In a spectacular show of generosity, Chinese firm Henan Kuangshan Crane Co. Ltd. left staff amazed by stacking $26 million in cash at its annual year-end party, inviting employees to take home as much money as they could carry.
The lavish celebration, held on February 13, saw the company spread the massive sum across 800 banquet tables under bright, colorful lights. Employees, dressed sharply for the occasion, eagerly surveyed the towering piles of banknotes laid out before them. An estimated 7,000 people attended the event.
According to reports by Chosun Daily, one lucky employee carried home $13,000 in cash.
During the gala, the company’s boss, Cui Peijun, explained the unusual bonus method:
“Why are we giving out washing machines? Do you think gold prices have gone up? In previous years, we gave necklaces and rings; now we bring out cash and give everyone another 20,000 yuan ($2,800),” he said. “Some people ask why we don’t just transfer the money to their accounts, but that way, it’s just cold numbers.”
Cui, who holds 98.88% of the company’s shares, effectively returned a major portion of his dividends to employees.
Founded in 2002, the company, which manufactures and rents out cranes, operates in over 130 countries and has a history of generous employee bonuses. In 2024, the firm recorded a net profit of $38 million, giving approximately $24 million of that to staff. In 2023, $8.5 million went to the 40 highest-performing employees, with the top three salespeople earning $730,000 each. To celebrate International Women’s Day last March, nearly $230,000 in bonuses was distributed to almost 2,000 female employees.
Cui explained his motivation for the lavish rewards: “It is not that I love giving out money; it is that young people are burdened with car loans and mortgages, and any relief we can offer helps.”
This extraordinary gesture has drawn international attention, showcasing a rare example of employee-focused corporate generosity in the global business world.
