As a leading global power supply brand, MEAN WELL provides a stable power supply for all applications and maintains long-term solid partnerships with professionals across several fields.
PLANET Technology Corporation is one of MEAN WELL's clients. Both companies have worked together for over 20 years. They have since grown from a simple supplier-client relationship into a trusted partnership that has both companies further engaged in co-marketing and public charity.
Established in 1993, PLANET Technology Corporation is a manufacturer that focuses on making network communications devices. Their primary products include Intelligent Network Management System, Power over Ethernet, Industrial Ethernet, Industrial Automation, Network Switches, Optical Fiber Network, and Wireless Network technology, etc., which are marketed worldwide under their proprietary PLANET brand. "We work mostly with industrial-grade products, so the power supply's stability is very important to us. There is no room for error," said Kent Kang, Senior Director of the Product Engineering Department at PLANET Technology Corporation.
Power solutions offered by MEAN WELL GROUP system integrate ultra-high output power and power management functions, which are appropriate for application environments with very high power consumption, e.g., communications/IT equipment, EV charging, industrial automation, burn-in system of electronic products, etc.
To maintain product performance and stability, PLANET is very selective when it comes to power supply. Industrial Ethernet network switches, for example, are a primary product revenue for the company. This type of products does not usually come with a power supply. It always recommends its customers to use its products with an industrial-grade power supply, which is a MEAN WELL product.
Kent Kang said, "With MEAN WELL power supply solutions, we no longer have to worry about power stability. Moreover, MEAN WELL products have passed various certifications. They are proven not to cause any EMI interference when devices are in operation. Our customers have opted to use them for a long time and they have accustomed to using MEAN WELL power supply with our devices. After all, they are the most effective add-on. Our one-stop shopping experience has managed to save our customers a lot of hassle." Throughout a 20-year partnership with MEAN WELL, the sales volume of PLANET's industrial Ethernet network switches has continued to climb, showing nearly ten-fold growth.
PLANET showcased the world's first renewable energy PoE solution for intelligent network management at COMPUTEX 2023, which generates electricity using renewable energy to supply power for PoE network. The solution is able to resolve issues pertaining to power consumption of network and safety monitoring systems in remote areas.
Participating in Powered by MEAN WELL Co-marketing Program
Not only Ethernet network switches come with such power supply solutions, PLANET has many other product lines which collaborate with MEAN WELL. Meanwhile, via the PBM program rolled out by MEAN WELL, both companies have much room for cooperation in marketing. PBM is an abbreviation for Powered by MEAN WELL. The program invites MEAN WELL's clients who agree with its brand spirit to become its long-term reliable partners. As part of a cooperative marketing strategy, the program works to accomplish product promotion and achieve win-win together. Execution of the program includes trademark authorization where clients are authorized to use the Powered by MEAN WELL trademark for exhibition exposure, online coverage, and joint media campaigns.
Jenny Hsieh, a key accounts manager at MEAN WELL Group, explained, "We have created the 'MEAN WELL Premium Partner Zone' on our website to help customers find partners according to a catalog by industry or region. For example, the information and communication technology (ICT) category will lead one to PLANET Technology Corporation, a long-time partner of MEAN WELL."
Jenny Hsieh opines that the PBM cooperative marketing strategy rolled out by MEAN WELL is a very meaningful project. "PLANET and MEAN WELL both have their own brands. Our marketing goals and target are in line with each other. We both hope to promote premium brands from Taiwan. Trademark authorization, exhibition exposure, and other techniques are really helpful in elevating brand recognition."
Calling on Everyone to Promote Sustainability
Besides business partners, PLANET and MEAN WELL are also charity partners. For example, MEAN WELL was keen to join a sustainability action project called "Clean Air for Health," which PLANET advocates. This project promotes the use of bacteria to break down rice stalks instead of straw burning. This can prevent air pollution and other hazards caused by haze. It is an extensive solution for resolving air pollution and reducing carbon emissions. It can also improve fertility and organic properties of soil to promote sustainability. To date, more than 200 businesses have joined this project since it was first launched in 2022. The total surface area of adopted rice fields has amounted to 7,800 hectares.
Chloe Hsu, Manager of the Marketing Department at PLANET Technology Corporation, said that participants of the project are individuals or businesses who agree to adopt rice fields. "Almost all PLANET employees have participated in the adoption. We're also very grateful toward MEAN WELL, which not only adopts a rice field under the company name, many of its employees have also participated in the adoption as individuals." For the project, decomposing bacteria is expected to be discharged after rice crop is harvested in June and July. At that time, individuals and businesses who participate in the adoption will be invited to witness their environmental protection beliefs put into sustainable action.
"We'd like to take this opportunity to ask more businesses to join in the adoption event. We are excited to work more closely with local farmers to promote sustainable agriculture and environmental protection," said Chloe Hsu. PLANET has also long advocated for activities like adopting organic tea plantations in Pinglin and sponsoring underprivileged children.
Likewise, MEAN WELL has spared no effort in promoting environmental sustainability and social welfare. Since 2011, MEAN WELL has held its annual "I love the Tamsui River" event to promote river conservation. Meanwhile, they also encourage their employees to sign up for volunteer service to take concrete actions to give back to society. As such, in 2019, the company established the MEAN WELL Charitable Foundation to give donations, subsidize replacing old lighting equipment, and set up community centers.
In preparation for the ESG era, MEAN WELL continues to implement sustainable ideas as part of product research and development, e.g., energy recycling products that customers very well receive. Kent Kang said, "The product testing process is very power-consuming. Recycling a portion of the electricity helps cut carbon emissions." Providing these products allows MEAN WELL to support a broad spectrum of sectors in achieving zero carbon emissions. MEAN WELL works to stand hand in hand with supply chain partners and customers collectively to create a better environment for the next generation.
