Haier Group
Household appliances
China's largest manufacturer of household appliances. Has three main areas of focus - white household appliances, investment and finance holding. Recent acquisitions include Sanyo's white goods business in Japan and SE Asia in 2011; New Zealand's Fisher & Paykel Appliances in 2012; General Electric's appliance business in 2016 for US$5.4 billion; and Italy based Candy Group in 2018.

Overall

Owned CHN
Rating F
About the Ratings
Haier Group Corporation
CHN

Company Assessment

(Last updated Jan 2023)
Haier Group Corporation
Criticism
Forced labour in China
The Chinese government has facilitated the mass transfer of Uyghur and other ethnic minority citizens from the far west region of Xinjiang to factories across the country. Under conditions that strongly suggest forced labour, Uyghurs are working in factories that are in the supply chains of at least 83 well-known global brands in the technology, clothing and automotive sectors, including brands owned by this company. The Australian Strategic Policy Institute's 2020 report estimates (somewhat conservatively) that more than 80,000 Uyghurs were transferred out of Xinjiang to work in factories across China between 2017 and 2019, and some of them were sent directly from detention camps.
Source: ASPI (2020)
Supply chain practices in China
The Green Supply Chain Corporate Information Transparency Index (CITI) evaluates consumer-facing companies that have a sizeable supply chain in China. The evaluation uses government supervision data and public information to assess the environmental management of their supply chains in China. This company received a score of 19.72/100 (retrieved 24 Nov 2023).
Source: IPE (2023)
Workers rights in China
A 2023 report by China Labor Watch investigated labour conditions in China's consumer electronics sector using three stages of research: analysis of social media posts, case studies through online research, and in-person factory investigation. Labour abuses identified in factories supplying this company include excessive working hours, wage theft and wage arrear, high labour intensity, workplace bullying and verbal abuse, and mandatory overtime.
Information
D- grade at Behind the Barcode
D- grade in the Baptist World Aid Australia's Behind the Barcode 'Ethical Electronics Guide 2016', which grades companies on their efforts to mitigate the risks of forced labour, child labour and worker exploitation throughout their supply chains. Assessment criteria fall into four main categories: policies, traceability & transparency, monitoring & training and worker rights. [Listed under Information due to age of report]
Chemical poisoning of workers
The Poisonous Pearl is a 2016 report by Good Electronics which focuses on the experiences of (former) workers in the electronics industry in China who are victims of chemical poisoning. The health of all the workers in the report was damaged by exposure to hazardous chemicals such as benzene and n-hexane. All were working in large or small factories in the Pearl River Delta-region of China, an area well known as being a global hub for the production of consumer electronics (ICT). This company is supplied by factories in the region.
Source: SOMO (2016)
Social responsibility claims
This company has social responsibility claims on its website under the headings of Project Hope, Green Environment, Disadvantaged Relief and Sports Undertakings.
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Company Details

Type:
Public company
Founded:
1984
Revenue:
52 billion USD (2022)
Employees:
109,586 (2021)
Subsidiaries:
Haier Smart Home Co Ltd
Electrical appliances
Founded in 1984, the company through its subsidiaries researches, develops, produces and sells washing machines and water heaters under the brand name 'Haier' as well providing logistics, after sales services, and distribution of home appliances through its Integrated Channel Service. Products are sold in over 100 countries.
Haier Australia Pty Ltd
Home appliances wholesaler
Founded 2004.
Fisher & Paykel Appliances Ltd
Household appliance manufacturer
Started in New Zealand in 1934, the company was bought by Haier Group Corporation in 2012. It operates in 50 countries and manufactures in five countries, including New Zealand where it has been designated as one of Haier's five global research and development centres.
Fisher & Paykel Australia Pty Ltd
Household appliance wholesaling

Contact Details

Address:
Qingdao, Shandong, China
Website:
www.haier.com

Products / Brands

Haier Australia
Haier Air Conditioners
Haier Dishwashers
Haier Fridges & Freezers
Haier Washing Machines & Dryers
Haier Ovens & Cooktops
Fisher & Paykel Australia
Fisher & Paykel Dishwashers
Fisher & Paykel Fridges & Freezers
Fisher & Paykel Ovens & Cooktops
Fisher & Paykel Washing Machines & Dryers
Fisher & Paykel Rangehoods