Kang Tao

Kang Tao is a Chinese weapons manufacturer in 2077. Kang Tao originally was located in Taiwan. Taiwan became a manufacturing haven in the late 2000s, after the country declared independence with the help of Japan and Arasaka. Kang Tao became an industry giant among the Taiwanese companies. However unlike the rest it kept its independence by not selling out to the Japanese business. Kang Tao manufactured weapons that were distributed through Asia and made it's way to the US.

In 2050, Kang Tao was restructured into a Chinese-based company, quickly making its way to the top tier of weapons manufacturing at a tremendous pace thanks to bold choices, courageous strategy, and government backing. In 2077, the corporation is mainly known for their firearms, especially their newest generation of so-called "smart-gun" weapons that employ gyrojet technology to fire caseless guided ammunition, but they're also becoming players in the mercenary and security markets.

2020
In 2020, Kang Tao became one of few corporations that was not bought out by the Japanese corporations. Kang Tao remained independent in Taiwan as its small firearm manufacturing division was widely successful. Their pistols became very popular among the streets of Asia with many gangers opting for the reliable and inexpensive brand.

2040s
In the years after the Fourth Corporate War, Asia was ravaged war and unrest which left many countries crippled and deeply scarred. China was no exception as it recovered from internal turmoil, but its years of rebuilding and recovery were also a time of great opportunity. The restructuring began in 2046, when the former Kang Tao, then considered obsolete and collapsing, was appointed with a former army colonel. Shiming Xu was appointed to manage the company that was being kept afloat by government subsidies. After four years under Colonel Xu's direction, the modernized and debt-free firm, Kang Tao, officially debuted on the market in 2050 with their A-22B Chao "smart" pistol. Thanks to the company's alleged government connections, the corporation invested heavily in modern research facilities, rapidly expanding the "smart weapons" market. Throughout the next 20 years, through new research facilities funded by the government, Kang Tao overcame its old rivals, coming out as a top-tier weapon manufacturer on par with Tsunami Arms and Arasaka.

Since 2072, Kang Tao had tripled its stock value, becoming a leading weapon exporter in Asia. The past fifty years of war and unrest left many Asian countries crippled and deeply scarred.

2077
In 2077, an explosion at a company refinery in Hangzhou left over 50,000 dead. Although official accounts cleared the corporation of negligence, many still blamed them for the explosion. The same year Kang Tao expressed interest in the Pacifica District of Night City. The city council responded explaining that they would sell the district for cheap, if Kang Tao agreed to clear out the area of all crime. No official deals had be made.

Kang Tao was also considered the fourth biggest and best corporation to work for in Night City. It provides employees with a Trauma Team Gold insurance package. At the same time, Kang Tao requires employees to sign a 50-year loyalty pledge.

Controversies
Kang Tao has had the reputation for being negligent in its various endeavors, the corporation has in the past been involved with the death of thousands of citizens and employees due to its operations. The megacorp has also held a reputation for stealing much research from other corporations in its field. Kang Tao is aggressive, however much of its controversial operations are usually kept secret.

Database Entry (2077)

 * Kang Tao is a Chinese company and one of the world's largest weapons manufacturers. For years now, Kang Tao has increasingly become a worthy competitor for Arasaka by introducing some of the most bleeding-edge technology the market has ever seen. The megacorp consistently surpasses client expectations for quality weapons and equipment that suits both military and paramilitary needs. But most notably, Kang Tao is widely recognized for its specialization in the development, patenting and production of Smart-class weaponry and weapon systems. In this niche market, they are without equal.

Trivia

 * The Kang Tao company slogan 智能电子解决方案 translates to "Intelligent electronic solutions" in Mandarin.