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Haier’s history began in 1984 in Qingdao, Shandong Province, China. Originally called Qingdao Refrigerator Co., it was a small, struggling refrigerator manufacturer on the brink of bankruptcy, producing only about 800 refrigerators a year, many of which were defective.

In December 1984, Zhang Ruimin was appointed plant director, marking a pivotal moment for the company. Zhang quickly realized that drastic changes were needed to save the business. He focused on transforming the company culture and improving product quality.

One of the most famous early events was the “refrigerator smashing incident” in 1985. After receiving complaints about defective products, Zhang had 76 faulty refrigerators in front of the plant. He and his staff then smashed them with sledgehammers. This symbolic gesture became a hallmark of the company’s new focus on accountability and quality.

1988, the business purchased the German refrigerator company Liebherr, gaining access to advanced technology and expertise. This acquisition marked a major leap forward in product range and quality.

By 1991, the company changed its name to Qingdao Haier Group and eventually shortened it. The name “Haier” comes from the Chinese transliteration of the last syllable of “Liebherr.”

In 1993, the company began diversifying its product line by manufacturing washing machines, beginning its expansion from a refrigerator manufacturer to a producer of a wide range of household appliances.

The company entered the global market in 1997, exporting its products to the U.S. and Europe. Its first overseas factory was opened in Indonesia, marking the start of its global expansion.

In 2000, the firm made a bold move by opening a facility and design center in the U.S. At that time, Chinese companies were not widely seen as competitors in the U.S. home appliance market, making this a significant step.

In 2004, the company launched its “U-Home” plan, aiming to create networks of smart homes. This initiative showed the company’s forward-thinking approach to product development, predicting the rise of the smart home concept.

In 2005, the business introduced its unique “OEC” (Overall Every Control and Clear) management strategy, which aimed to improve accountability and decentralize management.

Despite the global financial crisis, the firm continued to expand in 2009 by purchasing a 20% stake in Fisher & Paykel Appliances, a New Zealand-based company. This acquisition strengthened its presence in the Australian and New Zealand markets.

In 2011, the company continued its innovative strategy by being one of the first in the industry to apply the “Internet of Things” concept to home appliances.

The business further solidified its global position in 2012 when it acquired a majority stake in Fisher & Paykel Appliances.

2014, a new organizational model called the “Entrepreneurship and Innovation Platform” was launched. The goal was to foster creativity within the company and create an internal startup ecosystem.

In 2016, the company made its largest acquisition, purchasing General Electric’s home appliance division for $5.6 billion. This acquisition significantly boosted the company’s presence in the U.S. market and expanded its global reach.

The firm continued to refine its smart home concept in 2018 by unveiling a networked ecosystem of intelligent devices.

In 2019, the company opened new factories in Russia, India, and other countries as part of its ongoing global expansion. It also expanded its presence in the premium home appliance market.

In 2020, the organization made significant advancements in digital technologies, integrating big data and artificial intelligence into its manufacturing processes and product offerings.

By 2021, the company had maintained its leadership in the smart home appliance sector, launching new devices with advanced control and connectivity features.

In 2022, the company continued its global expansion, strengthening its position in premium markets while expanding its presence in developing regions.

By 2023, the company had become one of the world’s largest home appliance manufacturers, with a strong presence in the smart appliance market and a culture focused on innovation and global growth. The organization continued to lead the way into the era of the Internet of Things and smart homes.

Throughout its history, the business has transformed from a struggling factory into a global leader in home appliance manufacturing. Its success has been driven by a focus on quality, innovation, global expansion, and a corporate culture emphasizing employee responsibility and entrepreneurship.