The enterprise confederation of Qingdao released the 2025 list of the city's Top 100 Enterprises on Oct 31. The list highlights how major local companies are navigating economic complexities and fueling stable growth.

The ranking, based on 2024 revenue, saw an entry threshold of 3.94 billion yuan ($553.38 million), a slight increase from the previous year. The corporate landscape features strong top performers and a growing "middle class", with 36 companies reporting revenue between 5 and 10 billion yuan, three more than last year.

Haier Group led the list with a historic 401.63 billion yuan in revenue, becoming the city's first company to surpass the 400-billion-yuan mark. Having pivoted from appliances to high-tech ecosystems in smart living, health, and digital economy, Haier embodies the transformative path of Qingdao's top firms.

As a newcomer to the list, Shandong Newlink Holding Co was the biggest dark horse among the top 10, securing 10th place with 41.1 billion yuan in revenue. Founded in 2016, the company operates within the hot energy sector, leveraging digital technologies like big data, the internet of things, and artificial intelligence to improve efficiency and reduce emissions across the entire supply chain. It is also venturing into autonomous driving and smart energy solutions.

Goer Micro Electronics Co Ltd, which is engaged in the research, development, production, and sale of sensors, sensing interactive modules, and SiP, secured 89th place on the top 100 list. The company reported an annual revenue of 4.54 billion yuan in 2024 and is ranked as the fifth-largest provider of intelligent sensing interaction solutions globally and the largest in China by sales.

Based on the comprehensive performance and innovative drive of its top enterprises, Qingdao is firmly positioning itself for sustainable growth and greater competitiveness in the new era.

Having pivoted from appliances to high-tech ecosystems in smart living, health, and digital economy, Haier embodies the transformative path of Qingdao's top firms. [Photo/WeChat account: opinionline]