Between 2003 and 2005, Toronto photographer Ed Burtynsky traveled to China several times to photograph the country’s rapid industrial growth. His recent book, China, provides startling images of working life in China’s factories as well as the urban developments necessary to facilitate such a massive economic transformation.

The book is filled with eye-opening snapshots of where and how most western world consumer goods are produced.

If you are interested in learning more about Edward’s work, check out his website for photos, videoclips, and a schedule of exhibitions for 2007-2008.

Featured after the jump are several of Burtynsky’s images from a recent slideshow on Wired.

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Deda Chicken Processing Plant
Dehui City, Jilin Province, 2005

“This is the main processing floor of the Deda chicken processing plant, a Thailand/China joint venture. The factory processes approximately 100 million chickens a year, which are mostly exported because of their superior quality. ”

Textile Mill
Xiaoxing, Zhejiang Province, 2004

“A few hours drive outside of Shanghai, this giant textile factory has imported top-of-the-line machines from Belgium. At the time of this photo, the company was about to expand by about 200 machines to a total of 500. The floor of the workroom shakes from the operation of the machines”

Bird Mobile
Ningbo, Zhejiang Province, 2005

“The largest mobile-phone manufacturer in China when this photo was shot, Bird Mobile has since been overtaken. Here, workers complete a manual-assembly portion of the phone-production process.”

Cutter
Fengjiang Zhejiang Province, 2004

“A pile of old transformers is dismantled and repurposed. Many contain polychlorinated biphenyl, or PCB, a non-flammable oil which can be highly toxic”

Youngor Textiles
Ningbo, Zhejiang Province, 2005

“Lunch time in the cafeteria of Youngor Textiles, the largest suit maker in China, lasts around 20 minutes.”