Learn more about working at Makron.

Juho Ihanamäki

Mechanical Engineer, Lahti

I started working for Makron in 2015. Nearly since the beginning I have worked at our customer Dieffenbacher in Lahti. I design machines for wood-based panel plants and my duties include, among other things, modeling, making technical drawings and selecting and dimensioning drive systems for the machine. In addition, I have worked as a design team leader in my recent projects.

I start designing based on the 2D layout and information I get from the chief design engineer. Depending on the starting point and the size of the machine, designing one machine takes from a few days to one month.

My work is varied, because I have the chance to get to know new machines constantly. I have been working on about twenty different types of machines in three years. I like learning new things. The best moment of my work is when a challenging machine design is completed. Taking part in product development has also been interesting. When designing new features, I can use my problem-solving skills. I believe I can develop myself and grow towards more demanding tasks in my future career.

Petri Saarinen

Key Account Manager, Automation

I have worked for Makron Automation since 2001. My first contact with the company (then Elmont) was during my studies at a vocational college when I had a summer job here. First, I worked as an electrician in the electrical control cabinet manufacturing unit. During that time, I gained both basic-level and professional qualifications in automation technology via an apprenticeship program. Later on, I worked as an electrical supervisor and in procurement. Eager to develop my professional skills, I signed up to study mechanical and production engineering at Lahti University of Applied Sciences. With the help of my employer, I was able to combine work and study, working in the electrical control cabinet manufacturing unit throughout my studies. After being certified as an engineer in 2012, I moved into design duties, and I became a project manager a few years later.

In spring 2018, I took up the position of key account manager. My current duties involve working with one of our major clients, Evac. I work in close collaboration with the client, and my responsibilities include preparing offers, creating project specifications, and allocating resources. 

My earlier experiences have always stood me in good stead when I’ve moved on to new duties. The experience I gained from control cabinet manufacturing provided me with wider perspectives for my work as an electrical designer. Taking over as the key account manager was easy because most of my electrical design projects had been performed for this client.

My work is challenging and varied. Sometimes I visit the client’s work sites, in various parts of the world. I enjoy this job. I have never felt the need to transfer to a new company, because I’ve been able to advance and gain new responsibilities here. The company has always offered support and has encouraged me to study further.

Jussi Hakala

Welder, Factory Hollola

I have been working for Makron for 17 years. The best welders in our class were offered a job at Makron and I have been here since.

We work in two or even in three shifts at times. I start my day with checking on what the previous welder has done before my shift. I mostly weld stainless steel e.g. parts to reclaimer screws or stacker reclaimers.

I’m a trained sub arc welding operator which means that welding is operated in automatic or mechanized mode. Some phases like firstly connecting huge pieces together, still have to be welded manually by MIG welding. If I work on a large over 20 meters piece, we use the semi-automatic welding line which has been created at Makron. In this case, the welding line does the work and I control the machine.

One of the most rewarding projects was the welding of huge gasification tower elements for Lahti Energia’s power plant. We worked on a tough schedule but achieved a great result. The grates were welded with such high-quality and precision that the modules fit like a sock at installation phase at site. I like working at Makron because I like my co-workers and there is a good working spirit.

Verneri Väisänen

Design Team Leader, Hollola

I have been working for Makron since 2015 as a mechanical engineer, first in Savonlinna and nowadays in Hollola. My work consists of 3D modeling, making technical drawings, and product development. In addition, I started as a design team leader in Hollola last year. My educational background is Master of Science in Engineering.

Design work means developing machines constantly and every new project is different to the previous one. I spend my typical day working on my computer and communicating with the customer via e-mail and videoconference. Sometimes I visit the customer’s manufacturing site and have meetings with our customers.

Usually, I’m responsible for managing my projects alone, but sometimes I share tasks in larger projects or if the project must be completed in a tight schedule. I’m also used to working on several different projects at the same time. A typical industrial project continues for several years and a need for updates may arise after a long time.

Makron offers me interesting assignments in large international projects and opportunities for career development. I like the flexibility of my work. One great experience has been the chance to take part in designing the machines for the Äänekoski bioproduct mill and later see them installed at the site. It was a huge project and one does not get this kind of experience often!