The transformed production line at Haier's Wuhan workshop. [Photo provided to en.whkfq.gov.cn]
After intelligent transformation, the workshop of Wuhan Haier Refrigerator Co is now able to churn out one refrigerator every 15 seconds.
Founded in 2004 in the Wuhan Economic & Technological Development Zone (WEDZ), Wuhan Haier Refrigerator Co is one of Haier Group Co's four domestic manufacturing bases. It mainly deals with the research, production and sale of refrigerators and other refrigeration products.
The company occupies an area of 30,000 square meters, and now has two flexible production lines and more than 700 workers. It was named a provincial specialized and new little giant company in 2021.
Since 2020, Haier has invested 180 million yuan ($26.62 million) to transform its old-fashioned production lines in Wuhan. The workshop's pre-process production line has now been upgraded and will complete its transformation by the end of this year, turning it into Haier's largest intelligent freezing manufacturing hub.
"After the intelligent transformation, we can lay off 200 workers and save 30 percent on labor costs. Meanwhile, the workshop's annual output will rise to 1 million freezers," said Yang Tao, the company's chief technology officer.
As a renowned household appliance provider, Wuhan Haier Refrigerator Co has also taken customized orders, and made changes in the design, manufacturing techniques, and appearance of their products based on customers' needs.
For example, they have developed mini freezers for cosmetics which often go bad at high temperatures in summer, stainless and water-proof freezers for business people, built-in freezers for customers who have limited space in the kitchen, and special refrigerators for medical purposes.