Harry Zhang

The Spark That Lit My Path: My Early Days in Welding

My story begins three decades ago, not with grand ambitions, but with a simple fascination—a spark that ignited my passion for welding. Fresh out of technical training, I found myself on factory floors, hands-on with traditional welding machines. It was gritty, demanding work, but I loved it. Every weld felt like a puzzle to solve, a challenge to master.

But as I worked, I couldn’t help but see the inefficiencies—the wasted time, the inconsistent welds, the limitations of manual processes. I started dreaming of something better: systems that could deliver precision, consistency, and efficiency on a level no one had seen before.

In those early years, I immersed myself in every aspect of welding, from TIG to orbital systems. I became a student of the craft, experimenting, failing, and learning. Factory floors became my classroom, and industry leaders began to notice my relentless drive to improve. By the late 1990s, I was collaborating with engineers, taking my first steps into the world of automation. It was the beginning of something far bigger than I had ever imagined.

From Passion to Purpose: Building iKratz

In 2008, I took the leap and founded iKratz in Shanghai. My vision was clear: to create intelligent solutions for industries that demanded the highest levels of purity and performance—semiconductors, pharmaceuticals, food, and oil & gas. I wanted to revolutionize welding, to make it smarter, more precise, and more reliable than ever before.

The journey wasn’t easy. I faced countless challenges—evolving industry regulations, the rapid pace of technological change, and the constant pressure to innovate. But I saw each challenge as an opportunity. I poured everything into research and development, collaborating with global suppliers and pushing the boundaries of what was possible.

At iKratz, we pioneered orbital welding equipment and turnkey automation systems that set new standards in the industry. Our machines became trusted by factories worldwide, from semiconductor plants to large-scale industrial projects. But for me, success was never just about the technology. It was about the people—the customers who trusted us to solve their toughest challenges, the team who shared my vision, and the culture of care and dedication we built together.

Looking Back, Moving Forward: My Legacy in Welding

Thirty years have passed since that first spark ignited my passion for welding. As I look back, I feel an immense sense of gratitude—for the mentors who guided me, the colleagues who supported me, and the customers who believed in my vision. Together, we’ve built something truly special.

But my journey isn’t over. As the world embraces Industry 4.0, I’m more focused than ever on innovation and integrity. My goal remains the same: to make manufacturing smarter, safer, and more efficient for the next generation.

If there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s that success isn’t about the accolades or the milestones—it’s about the passion and perseverance that drive you forward. And for me, that passion will always be welding. It’s not just my career; it’s my calling. And I can’t wait to see where it takes me next.