The German company Palas® is a pioneer in the field of particle and aerosol measurement and analysis. Deng Jun, Environmental and Automotive Business Development Manager at Palas® China, is mainly responsible for the application development in the environmental and automotive field, including mobile emissions from aircraft and ships. In this interview she reveals her professional insights on how to seize the development opportunities in the Chinese market which in her opinion has unlimited potential.
When Palas® started developing its business in China, one focus has been on Environmental & Automotive Industries. What core products and technologies does Palas® bring to the Chinese market? What are their advantages?
The core technology of Palas® is using the single particle counting spectroscopy or scanning electric mobility to detect the particle size distribution and concentration. In the technical field of single particle counting spectroscopy, our flagship products are the Fidas® and AQ Guard series, which can monitor the air in fixed environmental monitoring stations, micro-stations or indoors. Palas® offers a new generation of optical technology, which is fundamentally different from traditional methods. For example, if we want to measure the molecular weight of a group of people, by the traditional light scattering method, we can estimate the weight of the whole group. With our technology we estimate the weight of every person based on each person’s shadow and finally add it up. Scanning electric mobility particle size spectrometer is commonly used for measuring the particle size of nanoparticles in laboratories.
In the automotive field or mobile emission source field, our core is to check emissions in line with the PMP, the Particulate Measurement Programme. We can provide complete instruments, for example standard particle generators, diluters and counters to calibrate all aspects of the PMP. Car manufactures and testing institutions use our solutions for reliable and repeatable test. In addition, we also provide equipment such as oil and gas separator filtration efficiency test benches.
You just started in China with a local Palas® team. What opportunities do you see, what is y You just started in China with a local Palas® team. our business development strategy? The Chinese market is huge and there is a strong demand for scientific precision instruments. In fact, China is strong in the field of applied research, it is a worldwide leading and driving force in many aspects. Based on this, as an equipment manufacturer like us, on the one hand we will get more sales opportunities. On the other hand, by actively embracing the Chinese market, we will also get more opportunities to expand our German technology in China.
Did you encounter any challenges when developing your business? How did you master them?
At present, the biggest challenge we have encountered when introducing our products in China is the image of light scattering in the domestic market. Because of technical limitations in the past people think this technology has shortcomings. However, the Palas®’ optical technology is a new generation. Although it has been authoritatively certified in the developed countries and entered the national monitoring network, it still takes some time for our technology and methods to be fully be recognized and thus fully accepted by our Chinese target groups. We will carry out events of circular display and data comparison across the country, giving industry users the opportunity to experience our products onsite. For example, from December 9th to 11th, we will attend the 8th Filtration & Separation Asia and the 11th China International Filtration & Separation Exhibition, and we sincerely invite everyone who is interested in our technology to visit our booth at No. C19.
How do you inform about Palas®, what channels do you use?
We provide company news and product introductions on our WeChat official account, our company website and other social media platforms. These platforms help to effectively inform about our products. At present, we have seen that a considerable part of sales leads is directly derived from the company website. In the future, we also have plans to try product live broadcast. As a broadcaster, we will introduce and even sell products through online platforms.
There is no doubt that digital marketing is the trend of future development, and Palas® is currently actively embracing this trend. We believe in the Chinese market and we will continue to explore more options to get in contact with potential customers.
If you want to experience the professional mask filtration efficiency testing solution from Germany on site, don’t miss the 8th Filtration & Separation Asia and the 11th China International Filtration & Separation Exhibition, 9. – 11. December, Shanghai. Palas® will bring a series of devices on display. Welcome to Palas® booth C19, Hall N1, Shanghai New International Expo Centre. We will offer you a free filtration efficiency test according to EN149 standard for your mask sample.