My name is Wu Xiaochuan, a name that contrasts sharply with the large industry I work in.
At 24, I graduated from a regular second-tier university with a degree in chemical engineering and worked in sales at an adhesive tape factory for two years. Previously, I had been working in the electronics industry, but due to market conditions, business was difficult. So, I decided to take a box of samples and an indomitable spirit and venture into a completely unfamiliar field—new energy.
On October 10th, there was a photovoltaic exhibition in Shanghai. Looking at the “positioning adhesive” sample for photovoltaic modules in my hand, I decided to try my luck at the new energy exhibition.
At the trade show, I felt like a clown who had wandered into a land of giants. My business cards were carelessly tossed aside, and my presentations were impatiently interrupted. “Tape? This is high-tech, not a stationery store.” I was even mistaken for an intern handing out flyers.
Outside the venue, I overheard an engineer (the future male lead/mentor) frantically complaining on the phone that the adhesive in a certain encapsulation process was constantly malfunctioning, causing mass rework of components. I mustered my courage and approached him: “Sir, perhaps… I can take a look?”
The engineer (Mr. Chen) initially didn’t trust me, but he was moved by my persistence and gave me a chance to explain. I stayed up all night, combining tape technology with photovoltaic encapsulation requirements to create a simple but impactful PowerPoint presentation.
My solution wasn’t perfect, but it offered a completely new perspective, earning me a small-scale testing opportunity with the technical department. At that moment, I was no longer just “the tape seller,” but “Miss Wu , the solution provider.”
The testing wasn’t without its challenges; new problems arose. Meanwhile, a large competitor tried to poach me with a high salary. I struggled between upholding my ideals and succumbing to the allure of reality. Ultimately, I returned to my original passion, spending my days in the client’s factory monitoring the production line, diligently understanding every step of the process. I identified the root cause of the problem, solved it for the client, and secured a substantial order for myself.
Before, my world consisted of millimeter-wide tape, pursuing perfect adhesion on precision instruments; now, my battlefield is photovoltaic panels spanning dozens of square meters, exploring the energy of light under the scorching sun.
Yesterday, I was explaining to a client why this tape adheres so well; today, I’m discussing with the chief engineer which encapsulation material can guarantee the modules won’t yellow or delaminate for 25 years. I believe tomorrow will be better. Keep going!
