Kuka: Ten Years After Chinese Acquisition by Midea (heise.de)

• Midea acquired 95% of Kuka in 2016.
• 2025 revenue: €3.9 billion, orders: €4.2 billion.
• 500 job cuts in Augsburg, no compulsory redundancies.
• Union secured jobs until 2029 and €100M+ investments.
• Kuka now has equal business thirds in Europe, Americas, Asia.

"German robot maker Kuka was acquired by Chinese appliance giant Midea in 2016. A decade later, the company has become a diversified automation provider but still faces headwinds from the automotive industry crisis. Kuka plans to cut 500 full-time jobs in Augsburg with no compulsory redundancies; the IG Metall union secured job guarantees until 2029 and over €100 million in investments. The feared complete relocation to China did not materialize. Kuka now generates one-third of its business in each of Europe, the Americas, and Asia."