The Chinese company Gold Cup Electric Apparatus Co., Ltd., one of the worlds leading manufacturers of magnetic conductors, will establish its first European manufacturing plant in Czechia. A former chocolate packaging plant in Planá u Mariánských Lázní will be converted into a modern operation focused on the production of magnetic conductors for transformers, electric motors and equipment using renewable sources of energy in the new energy sector. The total amount of the investment will exceed CZK 2 billion.
Gold Cup Electric Apparatus Co., Ltd. (hereinafter referred to as “Gold Cup”) specialises in research, development and production of magnetic conductors including CTCs – continuously transposed conductors – as well as in paper-insulated and enamelled conductors. Gold Cup is a key supplier for Chinese ultra-high-voltage equipment for energy transmission and transformation and a significant integrated provider of flat conductors used in traction electric motors powering new electric vehicles.
The company’s customers include, for example, Siemens Energy, Hitachi Energy, GE, Toshiba and Taihan. Gold Cup is also a supplier of components for certain types of high-precision industrial motors.
At present, all of the company’s production is carried out in China. The planned factory in Planá represents the Gold Cup’s initial entry into the manufacturing market outside of Asia and is an essential step in its global expansion. At the same time, it is a historical milestone also for Czechia, where these types of magnetic conductors will be manufactured for the first time ever.
“Europe is experiencing rapid growth in demand for highly efficient electric motors and transformers, which are crucial for the transition to clean energy. Thanks to its location, strong industrial infrastructure and transparent business environment, the Czech Republic is enabling us to follow this trend and to more rapidly and flexibly respond to the needs of our key clients across the continent,” said Fred Feng, CEO of Gold Cup Toly Europe Electromagnetic Wire s.r.o.
“In recent years, we have been monitoring foreign companies’ interest in moving their production closer to their customers, which is an opportunity for the region of Central and Eastern Europe to gain technologically advanced foreign investments. This is confirmed also by the Chinese investor’s decision to place its first European manufacturing plant in Czechia,” said Gabriela Bauerová, head of the Investment Development Department at CzechInvest.
Production starts next year, recruitment is underway
Operations in Planá will be focused on magnetic conductors for large and extra-large transformers and conductors for new-generation electric traction motors for use in electric vehicles. Production is slated to begin in the second quarter of 2026 with initial capacity of approximately 800,000 tonnes. Upon reaching full capacity in 2028, the total annual production volume will reach as high as 20,000 tonnes. The manufacturing process will be highly automated with minimal requirements for human manual labour.
Approximately 70 jobs will be created in the first phase, with that figure rising to as many as 200 by 2028. “We place priority on job opportunities for local residents and we will provide specialised training, retraining and career development for graduates and other qualified workers. Our aim is to support long-term regional development through stable technical positions,” added Fred Feng.
Sustainability and quality as essential principles
Production will be carried out in modernised facilities with restricted noise levels and regulated logistics within the complex in order to minimise impacts on the surrounding area. The company is planning to use roof-mounted photovoltaic systems to generate renewable energy, material recycling and energy-efficient processes in order to reduce its carbon footprint. The factory has been designed in accordance with all environmental requirements and it fulfils Czech and European standards.
Gold Cup has committed to actively collaborating with the city and becoming involved in local community projects. “Our aim is for the factory to become a natural part of the city, while creating new job opportunities and contributing to the development of the region in the spirit of responsible and sustainable business practices,” said Martina Němečková, mayor of Planá u Mariánských Lázní.
“Gold Cup’s investment is confirmation not only of the growing trust that foreign technology companies have in Czech industry, but also Czech industry’s ability to attract top-level projects. The project in Planá is another example of the transformation of traditional industrial sites into modern manufacturing centres with high value added,” adds Adam Wrobel, senior project manager for strategic investment projects at CzechInvest.
About Gold Cup
Gold Cup Electric Apparatus Co., Ltd. was established in September 1999 with its headquarters in the city of Changsha in the Chinese province of Chu-nan. The company is one of the most important players in the Chinese cable industry and ranks among the 500 leading private manufacturing companies in China. Its product portfolio includes power cables, bare conductors, self-supporting insulated conductors, cables for electrical equipment, wound conductors and specialised cables. The company’s products are widely used in manufacturing, energy transmission and transformation, new sources of energy, electricity distribution, rail transport, electric vehicles, construction, industrial production and the petrochemical industry.
At present, Gold Cup’s operates production and service facilities with an area of approximately 800,000 m² and employs nearly 5,000 workers. Its products are distributed to more than 35 countries. The manufacturing plant in Planá is the company’s first foreign production operation and plays a key role in Gold Cup’s European strategic expansion.
Contact for media
Zdeněk Vesecký
PR manager and spokesman
+420 724 591 667
zdenek.vesecky@czechinvest.gov.cz