Harald Josef Schmidt, global production president at German company Burkert Fluid Control Systems, has been pivotal to flourishing Sino-German business relations in Taicang, a county-level city dubbed the "Hometown of German Enterprises" in East China's Jiangsu province.

Over his 21 years in China, the 50-year-old has integrated deeply into the local community, obtaining the Foreign Permanent Resident ID Card of the People's Republic of China in 2025 and establishing a Suzhou-style garden at Burkert's Taicang plant.

The Suzhou-style garden at Burkert's Taicang plant. [Photo/China Business Journal]

Founded in 1946 in Ingelfingen, Germany, Burkert is a high-tech family enterprise specializing in fluid control systems, primarily for the medical and pharmaceutical sectors. Since it established a presence in China in 1998, the company's business has grown significantly, with the Taicang facility becoming its largest overseas plant. The factory boasts a 60 percent localization rate for core components, underscoring its commitment to supply chain resilience.

A workshop at Burkert's Taicang plant. [Photo/China Business Journal]

Schmidt cited China's rapid development as a key driver of Burkert's continued investment in the country. He highlighted China's robust manufacturing prospects, advanced digitalization, and skilled workforce. Taicang's strategic location near Shanghai and Suzhou offers comprehensive resources and strong policy support, making it an ideal site for future growth, he said.

Schmidt also noted that he was impressed by the proactive engagement of Taicang government authorities, saying "they patiently listen to our concerns, learn about our actual situation, and provide prompt solutions".

He said over the past 15 to 20 years, China's manufacturing sector has advanced rapidly. "To enhance its global market competitiveness, Germany can learn a lot from China's development experience."