Following procedures including recommendations by relevant provincial departments, expert reviews, on-site inspections, and online publicity, the 2025 Leading Smart Factory Cultivation List has been released. A total of 15 enterprises across China have been selected, with two from Shandong: Weichai Power Co., Ltd.'s high-end engine smart factory based on the digital and intelligent lean model, and Qingdao Haier Central Air Conditioning Co., Ltd.'s smart factory for full-process customized services and intelligent integration of central air conditioning.
Leading smart factories represent the highest tier explored and cultivated in the gradient cultivation action for smart factories by six departments, including the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology and the National Development and Reform Commission. Focusing on digital transformation and intelligent revolution, leading smart factories aim to create globally leading benchmarks for intelligent manufacturing by outputting new technologies, processes, equipment, and models.