The Interpack Epiphany

By Jack Yang, Founder of JORNEN

In April 2002, traveling with the China Association for Pharmaceutical Equipment delegation, I had the profound opportunity to attend the 16th Interpack Expo in Düsseldorf, Germany.

While I was already familiar with the exceptional reputation of German and Italian engineering, stepping into this 200,000-square-meter world-class event was a revelation. Industry giants like Uhlmann, Bosch, and IMA showcased the absolute pinnacle of pharmaceutical packaging. The highly automated blister lines, cartoning systems, and capsule filling machines were not just equipment; they were masterpieces of sophisticated design and matchless workmanship. It was a vision of the future.

Beyond the expo, our journey across Germany, France, and Austria revealed the cultural foundation of this engineering excellence. Whether observing the magnificent, centuries-in-the-making Cologne Cathedral or the meticulously crafted architectural details in ordinary neighborhoods, I saw a profound, generational dedication to precision. It became clear how a nation of 80 million, despite limited natural resources, continues to set the world’s highest manufacturing standards. They treat engineering as an art form requiring unwavering patience and exactitude.

At that time, the gap between European pharmaceutical equipment and China’s domestic manufacturing was evident. While China’s industry was growing rapidly—spurred by the widespread enforcement of GMP standards—much of the focus remained on volume rather than cutting-edge engineering. I realized then that the future of JORNEN, and indeed the future of Chinese pharmaceutical machinery, could not rely solely on cost-efficiency. To survive and thrive in the upcoming era of globalization, we had to confront our weaknesses in automation and fundamental workmanship. We needed to look beyond the domestic horizon.

Returning to Shanghai, the contrast was striking. Compared to the leisurely, sun-basking pace of Europe, Shanghai was an engine operating at maximum RPM. Modern skyscrapers were rising everywhere, and the people were making every minute count, driven by an intense urgency to catch up.

This dynamic energy became our ultimate driving force. The 2002 European tour was not merely a visit; it was a catalyst for JORNEN. It cemented our resolve to bridge the gap—to combine the meticulous craftsmanship and technical rigor of European engineering with the unparalleled speed, agility, and determination of Chinese manufacturing. The road to the global market is long, but our march toward world-class excellence has officially begun.