Dr. Gangwei Wu is director of the China Business Unit of project integrator Roeslein & Associates in Shanghai, where he manages projects, client and supplier relationships and agreements with a focus on the China and Asia business in canmaking and the unitized modular fabrication of production lines. Before joining Roeslein & Associates, which is based in St Louis, Missouri, he worked at the Merrimack brewery of Anheuser-Busch in the packaging operations and then as a lead project engineer for brewer Anheuser-Busch, managing a number of greenfield packaging lines in China. The Canmaker magazine recently featured Dr. Gangwei Wu in their Day in the Life series.
Day in the Life of Gangwei Wu
Dr. Gangwei Wu is director of the China Business Unit of project integrator Roeslein & Associates in Shanghai, where he manages projects, customer and supplier relationships and agreements with a focus on the China and Asia business in canmaking and the unitized modular fabrication of production lines. Before joining Roeslein & Associates, which is based in St Louis, Missouri, he worked at the Merrimack brewery of Anheuser-Busch in the packaging operations and then as a lead project engineer for brewer Anheuser-Busch, managing a number of greenfield packaging lines in China.
What day-to-day activities and responsibilities do you have?
My day-to-day activities and responsibilities are centered on how to help Roeslein grow. As director of Roeslein Shanghai, I spend a majority of my time traveling, attending trade shows, and developing a strong friendship and customer relationship with my clients.
What do you enjoy doing during your leisure time?
I enjoy being outdoors – from hiking on trails, to simply walking with friends or family in a park or in our neighborhood. I like to get outside and enjoy the fresh air and say hello to those I pass on my way.
How would you describe yourself in three words?
Friendly, practical, self-driven.
What was your first job in the industry?
My first job in this industry was in the US and I was in charge of managing projects associated with putting beer into cans and bottles. In 2009 I joined Roeslein and I was then in charge of the projects making the cans. I can definitely say that I enjoy making cans more.
What does it take to be successful in the industry?
It takes an open mind for what is yet to come. As someone who works behind the scenes in the industry, it’s my job to help others grow their business. I work to improve our capabilities and help find ways that we can grow the market demand for D&I cans and come up with more product varieties and more attractive product appearances.
What’s the best piece of advice you’ve been given, and who was it from?
The best piece of advice I’ve ever been given was from my graduate studies advisor. He was a well-respected thermal science professor and department chair. After a long day of working on a research project, he said: “I do not worry about your research ability. To be successful and live a meaningful life, you first must be a good person.” That stuck in my mind for my life.
Who’s the person you most admire?
The person I most admire is my beloved mother. She sacrificed herself for her family and the many students she taught. I will never be able to repay her for the lessons she taught me about life.
What’s the most exciting aspect of your job?
It is meeting new customers and helping them realize that Roeslein is the right fit for them.
Where do you enjoy traveling to?
I enjoy traveling the world and seeing new places, as long as safety is not compromised.
If you wrote an autobiography, what would it be called?
Gangwei Wu – I never had a thought to write about myself.
What’s your favorite food? Shredded pork and fried hot peppers. I could eat it for every meal.
What’s your favorite drink? A glass of red tea, it’s good any time of the day.
What car do you drive? AMazdaMX5.
What’s your favorite canned product? An ice-cold can of Bud Light.