Li Tianhua: A model worker dedicated to powering industries forward

Li Tianhua carries out electrical operation and maintenance work.

For years, Li Tianhua has worked behind the scenes in electrical operations and maintenance, helping ensure the stable operation of industrial equipment day after day.

From migrant worker to a core technical professional, from frontline employee to innovation leader, Li has built his career through persistence, technical expertise and dedication at Ningxia Ningchuang New Materials Technology Co Ltd.

His efforts have earned him honors including the Ningxia May 1 Labor Medal, the title of Ningxia model worker, and recognition as an outstanding Communist Party of China (CPC) member in the private sector. In 2025, he received the title of National Model Worker. 

Solving problems through innovation

In 2020, Li encountered a major technical challenge involving oil leakage from conductive rods on the valve side of rectifier transformers.

Rather than relying on external repairs, he spent time studying the problem and testing solutions before developing an independent repair method that successfully sealed six rectifier transformers.

The innovation saved the company 1.8 million yuan ($264,000) in maintenance costs. Li later carried out additional technical upgrades that reduced expenses by another 420,000 yuan and earned him a utility model patent.

Over the years, he has received multiple company innovation awards for his technical contributions.

Protecting equipment, reducing costs

Li has also led efforts to repair and reuse 10-kilovolt frequency converters, DC power supply equipment and rectifier cabinet components, saving the company around 140,000 yuan annually.

For more than a decade, he has overseen the maintenance of over 200 motors, achieving what colleagues describe as “zero damage” across the equipment — a rare accomplishment in the industry that helped ensure stable production.

He also optimized the operation of 330-kilovolt transformers and reactive power compensation devices, helping cut annual electricity costs by more than seven million yuan for the company.

Li Tianhua carries out electrical operation and maintenance work.

Commitment on the front line

Since entering the industry, Li has remained known for his strong sense of responsibility and willingness to work under difficult conditions.

Colleagues recall occasions when he worked continuously for 18 hours in freezing weather and spent 20 hours repairing equipment failures on the Chinese New Year’s Eve to ensure uninterrupted production.

Beyond his own technical work, Li has long focused on mentoring younger employees. He actively trains new staff in electrical maintenance and repair techniques, helping cultivate a new generation of technical specialists and management personnel for the company.

Under his leadership, the team also optimized equipment operations to save around 370,000 kilowatt-hours of electricity annually, further improving energy efficiency and reducing costs.

Li Tianhua works in the office.

For Li, pursuit of excellence is reflected not only in technical skill, but also in dedication, responsibility and a willingness to serve on the front line whenever needed.