Senior Colonel Chu Việt Sơn, Party Secretary and Chairman of 21 Chemical One Member Company Limited.

Reporter (PV): Reports from your unit and from the General Department of Defense Industry show that Factory Z121’s production and business performance in 2022 was truly impressive. Could you provide more details on these achievements?

Senior Colonel Chu Việt Sơn: The leadership, commanders, and all officers, employees, and workers of Factory Z121 are very pleased with the production and business results achieved in 2022 and the early months of 2023. Specifically, in 2022, the factory recorded very positive performance, with production value and revenue increasing by 30–40%. This was also the first year the factory surpassed VND 2 trillion in both production value and revenue. Employees’ livelihoods were stable, with relatively good income levels.

Notably, in addition to fulfilling political tasks related to national defense production and supplying explosive materials for mining industries nationwide, the factory also focused on producing fireworks and display fireworks to serve public demand and for export.

Previously, in 2020 and 2021, the factory faced difficulties due to the COVID-19 pandemic, as fireworks products could not be consumed. However, as the pandemic came under control, export markets expanded significantly in 2022, particularly traditional markets such as Japan and the United States, while also opening new markets like Spain and Dubai.

In 2021, the factory produced only about 300,000 fireworks products for consumer use, as these products had just been researched and developed. By 2022, production increased tenfold, exceeding 3 million units, meeting public demand during holidays and festivals, increasing revenue, and ensuring stable livelihoods for workers.

In 2023, the factory continues to focus on fireworks and display fireworks as a strategic product line for both domestic consumption and export. International orders have increased, presenting both opportunities and challenges, as fireworks are hazardous products requiring advanced safety equipment, technological investment, and well-trained personnel.

Despite a tenfold increase in production in 2022, demand remains high. Therefore, in 2023, the factory plans to expand production capacity, aiming for 6 million products and estimated revenue exceeding VND 3 trillion. To achieve this, leadership is investing in technological improvements, increasing productivity, and researching new products, as fireworks are inherently artistic performance products.

At the same time, based on production performance in 2023 and projected future demand, the factory may continue to expand scale and capacity, focus on workforce training, create local employment, contribute to social security and order, and support local socio-economic development.

PV: As a unit twice honored with the Hero title and many prestigious awards, how has Factory Z121 continued to uphold and promote this proud tradition in the current context?

Workers producing pellet fountain firework products at Factory Z121.

Senior Colonel Chu Việt Sơn: From 2015–2019, over 50 individuals and 12 collectives were honored at grassroots-level congresses, with three individuals and collectives recognized at the General Department level.

For the 2020–2025 period, the factory has implemented a structured plan to identify, nurture, and replicate exemplary collectives and individuals across all work areas. In 2023, the factory will continue refining exemplary models, promoting effective practices, organizing study visits, conducting mid-term reviews, and expanding successful initiatives throughout the unit and the General Department.

PV: Z121 is currently the only unit in Vietnam authorized to produce and supply fireworks for national celebrations. What fireworks products will be supplied to the market in the coming period?

Senior Colonel Chu Việt Sơn: Factory Z121 is proud to be the only facility nationwide authorized to manufacture and supply fireworks and display fireworks. For national holidays and Lunar New Year celebrations, products include low-altitude fireworks, high-altitude fireworks, and various pyrotechnic effects, serving both domestic needs and export markets such as Japan, the United States, and Spain.

For consumer fireworks, in 2023 the factory offers 13 product types, including:

• Firework spinning wheels

• Rotating flower effects

• Silver waterfall effects

• Handheld fountain fireworks

• Color-changing shell fireworks

Notably, products such as pellet fountain racks, flower fountain racks, and blinking pellet fountains have been warmly welcomed by the public and show very strong market demand.