Implementation of particle measurement in the Netherlands

• ↦ Emissions testing in the Netherlands: JN Testapparatuur, Capelec distributor since 1984
• ↦ CAP3070 PN Capelec: 2nd Particle counter approved by NMI
• ↦ PNC market: approximately 8,000 units installed in the Netherlands
• ↦ Confirmed reliability: 4 years of use, 80% of situations resolved remotely
• ↦ Capelec partnership: responsive technical support, lasting relationship of trust

JN Testapparatuur was founded in 1984 by Jan Nijboer, who has since retired. In its early days, JN Testapparatuur distributed Cosber equipment. After about two years, we became a distributor of the Capelec brand.

Today we sell the full range of Capelec equipment for emissions control.

Our team has ten people and we operate across the whole of Holland, focusing exclusively on the Technical inspection market. We supply equipment to APK inspection centers and provide training, maintenance, and technical support.

Our motto is "We don't want to be the biggest, we want to be the best."

The early days were very stressful. When the Dutch government announced that the PNC particle counter would become mandatory for periodic technical inspection (PTI), it created a lot of pressure. 

Fortunately, Capelec was already ready with its particle counter. The CAP3070 PN was the second to receive NMI approval, which made us proud. The Capelec equipment was developed in partnership with Pegasor, whose experience in fine particle measurement was an asset from the very beginning.

During the COVID pandemic, since manufacturers were unable to deliver, the government granted an additional six-month grace period for implementation.

When deliveries began, another challenge emerged: our customers had no experience using a particle analyzer. So from day one, our phones didn't stop ringing.

We answered all their questions and worked closely with Capelec to roll out the necessary updates, making the PN tester increasingly reliable, until we had an excellent product on the market.

Today, in 80% of cases, we resolve the situation remotely by phone. If needed, we visit the customer within 2 to 6 hours. This level of service is only possible because Capelec provides us with the expertise we need.

Looking at the Dutch market, there are around 10 million registered vehicles inspected by approximately 1,000 PTI centers.

As for particle counters (PN), we estimate that around 8,000 units are currently installed in the Netherlands, and that the market has now reached maturity. Today, most sales concern newly established centers.

However, we are also seeing a replacement market emerge, creating new opportunities. Some users who have experienced failures with their PN counters are replacing them with the Capelec solution.
 

The Netherlands was the first to face all the challenges tied to this new technology. PN counters were entirely new equipment. This technology had never been used before.

After four years of experience, we now know how to prevent a potential failure. We carry out annual checks, which is very important. Of course, we sometimes run into issues, but overall the reliability is excellent.

Today, we can confidently say that the Capelec PN counter works very well.

Yes, absolutely. We are very satisfied with our partnership. The equipment is the best there is, and the support from the technical team and sales managers is outstanding.

When we have a question, we can reach them by phone or email, and they respond quickly. They support us so that we can satisfy our customers.

This is essential because we now have a large installed base of equipment across the Netherlands. We need immediate answers so we can react quickly: customers can't wait.

As a distributor, you can't handle everything alone. You need a solid organization behind you.