Haier Smart Home has once again proven its dominance in the smart living and home appliance sector. In 2025, the company climbed 17 spots to secure No. 390 on the Fortune Global 500, marking its eighth consecutive year on the prestigious list. This achievement highlights not only Haier’s global vision but also the power of local innovation through subsidiaries like Kwikot, South Africa’s leading water heating brand with over a century of heritage.

As part of the Haier Smart Home Group, Kwikot is playing a critical role in driving sustainable growth and reinforcing the group’s philosophy of “local-first, global-always.”

A Legacy of Local Innovation in South Africa

Kwikot: Over 100 Years of Dependable Water Heating

Founded more than a century ago, Kwikot has become a trusted household name in South Africa, supplying reliable water heating solutions to both residential and commercial markets. Since being acquired by Haier in 2024, Kwikot has not only preserved its strong local identity but has also expanded its innovation capabilities through Haier’s global research and development network.

Operating from its manufacturing base in Benoni, Kwikot’s national footprint continues to deliver solutions tailored to South Africa’s unique challenges - whether it’s energy-efficient electric geysers, gas water heaters or solar thermal systems for off-grid living.

Local Expertise on a Global Stage

“This global recognition is not just a number, it’s proof that local expertise matters on the world stage,” says Murray Crow, Managing Director of Kwikot. “Being part of Haier has given us the scale, R&D capabilities, and global agility to innovate with purpose, but always in a way that’s deeply rooted in South African realities, like water scarcity, energy insecurity and the need for durable, accessible technology.”

Haier’s Global Rise Backed by Strategic Growth
Expanding Across Continents

Haier’s upward climb on the Fortune Global 500 list is underpinned by a series of bold global expansion moves. These include:

·       A strategic partnership with Carrier to strengthen its commercial cooling division.

·       The acquisition of Hungary’s KLIMA, expanding operations in Central Europe.

·       Continued investment in smart, connected home ecosystems across Asia, Europe, Africa, and the Americas.

Sustainability at the Core

Central to Haier’s success is a firm commitment to sustainability and climate-conscious design. The group’s 2025 vision - “design with empathy, build with sustainability, lead with agility” - shapes every product and innovation.

Kwikot has mirrored this ethos in South Africa by:

·       Introducing solar-ready electric geysers to reduce reliance on the national grid.

·       Developing smart geyser systems with water-saving features for eco-conscious households.

·       Investing in skills development and job creation in the local manufacturing and plumbing industries.

Crow adds: "Every product we develop and every customer we serve is part of a bigger goal, to build a smarter, more resilient future for South African homes.”

Why the Fortune Global 500 Milestone Matters

Recognition of Scale and Impact

Reaching No. 390 on the Fortune Global 500 is more than just a corporate milestone for Haier. It demonstrates the group’s ability to compete with the world’s most influential companies while maintaining its agile, locally driven approach.

For emerging markets like South Africa, this recognition underscores the importance of accessible, smart and sustainable technologies. Consumers here are not only demanding efficiency but also solutions that address systemic challenges such as unstable power supply and growing environmental concerns.

Local Impact, Global Story

“Being part of this journey gives Kwikot a powerful platform to keep growing, innovating and supporting the communities we serve,” concludes Crow. “We’re proud to see our work reflected in a global success story and even prouder to know that South Africa has a place in shaping the future of smart homes.”

The Future of Smart Homes in South Africa

Building Smarter, Greener Homes

As the demand for smart home solutions accelerates worldwide, South Africa is uniquely positioned to benefit. With energy and water scarcity driving innovation, companies like Kwikot are at the forefront of adaptable technologies that meet local realities while aligning with global standards.

From solar water heating systems that cut reliance on Eskom’s grid, to connected appliances that enable homeowners to monitor and optimise energy use, Kwikot is demonstrating how local expertise can make global sustainability goals tangible.

Strengthening South Africa’s Role in the Global Economy

Haier’s recognition on the Fortune Global 500 list is also a win for South Africa. It signals to global investors that South African innovation and manufacturing can play a meaningful role in shaping the future of technology. As Kwikot continues to expand its offerings and integrate smarter, greener solutions, it cements its reputation as both a local leader and a global contributor.

Conclusion: A Shared Success Story

Haier Smart Home’s climb to No. 390 on the Fortune Global 500 in 2025 is a testament to the power of global ambition paired with local expertise. For South Africa’s Kwikot, it is an opportunity to showcase how more than 100 years of innovation and dependability can help shape the future of sustainable living - not just locally, but worldwide.

As the world moves toward smarter, more sustainable homes, Kwikot’s legacy of trusted water heating and Haier’s global leadership form the perfect partnership to deliver solutions that matter today and for generations to come.