SGN #41

32 min.

A1 Advertising: the bridge between China and Europe in the world of signage

Learn how A1 Publicidad is changing signage in Spain with quality, innovation and a unique business history from China

Audio
Podcast

About the episode

In this episode of Signolia , we dive into the history and business model of A1 Advertisement , one of the most prominent companies in the manufacture of Corporeal signs and letters in Spain. We chatted with Peter Wang , founder and manager, and Freddy Couri , sales manager, who share how they have built a company with great infrastructure, innovation in materials such as LED neon and a clear focus on Quality over price .

We discover how knowledge of the Chinese and European market has given them a competitive advantage, and discuss the major challenges of the sector: Lack of qualified personnel , need to vocational training and the danger of competing only on price. In addition, Pedro shares his work in the Spanish-Chinese Association for Exchange and Development, strengthening the connection between cultures and companies. An episode that inspires and offers concrete solutions for a sector in full transformation.

Episode Summary

0:00

Introduction and guest introduction
The Signolia team presents Pedro Wang and Freddy Couri, representatives of A1 Publicidad, highlighting their trajectory and the magnitude of their factory located in Cobo Calleja. The importance of its focus on quality, organization and product diversity is anticipated.

1:03

What A1 Publicidad does and its professional customer approach
Freddy explains that A1 Publicidad is a comprehensive advertising agency specialized in the manufacture of signs and corporeal letters. Although they also cater to the end customer, their main focus is B2B, working as suppliers for agencies and sign makers, ensuring competitive prices and efficient processes.

3:30

Innovation in unique materials and finishes
The catalogue categorized of body letters by type of material (methacrylate, aluminum, stainless steel, etc.) stands out, as well as the commitment to uncommon finishes and high aesthetics. We talk about how this differentiation has broken down stigmas about companies of Chinese origin.

4:57

History of Pedro Wang and the birth of A1 Advertising
Pedro tells his personal story: he arrived in Spain in 2004 and started working in a restaurant. Later, he detected an opportunity in the printing sector, and little by little he set up his company. He started alone and today leads a factory with multiple designers, machinery and international customers.

8:18

Market adaptation and digital transformation
Freddy comments on how they have had to evolve with the market: from traditional processes to a more digitized and demanding customer. The need for speed, personalization and online service is redefining the industry, although physical signage is still essential.

9:41

LED Neon: Evolution, Generations and Trends
The rise of LED neon and how A1 Publicidad has been working with this product for more than four years is addressed. From their first rudimentary versions to the current models with fine lines and embedded LEDs, they have perfected the technique and adapted their offerings to every need.

11:29

Competitive advantage: direct connection with Chinese and Spanish suppliers
Pedro explains how A1 combines the best of both worlds: they import materials from China when suitable, but also buy locally if the Spanish climate demands it. Example: methacrylate from national suppliers or sun-resistant tarpaulins from Spain.

13:30

Personalized technical advice by geographical location
Thanks to its experience, A1 advises its clients on the most suitable type of material according to the area (coasts, islands, etc.). For example, they offer 316 stainless steel for saltpeter areas, something that many suppliers do not take into account and that avoids costly mistakes in the long run.

15:03

Quality vs. price: his work philosophy
Pedro and Freddy defend that quality should be the axis of the business. Working with cheap, short-lived materials ends up costing more. They defend the idea that "quality is life" of any company in the sector, and that customers value the result in the long term.

17:38

Categorized Model System: Efficiency and Clarity
A1 Publicidad has developed a system of corporeal letters classified by models (A, B, C...), which simplifies orders and quotes. This allows customers to speak clearly and make quick decisions, as well as use visual displays to explain options to their own customers.

19:38

Participation in fairs: visibility and proximity to the sector
Since 2015, A1 has been present at trade fairs such as CEPRIN, Graphispag and events in France. Not only does this give them visibility, but it also allows them to put a face to customers they've worked with for years over the phone or email. Trade fairs are key to networking.

22:12

Hispano-Chinese Association: cultural and business integration
Pedro is part of the Spanish-Chinese Association for Exchange and Development, which connects Chinese and Spanish businessmen and companies from both countries. This platform seeks to unite cultures, create business opportunities and promote mutual understanding in the business environment.

25:18

Lack of professional training and challenges in the sector
The lack of regulated training in signage is debated. Freddy proposes to create a specific career or studies to train qualified professionals. Pedro adds that a national platform that brings together manufacturers, agencies, technicians and specialized job boards would be useful.

29:00

Proposals for the future and closure of the episode
The guests agree that professionalization and collaboration are key to the future of the sector. The Signolia team picks up the baton and shares their vision of creating a comprehensive platform for sign makers. Close with thanks and a call for collaboration between professionals.

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We

Freddy Couri

Freddy Couri Rojas is a specialist in Marketing, Sales and Business Development with extensive experience in advertising, marketing, toxicology, and marketing.

Peter Wang

Pedro Wang is General Manager of A1 Publicidad y Marketing, S.L., a company that offers comprehensive advertising, printing, and design services,...

Sergio Carbonell

More than 20 years in the business world, in the areas of point-of-sale branding and online marketing.

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Learn how A1 Publicidad is changing signage in Spain with quality, innovation and a unique business history from China
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