At least 19 more people have been injured, reports the state TV channel CCTV.
The factory complex is located in the city of Gaomi, which is located in the Weifang metropolitan area in the province of Shandong. It is located about 40 miles southeast of the capital Beijing.
Images show how a massive smoke column rises from the site and towers over the city. State media images also show a burning industrial facility.
The factory in question manufactures pesticides. About 300 people work at a facility that covers 47 hectares, according to Chinese media reports.
