Henan Kuangshan Crane Co., Ltd., a crane manufacturing and rental company in China’s Henan province, recently stunned its employees with an unprecedented display of wealth and generosity. In a move that has captured attention globally, the company distributed approximately $26 million in cash during its annual end-of-year gala, inviting workers to take as much as they could carry. The extraordinary event highlights a unique approach to employee compensation and has sparked widespread discussion about wealth distribution and corporate culture in China.
The company held its gala on February 13, bringing together around 7,000 employees. Instead of traditional bonuses or gifts, the company laid out 800 banquet tables covered in stacks of banknotes, creating a scene described as both surreal and exhilarating. Employees were seen eagerly gathering the cash, with reports indicating some individuals managed to collect around $13,000 in a single trip. This unusual bonus distribution is a direct result of the company’s strong financial performance, with profits reaching 270 million yuan (approximately $38.7 million) in 2024, according to the South China Morning Post.
Yet, the gesture wasn’t simply about showering employees with money, according to Cui Peijun, the company’s owner and majority shareholder. He explained that the decision stemmed from a desire to alleviate the financial burdens faced by his workforce, many of whom are struggling with car payments and mortgages. “I don’t love giving money away,” Cui reportedly said, “but I simply understand the financial struggles my workers face in their daily lives.” He further argued that receiving cash in hand felt more meaningful than a digital transfer, stating, “Parayı elinizde tutmak emeğin gerçek karşılığını hissettirir” – “Holding the money in your hand makes you feel the real reward for your labor.”
A History of Philanthropy and Employee Support
Cui Peijun’s commitment to his employees and the wider community extends beyond this year’s extravagant bonus. The South China Morning Post reports that in 2022, Cui donated $4.7 million to support underprivileged university students. In 2024, the company distributed more than half of its $38 million net profit as bonuses to its employees, demonstrating a consistent pattern of profit-sharing.
From Personal Hardship to Corporate Generosity
Cui Peijun’s philanthropic approach is rooted in his own personal history. He has spoken publicly about being forced to abandon his education due to his family’s financial difficulties. Driven by the belief that “poverty should not be passed down as an inheritance,” Cui has made it a priority to support both his employees and those less fortunate. This personal connection appears to be a driving force behind the company’s unusual and generous practices.
The company’s actions have garnered significant attention on social media, sparking both admiration and envy. While some praise Cui Peijun’s commitment to his employees, others question the practicality and symbolism of distributing such a large sum of cash. The event has also prompted discussions about the growing wealth gap in China and the responsibilities of successful businesses to their workers and communities.
Henan Kuangshan Crane Co.’s decision to distribute $26 million in cash bonuses represents a unique and highly visible example of corporate generosity. The company’s continued success and commitment to employee welfare will be closely watched as it navigates the evolving economic landscape of China. The company has not yet announced plans for its 2026 bonus distribution, but will likely share details following the close of the fiscal year.
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