Weili's show room. Photo by Feng Mingmin

A netizen recently shared a short video showcasing an antique-like washing machine and mentioned that the machine, manufactured by Zhongshan Weili Washing Machine Co, was purchased in 1997, and is still functioning till now.

The video attracted Weili's senior executives' attention, who made a reply through the company's official WeChat account, saying that "We haven't closed down, and we have been continuously progressing." Weili also sent the netizen a brand-new cylinder washing machine as a gift.

In 1980, Weili developed the first single cylinder washing machine in China. But unfortunately, in the late 1990s, the company failed to withstand the intense market competition, and the "King of China's Washing Machine Makers" fell into decline.

In 2005, Guangdong Donlim Kitchen Group acquire Weili with 150 million yuan, and the latter found its way back to life. At a later time, Weili adjusted its strategies and started to focus on the overseas market.

Liu Liang, Weili's CEO, said the company invested 60 million yuan annually in research and development over the past years to upgrade its products and production, aiming to revive this old domestic brand.