The World Economic Forum has released its latest list of global lighthouse factories. China now boasts 109 such factories — the most of any country. To date, the global lighthouse network has grown to 238 members, representing the world's most advanced manufacturing and supply chain operations. 

Since Haier's central air conditioning interconnection factory was selected in 2018, Qingdao has accumulated a total of 10 lighthouse factories — the most in the country — spanning four sectors: home appliances, food and beverage, logistics and supply chain, and cold chain equipment.

Among individual enterprises, Haier leads with six factories in the home appliance sector, covering refrigerators, washing machines, air conditioners, water heaters, and water purification equipment.

Chinese TV maker Hisense, which is headquartered in Qingdao, has two factories, including the Hisense Visual Technology's Qingdao factory — the world's first lighthouse factory in the television industry. Tsingtao Brewery's factory in the city represents the food and beverage sector.

This year's new additions include Qingdao CIMC Reefer Container Manufacture Co Ltd — the world's first lighthouse factory in the container industry — and the Ririshun Qingdao Smart Logistics Park, the first large-item supply chain lighthouse factory in the global network.

Hisense's AI-enabled television plant becomes the world's first lighthouse factory in the TV industry. [Photo/Guanhai News]