Old brands are getting younger

One day in late autumn, I had the opportunity to meet two “old friends” after nearly twenty years apart. My two “old friends” are not specific people. They are two factories that are more or less half a century old, witnessing many changes in the land of Song Cong. Now that we meet again, I am old, but they are still healthy, warm and increasingly younger.

Artists in action at DISOCO Song Cong.

Keeping old things is a way to cherish the past.

Nearly 20 years ago, I was assigned by the editorial office to monitor the area of ​​Song Cong town. The two units that I visited many times were Diesel One Member Co., Ltd. (DISOCO) and Machine Parts Joint Stock Company No. 1 (FUTU1), both located in Ba Xuyen ward. The rows of solid factories, the heavy moving machines, the sweaty backs of workers, the smell of oil, fire and hot ash... are imprinted in my memory.

These two units were established 12 years apart (FUTU1 was established in 1968, DISOCO was established in 1980), but they were both the first State-owned enterprises in the Vietnamese mechanical industry, contributing to the formation of the "mechanical capital" Song Cong - the key industrial center of the North during the subsidy and renovation period. Both units went through a period of model transformation and restructuring to adapt to the market economy .

Although the products are different (DISOCO produces engines; FUTU1 produces spare parts and components), both focus on maintaining industrial style, labor discipline and pride in the mechanical profession; the force of engineers and skilled workers has a tradition of attachment. That is what I concluded after many conversations with the leaders and workers of these two units twenty years ago.

Now returning to this place, I do not feel that much time has passed. The old people are no longer there, but the sincere, warm, calm smiles of the leaders, engineers and workers I met are still there.

Interestingly, in both units, before visiting the factory, everyone took me to see the “old souvenirs” - chimneys built of red bricks, symbols of old industrial production. About 30 meters high, with a base diameter of about 3 meters, gradually narrowing towards the mouth, these chimneys once had the important function of releasing smoke and creating natural air pressure.

Now, both companies are participating in the green transformation program. FUTU1 built a smart mechanical workshop, using CNC machines and automatic welding robots - no smoke or oil. DISOCO switched to producing fuel-efficient engines, reducing CO2 emissions, and applying air suction - filtration - circulation technology in the workshop.

The smoke and dust have been treated right in the “technology guts”. Therefore, for many years, these towering chimneys have not been in operation. But at both DISOCO and FUTU1, they still stand tall as if to tell the story of a time of heavy but proud mechanical industry.

Walking in the production areas of the two units, it is easy to see the presence of ancient mahogany trees, over 50 years old, still strong, the gentle green space overlapping the factory roof. There are hundreds of trees numbered, managed and protected in both places. That makes me think of the vision of the “factory-park” model, not only a workplace but also a relaxing and livable space.

The main market is export.

Product quality control department at FUTU1.

Mr. Nguyen Duc Tuan, Director of DISOCO, spoke about the unit's work very simply: The domestic market is saturated, private companies have been able to meet the requirements of domestic customers. We have determined to expand to foreign markets. Currently, the unit has three main markets: Europe, China and Japan.

The US market is also the company's priority target in 2026. Compared to 20 years ago, DISOCO's appearance has not changed much, but its "interior" has changed by 90%, especially the investment in the largest automatic casting line in Vietnam.

ISO certifications achieved by the unit - most recently emission standards - are mandatory when exporting to foreign markets. The team of engineers and skilled workers are continuously trained, especially in applying AI in production and management.

With more than 70% of current customers being Japanese companies, DISOCO has many years of working experience and a deep understanding of the culture and business transaction methods of Japanese partners.

In early October, DISOCO participated in the M-Tech/ Manufacturing World Osaka 2025 Exhibition at Intex Osaka Exhibition Center (Japan) - the region's leading manufacturing industry event, gathering thousands of specialized businesses from around the world .

At the exhibition, DISOCO displayed technological products in three core areas of expertise: cast iron, hot forging and precision machining, which received attention and high appreciation from customers and partners.

The latest good news I received from DISOCO while writing this article: On October 15, 2025, the Company completed the capacity assessment process with a team of experts from Honda Philippines. This is an important milestone, marking the project officially moving to the mass production stage, opening the door to export to the Philippine market.

From the position of exclusive supplier of motorcycle crankshafts for Honda Vietnam , DISOCO is ready to step into the international market - starting with the Philippines.

At FUTU1, I was impressed with the unit’s Traditional Room. The painting at the beginning of the thatched house and the song that is nearly 60 years old are preserved and displayed by the unit, expressing cultural behavior towards one’s roots. I am impressed with their motto: “We commit to quality not only by words, but also by our mission.”

Next to the automatic iron casting line with the hum of machines, I took the opportunity to chat with engineer Nguyen Van Hung, Deputy Chief of Office of the Company. He said: AI technology is applied in management, operation and production stages; most of the workshops are closed chains.

The Company's customers are major brands such as Honda, Yamaha, Piaggio, Yamazaki, Tsukuba, Hitachi, Vinatst, Atsumitec, Sumitomo Heavy Industries Vietnam, Schaeffler Vietnam...

In a short time, it is difficult to learn in detail and fully about the “friends” after twenty years of separation. But I understand that these places still retain the spirit of the steadfast, hard-working and creative workers, and have maturely entered the “flat” world of production and business.

In the journey of rejuvenation of Vietnamese industry, DISOCO and FUTU1 are continuing to write a beautiful story about the enduring vitality and pride of Vietnamese mechanics.

Source: https://baothainguyen.vn/kinh-te/202510/nhung-thuong-hieu-gia-dang-tre-lai-93f36c8/