Exhibitor Q&A: AI-MIDEA

Take a read of our Q&A with Dr Susan Zhang, Chief Executive Officer, at AI Global Enterprise who explores the state of the industry and Midea's plans for the future.

Q: For readers who may only know Midea from residential appliances, how would you describe the business today? 

 
A: In North America, many people first encountered Midea through window AC units, portable cooling, or other household appliances. What is less visible here is the full scale of the company. For more than 20 years, Midea has been a major OEM partner to established HVAC brands, supplying equipment and components that sit behind some of the best known names in the market. 

 
Globally, Midea covers home comfort, large commercial building systems, elevators, industrial automation, and even medical technology. Midea is vertically integrated, producing key components such as compressors, motors, and control boards in-house. That scale and control has been there for a long time, but North America has not always seen it directly under the Midea name. 

 

Q: Why is now the right time for Midea to step forward with its own brand in the US market? 

 
A: Branding matters more than ever. When you operate only behind the scenes, your role in creating the technology is often invisible. Midea has over 70,000 patents globally and deep technical capability, yet many people did not realize who was actually making the equipment. 

 
Building recognition under the Midea name shows who Midea is, what Midea makes, and how Midea supports the market directly. It is also about being proud of the work and the engineering that goes into these systems. 

 

Q: How does Midea stand out in the HVAC and heat pump space? 

 
A: Where Midea differs is in its manufacturing quality control, as it operates a large, vertically integrated factory complex.  

Q: How important is research and development to that approach? 

 
A: It is central. Around six percent of Midea’s global revenue is reinvested into R&D. It operates R&D centers across China, Europe, South Asia, and North America so products can respond to specific applications for particular regions.  

 
In the US, Midea recently expanded its Kentucky R&D facility with a major investment, opened two offices in Texas for residential and commercial central operations to support the North America market with a systematic after-sales service.  

 

Q: From a decarbonization perspective, what changes do you see coming in large buildings? 

 
A: Using New York as an example, the targets for electrification and emissions reduction are ambitious, and progress is not yet where it needs to be. Many older buildings are facing challenges in their options and transformation. 

 
Over the next few years, we expect more attention on air to water systems and chiller-based solutions. We are focusing on Midea Aqua Thermal applications and Magnetic Bearing Chillers for 2026 launch in the USA market.  

 

Q: How established is that chiller technology globally? 

 
A: In China, Midea magnetic bearing chillers account for around 38 percent of that segment of the market, which gives us confidence in the platform. In the US, we are taking a phased approach, focusing on models that align with current project demand and certification priorities. The goal is to support project demand now and expand the range as the market develops. 

 

Q: Why was InstallerSHOW NYC an important show for Midea to exhibit at? 

 
A: New York has a strong concentration of large buildings, engineering firms, and developers facing Local Law 97 requirements. Many are actively looking for ways to upgrade existing systems and reduce emissions. 

 
InstallerSHOW NYC brings together the people who specify, install, and maintain these systems, all in one place. For us, it is a great opportunity to debut Midea’s full spectrum of dynamic products, including large industrial and highly efficient applications for building needs. 

 

Q: What can visitors expect to see at the Midea stand? 

 
A: The focus will be on commercial systems, particularly chillers, alongside solutions from the residential side. We are also planning to show a packaged terminal heat pump capable of low ambient heating down to minus 22 degrees Fahrenheit without electric backup, which is relevant for hotels, senior housing, and rental properties. 

More broadly, visitors can expect to see equipment that reflects ongoing investment in R&D and a willingness to bring new solutions to the market. 

Q: Any final message for attendees planning their visit? 

A: If you want to understand who is behind much of the HVAC equipment already in the market, and what is coming next for electrification in large buildings, come and talk to us. InstallerSHOW NYC is the right place to have those conversations, and we are looking forward to being part of it.