Midea Building Technologies showcases AI chiller factory to APAC media

Midea Building Technologies (MBT) hosted a media visit to its artificial intelligence-enabled chiller factory in Chongqing, attracting journalists from Vietnam, Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, and Australia. Certified as the world's first AI-enabled lighthouse factory in the chiller sector by the World Economic Forum and McKinsey, the site showcases how smart manufacturing and green transformation can serve as a model for sustainable development in the Asia-Pacific region.

The factory operates with a focus on zero-carbon manufacturing, utilizing rooftop solar panels that supply approximately 40% of its electricity needs and employing high-efficiency chiller systems. These measures have earned the facility PAS 2060 carbon-neutral certification. Prior to the factory tour, media witnessed a real-world application of MBT's integrated clean-energy solutions achieving 100% renewable energy utilization along the Yangtze River.

At the heart of the facility is an "AI + digital twin" system connecting the entire value chain from R&D to manufacturing and after-sales service. This integration has resulted in a 45% reduction in design time, a 30% increase in production efficiency, and a 37% decrease in service complaints. Flexible automated lines and QR-code based quality tracking further ensure sustainable and reliable delivery.

"The Lighthouse Factory is not only a technical milestone but also a replicable model for the wider region," said Sam Luo, General Manager of MBT’s Chiller Product Company. "We are committed to extending this model to new markets and helping global partners achieve low-carbon transformation."

Midea is accelerating its smart manufacturing presence in Southeast Asia, adapting to challenges such as supply chain digitalization and talent shortages. The company leverages its experience with digital scheduling and robotic quality control in markets like Thailand to scale locally. MBT's energy-efficient solutions, such as the Magboost Apex chiller, significantly improve energy efficiency and reduce carbon footprints for large-scale projects in Southeast Asia's hot and humid climates.