Burkle Taicang produced 106 hot presses in August, more than four times its previous monthly average of 24.

The production surge has been supported by a strong local supply chain. Up to 95 percent of Burkle's components are now sourced locally, including critical parts such as hot platens, which ensure uniform temperature distribution, and hydraulic cylinders that power the machines.

Burkle Taicang is part of Germany's Robert Burkle GmbH, a globally recognized manufacturer of laminating and coating systems. The group holds around 50 percent of the global market for laminating systems and more than 90 percent of the high-end segment, making it a leading player in this specialized field.

Lamination involves bonding core boards, resin and copper foil under vacuum, high temperature and high pressure to produce multilayer printed circuit boards (PCBs).

China is the world's largest PCB manufacturer, accounting for 57.5 percent of global PCB output value in 2025. Burkle has made China the center of its PCB business, designating its Taicang factory as its PCB-related headquarters.

The company had been operating in Shanghai for nearly 20 years, but its capacity for further expansion was becoming increasingly limited. In 2021, the group decided to invest $10 million to establish a wholly owned subsidiary in Taicang.

"Taicang is home to a large number of German companies and has developed a mature industrial ecosystem," said Benedikt Wagner, general manager of Burkle Taicang.

The city's skilled workforce was another key draw. Advanced hot-press technology requires highly specialized expertise, and manufacturers need more than just university graduates — they need experienced technicians and skilled production workers.

Taicang has built up this talent pool over many years. Hundreds of German manufacturing companies in the city share similar workforce demands, helping cultivate a strong base of skilled workers. The city has also established training centers supporting a dual vocational education system. By combining classroom learning with hands-on experience, the system has trained more than 10,000 apprentices.

Three years ago, the Taicang facility primarily produced equipment for Chinese customers. Today, around 30 percent of its output is exported, mainly to Southeast Asia, India and parts of the Middle East.

To support its shift toward serving global markets from China, the group invested an additional $5 million in the first half of 2026, with a research and development laboratory among the most important additions.

Wagner also highlighted the support the company receives through Taicang's government-business communication mechanisms, which help address challenges promptly and effectively. The local government's clear development plans and transparent policy direction, he said, give businesses greater certainty and make long-term planning easier.