According to e.vnexpress.net, Chen Ailian, founder of Wanfeng Auto Holding Group, rose from government-appointed tractor driver in the 1970s to lead a $1.6 billion aluminum and magnesium wheel manufacturing empire — now the world’s largest producer of aluminum wheel hubs and magnesium alloy components.
From rural operator to industrial architect
In the 1970s, when her hometown of Xinchang County in Zhejiang Province received its first government-issued tractor, Chen Ailian — then in her early twenties — applied to become its driver. Though initially rejected due to her gender, she successfully persuaded local officials to enroll her in tractor-driving training, where she outperformed all male classmates and secured the position. She was later assigned to a local textile factory before becoming manager of an aluminum alloy company — experience that laid groundwork for her next venture.
Chen founded Wanfeng Aluminum Wheel Company in 1994 with a 500,000-yuan bank loan — equivalent to roughly $72,000 at the time. Within a year, the company’s motorcycle wheel hubs gained traction in mid- to high-end markets across China. In 1995, Chen ordered the destruction of an entire batch of wheel hubs after minor surface cracks were detected — despite passing safety inspections — declaring:
“If an enterprise produces bad-quality products, it is a waste of public resources and a crime against society.” — Chen Ailian, founder of Wanfeng Auto Holding Group
Strategic expansion across aerospace and automotive
Around 2000, anticipating China’s auto industry boom, Chen pivoted Wanfeng toward automotive wheels — a move that positioned the firm as a Tier 1 supplier to domestic and global OEMs. More than a decade later, in 2016, she acquired Diamond Aircraft Group in Austria, significantly expanding into general aviation. That same year, Wanfeng increased investment in low-altitude aviation infrastructure — aligning with China’s formal launch of its low-altitude economy policy in 2023.
Prior to the Austrian acquisition, Chen had acquired Canadian lightweight materials manufacturer Meridian Lightweight Technologies. She noted the deal would grant access to international clients including Tesla and Porsche, citing rising demand for magnesium alloys in electric vehicles and aircraft. Meridian’s supply relationships helped Wanfeng secure contracts with over 12 global automakers by 2025.
Leadership ethos and human capital strategy
Chen Ailian — now 68 years old — maintains a disciplined personal routine: one hour of reading every evening, a habit she began 20 years ago. Though she completed only middle school due to political disruptions during her youth, she credits sustained learning with sharpening her strategic cognition. Her leadership style emphasizes visible professionalism: she wears bright clothing and makeup at public events, stating it reflects respect for her profession and safeguards corporate image.
Employee welfare is institutionalized at Wanfeng. Salaries increase by at least 8% annually, and HR leaders are held accountable if compensation falls substantially below peer benchmarks. In 2010, Chen purchased 100 BMW vehicles to gift to senior managers she called her “capable assistants.” She has publicly stated her goal is to create a workplace where employees can “work happily, live joyfully.” Her two sons now serve as executives at Wanfeng Auto Holding Group.
Forbes estimates Chen’s net worth at $1.1 billion. The Hurun Richest Self-Made Women in the World 2026 ranking places her 95th globally. She has received national honors including recognition as one of China’s Top 10 Outstanding Women, per EY. When asked about personal regrets, Chen told the South China Morning Post:
“My regret in life is that I spent little time with my sons when they were young.” — Chen Ailian
Source: e.vnexpress.net
Compiled from international media by the SCI.AI editorial team.
