Grandtech's Meme Poon: Leading Volvo Penta in Hong Kong

Meme Poon, as the founder and General Manager of Grandtech International Engineering, oversees the Hong Kong dealership for Volvo Penta engines, which is integral to numerous prominent luxury boat manufacturers.

What services does Grandtech International Engineering offer for Volvo Penta?

Grandtech is the authorized dealer of Volvo Penta industrial and marine engines in Hong Kong, with approximately 95 percent of our business dedicated to private boats and five percent to industrial engines.

We manage the provision of spare parts, while our service team does pre-delivery commissioning (PDC) for new engines, annual general maintenance, ad hoc repairs, long block engine replacements, and engine overhauls. Annually, we generally manage approximately 20 PDCs for new vessels; but, in 2021, we documented over 30.

Which Volvo Penta products are most popular in Hong Kong?

Volvo Penta IPS (Inboard Performance System) is the predominant propulsion system in Hong Kong. It exhibits reduced emissions, diminished fuel usage, increased velocities, and a lower perceived noise level. The joystick for effortless boating is arguably the most recognized attribute of Volvo Penta IPS.

Which boat manufacturers and dealerships do you collaborate with?

We collaborate with numerous dealers, including those representing Azimut, Absolute, Princess, Galeon, Sessa, Dufour, Jeanneau, and Hanse. All Absolute and Sessa models utilize IPS, although Azimut and Princess, for instance, employ a combination of IPS and other Volvo Penta propulsion systems.

Could you delineate your maritime experience in Hong Kong and your entry into the yachting sector?

Prior to my tenure at Jebsen Industrial, I possessed little knowledge of yachts, although having some experience with windsurfing and sailing during summer vacations in Hong Kong. I subsequently acquired an Advanced Diploma in China Business and a Bachelor of Management Studies.

Prior to joining Jebsen Industrial Technology in 2009 as Personal Assistant to the BU Director, I served as a Senior Secretary at Rieckermann Pharmatech and as Executive Secretary at Chun Yip Industrial. Subsequently, our business unit underwent a structural reorganization and established a new customer service team to manage the entire order processing, encompassing inquiries, quotations, preparations, contracts, logistics, and billing.

Since 2012, I have served as the Head of Customer Service, supervising the operations team for China and Hong Kong. In 2016, I was elevated to the position of Sales Manager for the Volvo Penta service team, marking my inaugural experience in the boating business. In this recent post, I utilized my expertise in machinery servicing from Rieckermann Pharmatech and customer service from Jebsen.

What insights have you gained in your new position at Volvo Penta?

I acquired extensive knowledge, including visiting Kwai Chung Container Terminals to assist yacht dealers in receiving new powerboats. Our staff inspected the engines and affixed the propellers. I observed the surveyor examining the vessel and the shipyard personnel affixing the flybridge components. The collaboration among all stakeholders was exceptional.

Following the closure of Jebsen Industrial, how did you persist in representing Volvo Penta in Hong Kong?

Regrettably, Jebsen opted to terminate its collaboration with Volvo Penta in 2017, hence discontinuing the majority of its industrial business operations. Volvo Penta commanded one-third of the marine engine market in Hong Kong, encompassing sailboats to 100-foot motor yachts.

We employed dedicated experts that have been servicing Volvo Penta engines since 1993. I was certain that our team could maintain support for our customers in Hong Kong; thus, I founded Grandtech and initiated discussions over the business plan with Volvo Penta and Jebsen.

What is the evolution of IPS since its inception in 2005?

The initial versions were IPS 1, 2, and 3; currently, they are IPS 10, 15, 20, and 30. IPS is continually evolving, and its range is broadening. Novel benefits pertain to electronic vessel control (EVC) and ancillary operations.

IPS10 seamlessly combines the engines, electronics, and EVC capabilities with the glass cockpit, incorporating joystick docking, electronic shift and throttle, low-speed control, and compatibility for triple engine configurations. Available options comprise the joystick, autopilot with joystick control, and dynamic positioning system (DPS). Support for the Easy Connect application and maintenance assistance through service alerts are also available.

The IPS transmission now incorporates a high-capacity oil filter equipped with pressure sensors to identify a clogged filter, an oil-level sensor, and a water-in-oil sensor, with the oil exchange occurring from within the vessel.

What accounts for the popularity of IPS?

Several advantages in comparison to inboard shafts include an extended cruising range of up to 40 percent, a top speed increase of 20 percent, a 30 percent reduction in fuel consumption, a 30 percent decrease in CO2 emissions, and a 50 percent reduction in perceived noise. It is simple to install and provides increased onboard space.

In addition to spare parts and maintenance, what other services does Grandtech provide?

We provide preventive maintenance, as recommended by Volvo Penta on an annual basis. We maintain an inventory of all standard items—engine oil, filters, belts, transmission oil, coolant, zinc anodes, etc.—necessary for the routine maintenance of inboard engines from D1 to D13.

We also inventory components such as sensors, powertrain control units (PCUs), sealing rings for drives, and steering cylinders for on-demand repair services. It is imperative to underscore that preventive maintenance is crucial for the performance and longevity of an engine.