Norbert Palenstijn

---

 Most manufacturers don't have a leak testing problem.

They have a manufacturing problem that leak testing happens to expose.

For more than 26 years, I've helped manufacturers improve quality, reduce risk and make better engineering decisions through industrial vacuum technology, leak testing and product integrity—from product development to end-of-line (EOL) testing.

I believe product integrity is a competitive advantage, not simply a quality requirement.

I'm a second-generation vacuum and leak testing professional. Growing up in the industry taught me that understanding the physics behind a problem is far more important than simply selecting the right instrument.

Although my formal education is in International Business Management, my real education came from factory floors, engineering teams and customer challenges. That combination allows me to bridge engineering, operations and commercial strategy.

In 2006, I established Nolek Inc., the U.S. subsidiary of Nolek AB, building the business from the ground up as Managing Director and part-owner. Throughout my career with Leybold and Nolek, I've partnered with manufacturers across North America and around the world to solve product integrity challenges through industrial vacuum technology, leak testing and automation. My experience spans automotive, medical devices, aerospace, HVAC, semiconductor, defense, energy and industrial manufacturing.

One thing I've learned is this:

The best engineering decisions are rarely made by asking which instrument to buy. They're made by asking better questions.

That's why my conversations usually start with questions rather than quotations.

• Is helium really the right tracer gas?

• What leak rate actually matters?

• Is your vacuum process limiting performance?

• Are you collecting manufacturing intelligence or simply pass/fail results?

• Can automation improve both quality and productivity?

Whether the challenge involves industrial vacuum technology, leak testing, product integrity or end-of-line (EOL) testing, my focus is always the same: helping manufacturers make better engineering decisions.

Outside of customer projects, I enjoy sharing insights through articles, webinars and conference presentations because I believe our industry moves forward when we challenge assumptions, share experience and remain curious. 

If you're looking for a speaker for a conference, customer workshop or industry event, I'd be happy to contribute.

If you're interested in product integrity, leak testing, or a speaker for your next event, I'd be happy to connect.