GREE(SZ:000651) 经济观察报·2025-12-28 08:45Core Viewpoint - The article emphasizes the unwavering belief of Dong Mingzhu, the chairwoman of Gree Electric Appliances, in the concept of "industry serving the nation" as a guiding principle throughout her career [2][4]. Group 1: Company Evolution - Gree Electric Appliances transformed from a small air conditioning assembly factory with an annual output value of less than 20 million yuan to a publicly listed company over the past 25 years [3][4]. - Dong Mingzhu joined Gree in 1990 as a salesperson and has since become a legendary figure in the business world, leading the company through significant growth and challenges [3][16]. - By 2005, Gree had established itself as a leader in the air conditioning market, achieving a production and sales volume of over 10 million units, making it the world's largest air conditioning manufacturer [19]. Group 2: Technological Advancement - Dong Mingzhu identified 2005 as a pivotal year for Gree, marking the company's shift towards technological exploration, focusing on the research and development of compressors and motors [19]. - The company has made significant strides in developing its own CNC machine tools, which are crucial for enhancing manufacturing capabilities and reducing reliance on imports [20][22]. - Gree's commitment to technological independence is evident in its recent achievements, including winning a gold medal for its self-developed CNC machine at the Geneva International Exhibition of Inventions [20][21]. Group 3: Talent Development - Dong Mingzhu has prioritized the cultivation of domestic talent, emphasizing the importance of nurturing Chinese graduates over relying on overseas returnees [24][25]. - Gree's workforce has grown from 200 to over 20,000 R&D personnel, showcasing the company's commitment to developing local expertise [24]. Group 4: Market Position and Strategy - Gree has chosen not to participate in price wars, which has led to a decline in revenue, with a reported revenue of approximately 137.2 billion yuan in the first three quarters of 2025, a decrease of 6.5% year-on-year [30][31]. - The company remains steadfast in its commitment to quality over price, believing that short-term gains from low pricing can lead to long-term costs for consumers [31]. - Dong Mingzhu's approach to competition is characterized by a readiness to face challenges and a belief that pressure can lead to growth and innovation [31][32].