Petja Pöyhö enjoys the challenges offered by work trips.

When a customer calls, Petja Pöyhö never thinks twice about heading out to replace a spare part or fix a problem anywhere in Finland or abroad. He enjoys the challenges provided by service trips. “I don’t want to get stuck in my ways! Here, work is easy because we have access to cranes and tools. In the field, you have to use your head,” explains Petja. Makron’s experts offer assistance during downtime scheduled for maintenance or in the event of a fault. They don’t always know what to expect once they get to the location.

Petja specializes in bearings and their replacement. “I like work that’s independent and allows me to come up with solutions to problems,” he says. This problem-solving ability comes in handy when bearings must be replaced on the factory site – frequently, the device can’t be taken elsewhere for maintenance. For example, a 20-ton component may have to be supported by iron bars welded in place to enable the replacement of bearings. Often, the axle is not oriented horizontally, and great care must be taken to make sure the bearing housing is pushed into place at precisely the correct angle. Lifting equipment and other tools are typically assembled from equipment available on the site.

Petja’s work has taken him to at least eight countries. “I believe that when in Rome, you should do as the Romans do. This includes food. Why not make the most of the experience and leave that rye bread at home? I wasn’t that keen on beef tripe in Chile, but squid and shellfish are tasty,” says Petja. He also finds that he gets used to speaking English soon after beginning a trip, without having to make an effort. Since starting a family, Petja has needed a little more than a day or two to plan for work trips. Still, “with sufficient notice, I’m always happy to go,” he says.