Chinese Firm Stuns Employees With $26m Cash Giveaway at Annual Celebration

Chinese Firm Stuns Employees With $26m Cash Giveaway at Annual Celebration

Employees of Henan Kuangshan Crane Co. Ltd. were left astonished after the company displayed $26 million in cash at its end-of-year celebration, allowing staff to take home as much money as they could physically carry.

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The event, held on February 13, saw the massive sum spread across 800 banquet tables, creating a dramatic scene under bright lights as well-dressed employees assessed towering stacks of banknotes. An estimated 7,000 people attended the celebration.

According to South Korean newspaper Chosun Daily, one employee reportedly walked away with $13,000 in cash. During the gala, company chairman Cui Peijun explained the unusual approach to bonuses.

“Why are we giving out washing machines? Do you think gold prices have gone up?” he reportedly asked. “In previous years, we gave necklaces and rings. Bring up the cash and give everyone another 20,000 yuan ($2,800).”

Cui said the company chose physical cash over bank transfers because electronic payments felt impersonal. “If we just transfer the money, it’s only cold numbers,” he said.

Cui owns 98.88 per cent of the company, effectively redistributing a large portion of his dividends to employees. Founded in 2002, Henan Kuangshan Crane Co. manufactures and leases cranes and operates in more than 130 countries worldwide.

The firm is known for its generosity. In 2024, it recorded a net profit of $38 million, with about $24 million distributed to employees. In 2023, it awarded $8.5 million to its top 40 performers, with the three best sales staff each earning $730,000. To mark International Women’s Day in March 2025, the company also shared nearly $230,000 among close to 2,000 female employees.

Explaining his philosophy, Cui said his motivation was rooted in empathy. “It’s not that I love giving out money,” he noted. “Young people are burdened with car loans and mortgages, and any relief we can offer helps.”

Chinese Firm Stuns Employees With $26m Cash Giveaway at Annual Celebration