance product value, selecting the right market segment, and fostering collaboration among local manufacturers [18][22][26]. - The city has shifted its focus from low-cost production to higher-value products, with exports to Europe and the U.S. reaching a total value of 440 million yuan in 2022 [21][22]. - Shaodong's lighter industry benefits from a well-established supply chain, with over 120 related enterprises providing components and services, allowing for rapid production and cost efficiency [23][25]. Group 3: Pricing Strategy - Despite rising costs in land, materials, and labor, Shaodong has maintained the price of its lighters at 1 yuan for two decades, achieving this through stringent cost control measures [30][31]. - Automation and technological upgrades have significantly reduced production costs, enabling higher output with fewer workers, thus maintaining profitability even at a low price point [33][39]. - The concept of economies of scale plays a crucial role, as increased production volume leads to lower average costs, allowing Shaodong to sustain its pricing strategy effectively [34][35]. Group 4: Broader Implications - The success of Shaodong's lighter industry exemplifies how small products can lead to substantial economic impact, reflecting a broader trend in China's manufacturing sector where low-cost, high-volume production can compete globally [37][41]. - Similar success stories exist in other regions of China, such as the toothbrush industry in Yangzhou and the makeup brush industry in Henan, indicating a pattern of small towns leveraging niche markets for significant economic contributions [36][38].

Core Insights - The article highlights the significant role of Pingdu, a county-level city in Shandong, in the global false eyelash market, accounting for 70% of the world's production [1] - It emphasizes the evolution of the industry over 40 years, transitioning from OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) to brand development and from imitation to innovation [1] Industry Overview - Pingdu has a resident population of just over 1 million, yet it dominates the false eyelash industry on a global scale [1] - The city has undergone substantial industrial evolution, showcasing a shift in production strategies and market positioning [1]

Group 1 - The expansion project of the Yingzhou 500 kV ultra-high voltage substation in Hebei has been completed, marking the full completion of 14 main network projects in southern Hebei for the summer peak [4] - Heilongjiang Beidahuang Agricultural Group is promoting sustainable agricultural development by combining land use and soil conservation to enhance grain production capacity [6] - The Huangguoshu Waterfall in Guizhou has experienced its highest water flow of 528 cubic meters per second for the year 2025 due to continuous rainfall and upstream water inflow [8] Group 2 - Disaster relief efforts are underway in Guizhou following severe flooding caused by heavy rainfall, with local authorities mobilizing resources to minimize damage and restore normalcy [10] - The 16th Summer Davos Forum cultural night showcased Tianjin's charm through performances and local cuisine, highlighting the integration of traditional Chinese culture [12] - Yutong Bus has exported its 10,000th vehicle to Central Asia, solidifying its position as the largest supplier of new energy buses in the region [14] Group 3 - The beauty eyelash industry in Pingdu, Shandong, has developed into a pillar industry with over 5,000 businesses and approximately 60,000 employees, generating an annual production value of around 10 billion yuan [16] - The Qiang County Baji Boxing International Training Base in Hebei has welcomed its first batch of foreign students this summer, who will learn traditional martial arts [18] - The Jakarta-Bandung High-Speed Railway in Indonesia has transported over 10 million passengers since its opening, operating 29,778 passenger trains and covering over 4.63 million kilometers safely [20]