Geoffrey WU PERROT
November 10, 2024
This
Saturday, November 9, 2024,
Mr. Jimmy Zhao, Founder and Director of Fotric Company came to Normandy to discover its first French offices. Accompanied by its international sales director, Mrs. Celine Niu, Jimmy presented his company, its products and its objectives to us with passion and brilliance.
What is Fotric? https://www.fotric.com/
Fotric is a company founded in Shanghai (China) in 2011 by Jimmy Zhao and specializes in the development of thermal and acoustic imaging devices for industrial uses.
From its creation until 2022, its innovation and precision capabilities have allowed it to take a crucial place in China and to match its international competitors. As the Chinese market is maturing, it has become a logical next step for Fotric to launch internationally. Having nothing to envy its American competitor (Flir), Fotric first decides to set up in the United States in 2022. A success.
Then came the idea of discovering European markets. Being well aware of the importance of a local establishment to establish relationships of trust with his European partners, Jimmy chose to establish his company in France, in Normandy, at the coworking space "La Parenthèse" (https://laparentthese-coworking.fr/).
So, from now on, the development of Fotric in Europe will go through our country.
Concretely, what are Fotric products?
The products resemble a camera that can detect with great precision (to within 0.003°C) variations in surrounding temperatures, to which we would add a sound detector capable of detecting inaudible sounds.
The possible applications seem endless! https://www.fotric.com/thermalimagerapplications
The devices are made of materials and parts from around the world and the infrared detector - a key component of the product - is French and produced in Grenoble by Lynred. https://www.lynred.com/fr
The Founder's Vision
Jimmy ZHAO is the archetype of the Chinese private entrepreneur who started from scratch. Originally from the countryside of the Chinese province of Hunan, he built his dream thanks to his taste for science and effort.
Two countries are known for spending hours around a meal: France and China. During Jimmy and Celine's short stay, we honored this habit and exchanged for hours on many subjects. I discovered an open-minded and humble man surrounded by competent teams.
I told him about the concerns of Western countries about the rise of Chinese companies. I will summarize his response in 4 points:
- The components of Fotric products come from all over the world, particularly from France.
- Fotric does not compete with any French manufacturer. Its only direct competitor is American.
- The local establishment in a small French town will have a humble but positive impact on its attractiveness.
- Most Chinese entrepreneurs are private individuals wanting to get by and make their dreams come true (like all of us!) and have nothing to do with any state soft power.
Jimmy has decided to approach the European markets with pragmatism and flexibility. He will do what is necessary to address concerns and will develop working methods adapted to the customs and traditions of each of the countries where he operates.
Fotric is looking for integrators throughout Europe.
This new trend of Chinese business leaders coming to Europe to explore new markets is in its early stages. With pragmatism, determination, effort and open-mindedness, we can all benefit from these exchanges in harmony.
Geoffrey, French and European development Fotric
Geoffrey WU PERROT
Double-Link CONSULTING