On October 8, the World Economic Forum (WEF) announced the latest list of lighthouse factories. Three of the 22 newly-added members are from Qingdao. Qingdao is now home to seven lighthouse factories, which ties for first place with Suzhou among all Chinese cities. The number of lighthouse factories across the world has so far reached 172.

Lighthouse factories, reputed as the most advanced factories in the world, are selected by the WEF in cooperation with McKinsey. According to criteria, they need to have at least five world-class technological applications, are leaders in using digital manufacturing and Fourth Industrial Revolution (Industry 4.0) technologies and represent the most sophisticated intelligent manufacturing and application of digital technologies in the world.

The three new entrants include Haier Jiaozhou Interconnected Factory of Air-conditioners and Hisense Hitachi Huangdao Factory, two new lighthouse factories, and Tsingtao Beer Factory, the new sustainable lighthouse factory. Furthermore, it is notable that Haier Group has built 10 lighthouse factories in succession, the most among global companies.  (Sun Xin)

High degree of automation results from Hisense Hitachi’s continuous efforts to improve manufacturing techniques. In the photo is an automated workshop in Hisense Hitachi.