A look at Chinese home appliance brand Midea Group and its growing global reach.
Credit: Midea Group
Hot weather in both China and the U.S. this summer may not be good news for the climate, but ought to be good for Midea — the Chinese company that’s long been a consumer electronics giant at home, and has become increasingly successful in the American market.
From its home base in China, Midea -- a company with more than $50 billion in annual revenue and 166,000 employees -- produces a range of home appliances, including air conditioners, refrigerators and microwave ovens, as well as the components needed to make them. The company’s acquisition strategy has helped to transform it from its humble beginnings more than 50 years ago — but more recently, has put Midea at the center of debates around Chinese investments overseas.
This week, The Wire traces the history of Midea Group from its start in southern China to its global reach today, and we talk to the head of its U.S. operations about its American expansion.
Source: Company website, annual reports
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