NEW TAIPEI CITY — The New Taipei City Government led 20 companies specializing in smart manufacturing, automation, industrial AI, and key components to Chicago, United States, to establish the “New Taipei Pavilion” at AUTOMATE 2026. During the exhibition, the delegation completed more than 1,500 business meetings and is estimated to have generated over NT$452 million in potential business opportunities. The pavilion attracted buyers, system integrators, and industry representatives from the United States, Canada, Mexico, Europe, and other regions, successfully helping participating companies strengthen their presence in the North American market.
Sheng Hsiao-Rung, Commissioner of the Economic Development Department of the New Taipei City Government, stated that New Taipei City is home to a comprehensive ICT supply chain and a strong smart manufacturing cluster. The establishment of the New Taipei Pavilion fully demonstrated the technological strengths of New Taipei companies. Participating company GIGAIPC noted that the United States has long been an important market for the company, and joining the New Taipei Pavilion helped deepen exchanges with international customers and partners. GTEN Ball Screw Technology also shared that the professional interpretation and business matchmaking services provided by the pavilion enabled companies to focus more on business negotiations, effectively enhancing the overall benefits of participating in the exhibition.
During the exhibition, Margo Markopoulos, Deputy Director of the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO), paid a special visit to the New Taipei Pavilion. She engaged in in-depth discussions with the New Taipei City Government and participating companies on topics such as smart manufacturing, AI applications, and supply chain cooperation, and commended the technological capabilities of New Taipei companies in the fields of smart manufacturing and industrial AI. The Economic Development Department also visited the Illinois Chamber of Commerce (ILCC) and the Illinois Manufacturers’ Association (IMA) to exchange views on smart manufacturing, AI applications, supply chain deployment, and investment cooperation.
Jimmy Clayton, President and CEO of the Illinois Chamber of Commerce, stated that with the rapid development of AI and the restructuring of global supply chains, this is a crucial opportunity to deepen industrial cooperation between Taiwan and the United States. The ILCC will establish an office in Taiwan next year to provide companies with more opportunities for exchange, matchmaking, and investment cooperation, further strengthening Taiwan-U.S. economic and trade relations.
Mark Denzler, President and CEO of the Illinois Manufacturers’ Association, stated that Illinois has identified advanced manufacturing and AI as key industries for development, which aligns closely with New Taipei City’s industrial development direction. He noted that both sides have a strong foundation for cooperation. Looking ahead, the IMA will continue to serve as a platform for exchange, helping companies stay ahead of industry trends and cooperation opportunities, deepen exchanges in smart manufacturing and advanced manufacturing, and jointly promote industrial innovation and development.
To help companies better understand U.S. market trends, the Economic Development Department also visited the Chicago facility of Entropy Cabinet Solutions Co., Ltd.(ECS), a company headquartered in Xizhi, New Taipei City, to gain first-hand insights into its experience operating in the United States. The CEO of ECS, Andy Yeh, stated that Taiwan’s greatest strengths lie in its comprehensive industrial supply chain, high-quality manufacturing capabilities, and rapid integration capacity, all of which serve as key competitive advantages for companies expanding into international markets. He expressed hope that sharing such experience would help more companies seize opportunities in overseas markets.
In addition, the Economic Development Department accompanied participating companies on a visit to mHUB, a major manufacturing innovation center in the U.S. Midwest, for exchanges and discussions. The visit provided deeper insights into U.S. models for commercializing innovative technologies and the manufacturing innovation ecosystem. The Economic Development Department stated that through exhibitions, business exchanges, and overseas visits, the delegation not only helped companies gain a better understanding of international market trends, but also laid a solid foundation for future Taiwan-U.S. technology cooperation and supply chain connections.
New Taipei City Mayor Hou Yu-Ih emphasized that AUTOMATE is one of North America’s most representative exhibitions for automation and smart manufacturing. By establishing the New Taipei Pavilion, New Taipei City has provided concrete support for local companies to expand international business opportunities while building cooperation networks with U.S. government agencies, industry organizations, and companies. Moving forward, the city government will continue to support companies in expanding into global markets and enhancing the international competitiveness of New Taipei’s industries through international exhibitions, overseas market development missions, business matchmaking, and industrial exchanges.