This interview with Mr Jeffrey Chang, President of FPS Food Process Solutions Corp was conducted on the 6th of March 2025.
In the interview, Mr.Chang outlines his view on the cooperation with OptiCept Technologies and shares his vision for the future of PEF (Pulsed Electric Field) technology in the food processing industry.
Hello, Mr Jeffrey Chang, President of FPS. Thank you for having this interview about FPS and the future cooperation with us at OptiCept.
You are more than welcome, I’m happy we could make this happen.
Let’s start by asking, why did you decide to partner with OptiCept?
Well, OptiCept has an amazing technology that we needed in our portfolio to be a total solutions provider in the industry, especially for the potato industry. So, it's really a match. It's not just a company partnership, it's a match.
"We know that the potato industry, and particularly the big players, are extremely interested in what we are offering. Now we have full-scale units for them to test and validate. We are in talks with several major players in the industry and they are really keen to see the next step"
Can you elaborate on potential customers requiring The OPTICEPT PEF application?
We know that the potato industry, and particularly the big players, are extremely interested in what we are offering. Now we have full-scale units for them to test and validate. We are in talks with several major players in the industry and they are really keen to see the next step and to implement and test the OPTICEPT® SP7 PEF system in their production.
Besides the potato industry, we already have interest from multiple companies in a wide range of industries. For example, in vegetable processing, furthermore, the protein (meat) business is going to be especially interesting because it’s a completely new segment for PEF with huge potential. So, they are extremely interested.
In the potato industry, PEF technology is already somewhat of a standard. Why do you think they will choose OPTICEPT instead of competitor’s equipment?
The market welcomes a new solution for many reasons. The support level, the delivery time, and service are always key.
Our competition has delivered this to some degree, but I think we can provide a higher degree of support and service. The platform that we're offering is really going to enhance the customer's experience.
For the S7 unit, we have developed a new dual conveyor chamber. We’ve combined all our experience, the engineering and application teams, to create an extremely energy-efficient application while maximizing efficiency. The data shows it is a very powerful and efficient solution. We truly believe this is going to be a state-of-the-art solution for our customers.
Can you walk us through FPS’s process for developing and launching new products?
Before we launch any new product, first we work on prototype validation. More importantly, the team will be fully involved in the manufacturing process to really understand the product. Because once we do a launch, we ensure that we’ll be fully capable of managing service, field support, etc. So, we never let a customer down.
And what are the food groups we will see in the future?
There are other areas that I believe we will develop into quite fast; I think protein (meat processing) will be one such area. But right now, we’d like to focus on the potato industry which will be our priority for the next six months.
What can you tell us about the first installation with the customer in Germany?
The customer in Germany who dehydrated vegetables is the first installation, which was made last season. It has been extremely successful. The customer is very satisfied, and it also validates the function of our joint efforts in developing the S7 unit. It was the first true test, and it gave us the confidence to carry on and move forward to the next step.
Can you generally comment on sales and also what has happened since the pre-launch of 2024, the OPTICEPT S7 system?
Well, the pre-launch was the first step to introducing the new application to the market. So, the next step is, preparing our sales teams with knowledge and implementing our plan. The FPS global sales network has been evolving during the past five years and has been really successful. It is fundamental that when they are out in the field, they understand the product and have the confidence and knowledge to present this to customers.
Now, we are building stock. We are setting up full-scale units at our innovation centers, so customers should be able to walk in, have a look and feel, and can buy the unit within days. Unlike other PEF suppliers, where it takes about six to eight months to supply a system because they build by order. We can keep everything in stock and offer fast deliveries.
FPS has built very strong relationships over the years with customers. Can you explain your philosophy and how you work to maintain those relationships?
The basics is, that we allow the customer to experience the new equipment. The relationship is important but the key for FPS is our approach. We basically will let the customer have a full experience of usage. So, it's simple. Once it's proven, it's simple.
När det gäller PEF (Pulsed Electric Field) är fördelarna med att använda teknologin inte längre en fråga. Det handlar bara om vem som kan göra det bättre.
So, for the OPTICEPT® PEF system, we're going to select a batch of customers and let them have a full experience. So, they can see the full benefits, the reliability, the support level, etc. for a period of time. When they're happy, then they will buy it.
Why is FPS placing the rest of the order of full equipment units right now?
The equipment will be used in the next step of our launch. We’ve just successfully passed the validation step of our process. Now we’ve ensured that the application is fully functional with the new version. So, now we need the equipment for customers to come and experience first-hand and for use at customer sites. Also, we ensured that FPS is able to manufacture the application at a much more competitive cost level.
We are here at the new FPS Asia Headquarters. Can you tell us the story behind it?
We had the grand opening just last year; it's one of the major steps for an FPS global expansion plan. It gives us the ability to streamline our own supply chain, to become even more competitive, and to manage cost control. Furthermore, it is a strategic location for the Asian market and for exporting to the rest of the world.
The total square meter of this complex is 43,000 square meters. But this is just phase one. It is one of few facilities planned to be built in this manner.
Finally, could you please us a little about your background and your philosophy?
I worked in different positions within the food industry, starting as a laborer, and then
I moved in all different positions from manufacturing, service, supporting sales, and running a division, now running a company. I believe I am one of the few in my position who have had the fortune to experience all of the different positions.
It has given me a lot of knowledge and experience and confidence in what we do.
I think the backbone of my personality is that once I believe in something, I'm not going to give up. We face difficulties and challenges. We overcome challenges. We always believe we're going to get to the other end.
So, this commitment is driving the company. We're not afraid.
We'll never let the customer down. We'll also never let a partner down.