Full name: Midea Group Co., Ltd.

Chinese name: 美的集团股份有限公司

Founded: 1968

Founder: He Xiangjian

Headquarters: Foshan

Industry: Consumer electronics, home appliances, HVAC, robotics, industrial automation

Type: Public company

Stock exchange: Shenzhen Stock Exchange (SZSE: 000333)

Products: Air conditioners, refrigerators, washing machines, kitchen appliances, water heaters, small household appliances, robotics, elevators, medical equipment, and industrial technologies

Midea was established in 1968 by He Xiangjian in Beijiao Town, Foshan, Guangdong Province, China. The company initially produced simple household items before entering the electric fan market in the early 1980s. As China’s economy expanded, Midea diversified into air conditioners, refrigerators, washing machines, microwave ovens, rice cookers, and other household appliances.

During the 1990s and 2000s, Midea rapidly expanded its manufacturing capacity and international presence through investments in research and development, strategic partnerships, and acquisitions.

One of the company’s most significant milestones came in 2016, when Midea acquired a majority stake in KUKA AG, a leading German robotics and automation company. This acquisition strengthened Midea’s position in industrial automation and smart manufacturing.

Today, Midea is recognized as one of the largest appliance manufacturers in the world.

Midea operates across several major business divisions:

Smart Home

The Smart Home division manufactures consumer appliances including:

• Air conditioners

• Refrigerators

• Freezers

• Washing machines

• Dryers

• Dishwashers

• Microwave ovens

• Electric ovens

• Rice cookers

• Electric kettles

• Air fryers

• Vacuum cleaners

• Robot vacuum cleaners

• Fans

• Water dispensers

• Water heaters

• Air purifiers

• Dehumidifiers

Building Technologies

Midea develops commercial HVAC solutions for:

• Office buildings

• Hotels

• Shopping malls

• Hospitals

• Schools

• Data centers

• Industrial facilities

Its offerings include:

• VRF systems

• Chillers

• Heat pumps

• Commercial air conditioning

• Building automation systems

Industrial Technologies

This division manufactures:

• Compressors

• Electric motors

• Electronic controls

• Automotive components

• Industrial components

Robotics and Automation

Through KUKA and related businesses, Midea provides:

• Industrial robots

• Automated production systems

• Smart factories

• Logistics automation

• AI-enabled manufacturing solutions

Midea operates an extensive international network consisting of manufacturing plants, research centers, and sales organizations across Asia, Europe, North America, South America, Africa, and the Middle East.

The company has invested heavily in localized production and research to adapt products for different regional markets.

Its products are sold through:

• Retail stores

• Appliance dealers

• Online marketplaces

• Commercial distributors

• OEM partnerships

Research and development is a major focus for Midea. The company invests substantially in innovation every year and operates numerous R&D centers around the world. Its engineering teams work on:

• Artificial intelligence

• Smart home ecosystems

• Energy-efficient appliances

• IoT connectivity

• Sustainable refrigeration technologies

• Robotics

• Industrial automation

Midea holds thousands of patents across its product portfolio.

Many Midea appliances integrate with smart home platforms through Wi-Fi connectivity and mobile applications.

Depending on the model, users can:

• Control appliances remotely

• Monitor energy usage

• Schedule operations

• Receive maintenance alerts

• Integrate with voice assistants such as Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant

Midea has publicly committed to improving environmental performance by:

• Increasing energy efficiency

• Reducing greenhouse gas emissions

• Expanding renewable energy use

• Improving recycling practices

• Developing environmentally friendly refrigerants

• Reducing manufacturing waste

Many of its appliances meet international energy-efficiency standards.

In addition to the Midea brand, the group owns or operates several well-known brands, including:

• Comfee

• Little Swan

• COLMO

• Toshiba Lifestyle

• Eureka

• KUKA AG

Midea is among the world’s largest appliance manufacturers, producing millions of units annually. Its manufacturing capabilities include:

• Automated production lines

• Robotics-assisted assembly

• Intelligent quality inspection

• Lean manufacturing

• Global supply chain management

The company manufactures products both under its own brands and as an original equipment manufacturer (OEM) for other companies.

Midea has expanded globally through acquisitions, joint ventures, and overseas manufacturing facilities. Its products are widely available in:

• China

• Southeast Asia

• Europe

• North America

• South America

• Australia

• Middle East

• Africa

The company has established regional headquarters, customer service centers, and logistics networks to support international operations.

Midea emphasizes:

• Customer-focused innovation

• Operational efficiency

• Technological advancement

• Quality manufacturing

• Sustainable development

• Global collaboration

Midea has consistently ranked among the world’s largest home appliance manufacturers by revenue and production volume. It is frequently included in global business rankings such as the Fortune Global 500 and is recognized for its investments in smart manufacturing, robotics, and innovation.

Midea’s product portfolio includes:

• Air conditioners

• Refrigerators

• Washing machines

• Dryers

• Dishwashers

• Microwave ovens

• Ovens

• Induction cookers

• Rice cookers

• Pressure cookers

• Electric kettles

• Blenders

• Coffee makers

• Water purifiers

• Water heaters

• Vacuum cleaners

• Robot vacuum cleaners

• Fans

• Air purifiers

• Humidifiers

• Dehumidifiers

• Chest freezers

• Wine coolers

• Commercial HVAC systems

• Heat pumps

• Compressors

• Industrial robots

Midea Group operates through several major business units, including:

• Smart Home Business Group

• Building Technologies Division

• Industrial Technology Division

• Robotics & Automation Division

• Digital Innovation Division

These divisions collectively serve consumer, commercial, and industrial markets.

From a small workshop in southern China, Midea has evolved into one of the world’s largest home appliance and technology companies. Its business spans consumer appliances, commercial HVAC, industrial technologies, robotics, and smart manufacturing. With a broad international footprint, strong investment in research and development, and an expanding portfolio of smart products, Midea has established itself as a major global player in both the home appliance and industrial technology sectors.