How Dong Mingzhu, China’s manufacturing ‘iron lady’, is maintaining her cool in the AI era

Dong Mingzhu, often referred to as the "iron lady" of China's manufacturing industry, continues to navigate the challenges of the AI era while maintaining her composure. As the chair of Gree Electric Appliances, a leading home-appliance company based in Guangdong province, Dong has a long history of advocating for manufacturing innovation, higher incomes, and greener consumption. Recently, she was named an inaugural "Cool Leader" by the UN Environment Programme's Cool Coalition.

In an interview, Dong discussed how Gree is expanding access to cooling while reducing its environmental impact. The company has developed air conditioners using R290, a propane refrigerant with a low global warming potential, as well as portable units that require no installation. Gree has been shipping these products to European markets in response to the heatwave experienced there. Demand for Gree's air conditioners surged, with retail sales in certain markets, including France, increasing by 50% year on year.

Dong emphasized the importance of addressing climate change, noting that even if people can afford to run air conditioners continuously, it comes with a wider cost. The company is working on technological breakthroughs to cut energy use and reduce reliance on conventional power. Gree has established a framework for carbon neutrality with annual targets and is working on energy-efficiency standards and making every stage of their products' life cycle greener, from design to recycling.

Gree has been expanding overseas for over a decade, with their global market share of home-appliance brands rising from 2.9% in 2015 to 10.9% in 2025. Dong believes that consumers are increasingly recognizing the quality of Chinese-made products, and Chinese companies are moving from exporting products to building brands overseas.

The biggest change she has observed is the shift from white labeling to owning brands, which has led to a significant increase in Chinese home-appliance brands' global market presence. Despite geopolitical tensions and trade challenges, Dong remains focused on making the world's best air conditioners while addressing local needs and environmental concerns.