MAY 2017
Review UPCAST OY is the leading supplier of upward continuous casting technology for a wide range of non-ferrous applications.
PAGE 4 Martti Mäntylä, Professor of Information Technology
Industrial internet helping research and product development PAGE 6
MKM is growing with the global megatrends PAGE 13
News from the UPCAST® pilot test facility
What’s up 4
VIEWPOINT
13
NEW FROM UPCAST®
Industrial
Upgrade
Internet providing a foundation for future product development
of PILOT test facility opens new opportunities
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CASE MKM
Growing
with the global megatrends
9 COPPER CULTURE Did you know this about copper 10
Everything works in Japan
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CASE LEHTOSEN KONEPAJA
Mutual trust since 1970
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SELFIE
Sami
Ollila, Project Manager
PEOPLE AT WORK Juho Hanka, Sales Administrator Susanna Bollstedt, Sales Manager Tuomas Rajaviita, Sales Manager
Editorial When I joined UPCAST OY as investor and Board of Directors member some 10 years ago, I got a rather good briefing about the business, but knew very little about the technicalities of the continuous upwards casting process and more importantly about the world of copper. My background is in electronics businesses, and I continue to be active in that field even today. Thanks to this background I am quite familiar with some components, in which copper and especially “quality” copper plays a major role. So, when joining the UPCAST team, I turned to some of my ex-colleagues, who have a profound understanding of wirewound components, and asked for their views on the future of copper.
The future of copper is looking good, and seems even better when you look at it from the point of view of the most advanced, demanding products and applications. The response was very clear. Yes, over the years there has been a lot of talk about various materials that could potentially replace copper in certain applications, but in reality, we have seen very few actual product designs moving from copper to e.g. aluminium. Furthermore, the experts added that even if there were to be more replacement designs, and most probably there will be, we are going to see even more new and very demanding product and component applications where the unique properties of copper just can’t be matched and replaced by other materials. Now this was the future vision that my colleagues predicted 10 years ago, and when reading the article by Robert Daniels of CRU in the UPCAST Review 2015, I was very pleased to note that the same vision holds even today, only stronger and in a more versatile way than before.
The future of copper is looking good, and seems even better when you look at it from the point of view of the most advanced, demanding products and applications. We are quite dependent on electrical appliances these days and we see new inventions popping up all the time. Small and very specialised and precise components are used to ensure the proper functioning of these devices, and since electricity remains the basic energy source, we continue to see copper in these components as well as in the cables connecting them. Also, in the wireless world, cables will continue play a key role for various connections; for harsh environments and for very small conductor cables copper will remain the best option. It is also good to remember that the best margins are to be found in the most specialised products. How we can benefit from this trend is the question that all of us who are involved in copper-based technologies and businesses must ask ourselves. My answer is through R&D, with a focus on more demanding and higher value adding products, and good long-term cooperation. At UPCAST we have made significant investments in our Pilot R&D facilities and we have also increased our R&D resources elsewhere. For many years we have operated as if we were part of an “extended enterprise”, in other words in very close cooperation with our key suppliers, such as Lehtosen Konepaja Oy. We have also built up excellent and long lasting relationships with our customers based on professional contacts on both sides. We are very pleased that all this has become more intensive and fruitful over the years. We currently have several joint development projects and testing activities ongoing with our customers, and many new ones are under discussion. We see this development as a key factor for our joint success in creating more added value from copper and non-ferrous alloys. I want to take this opportunity to encourage all of us to explore cooperation opportunities with an open mind and beyond the traditional ways of working between companies. This requires trust and professionalism. We strive to deliver our share of the effort. • Timo Ellilä Chairman of the BoD timo.ellila@upcast.com
UPCAST OY Review, customer magazine Publisher: UPCAST OY, P.O. Box 60, FI-28101 Pori, Finland, www.upcast.com Editing and lay-out: Zeeland Family • Printed by: FinePress
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VIEWPOINT
• TEXT: LOTTA VAIJA • PHOTOS: OLLI URPELA
Industrial companies like UPCAST are already widely using the prospects of the Industrial Internet in research and product development. Martti Mäntylä, Professor of Information Technology at Aalto University, is particularly interested in the future of IoT and user-centric product development in information and communications technology.
Industrial Internet providing a foundation for future product development
A
ccording to Martti Mäntylä, the ability to create something new, based on data collected from production, the products and their use is an essential pillar of the Industrial Internet. Another important pillar is the realisation of so-called pull control. It returns collected production and usage data into design, manufacturing or production control. – A recent development acts as a good example. Due to flue gas washers being installed in plants, energy wood chips have become a fresh product: the fresher the chips to enter the furnace, the more efficient the energy production. In this case, data derived from energy demand forecasts could direct the chip purchases or even the timing of felling, Mäntylä explains.
Data for product development In addition to data being collected, it is also moved around – from one company to another and across product processes and life cycles. Product development is also an essential
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part of the circular economy, and the circular economy expands the territory of IoT: when product life cycles expand at the end, IoT already makes use of signals from the extended use during the design phase. Mäntylä mentions Tesla, known for its electronic cars, as an excellent example of a company using IoT. – Tesla is not simply a car, but also a worldrenowned software platform. Tesla is even discussed in terms of software updates. Everything done at Tesla is transferred into data and moved to the cloud to be utilised by product development. Of course, it is a different matter altogether whether there is the skill to use all collected data optimally and draw the correct conclusions. But it most definitely will not be down to the amount of available data. Mäntylä emphasises that products around us are always created for a particular usage profile. When the use deviates from the intended, the product does not necessarily work as planned. IoT makes use of collected usage data,
so that design can be directed at the actual use. – I wish to see more and more research using improved usage data, in order to optimise product development and thus create products with better properties.
Foundation in business objectives How can traditional industrial companies like UPCAST join the development ushered in by IoT? The basic principle is the same for all: you need to turn your attention towards the value received by the customer. It is necessary to ask what is essential in your products for the end buyer. What need is met by the final product and what properties are they expected to have? If you knew more about the raw material, could you improve your process? – There is a saying, according to which a customer does not want to buy a drill, they want a hole. Or perhaps not even a hole, but a method of hanging art on to their walls. And even that may not necessarily be the fundamental need. It may be a question of gaining artistic experiences
There is a saying, according to which a customer does not want to buy a drill, they want a hole. Or perhaps not even a hole, but a method of hanging art on to their walls. Tips
Who?
If you wish to keep up with the latest developments in IoT, these links from Martti Mäntylä are a good place to start:
Professor Martti Mäntylä
1. Finnish Industrial Internet Forum, FIIF. A community created by Technology Industries of Finland for sharing ideas. 2. The Industrial Internet group in LinkedIn. Interesting discussions and topical links. 3. Tekes, the Finnish Funding Agency for Innovation, where Pekka Sivonen in particular has adopted IoT issues. Tekes spreads the message of the Industrial Internet across Finland, one sector at a time. It is worth participating in events organised by Tekes!
at home, and a drill is surely not the answer to that need. Therefore, it is essential to ask, what the ultimate goal of your business operations is, Mäntylä emphasises.
Three levels of IoT – A lot of fresh thinking can already be seen in industry. Many companies take on a responsibility for the customer’s business, exceeding the individual product. For example, in the famous business model of Rolls Royce, airline customers pay for air miles, not for engine
• Professor of Information Technology at Aalto University since 1987 (formerly Helsinki University of Technology) • from 2010 to 2013, Chief Strategy Officer of EIT ICT Labs of the European Institute for Innovation and Technology • from 1999 to 2008, the Director of the Helsinki Institute for Information Technology (HIIT) • visiting scholar at Stanford University and the Fraunhofer Institute
maintenance. According to Mäntylä, the Industrial Internet can be divided into three levels. Direct optimisation based on data collection is on the first level. It can achieve operational benefits, such as energy savings or improved quality of the final product. The second level focuses on added value services built on top of existing products. An example is the Finnish welding industry company Kemppi. The third level creates new kinds of business based on ability, not the product itself. The Agilon material
handling system created by Konecranes is an automatic warehouse sold as a service. The service has a monthly fee covering the system and a maintenance agreement with spare parts. – Most maintenance visits apparently take place before the customer has even noticed that anything is broken. This is indeed the direction in which traditional industry and its services will inevitably develop along with the Industrial Internet. And this development is fascinating to monitor, Mäntylä emphasises. •
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CASE
The new UPCAST® lines offer a production capacity of 26,000 tonnes and allow us to deliver copper products with higher conductivity for customers in thriving industries.
MKM is
Growing with the global megatrends As early as 1199, copper shale was discovered near Hettstedt, Germany. Over 800 years later, Mansfelder Kupfer und Messing GmbH, better known by the acronym MKM, is providing a complete range of copper products to a thousand customers in 60 countries worldwide – and is growing rapidly to answer the needs of modern-day technology industries. • TEXT: TOTTI TOISKALLIO • PHOTOS: MKM
T
he electronics and construction industries, solar and wind energy, plant engineering, automotive industry, aerospace and telecommunications – MKM’s operations cover almost every growing industrial sector one can name. Building on its strong history in copper processing, MKM is striving to grow simultaneously with global megatrends, such as renewable energies, e-mobility and digitalisation. During the last 20 years, the company has invested over 400 million euros in boosting its
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operations. And now MKM intends to invest about 100 million euros until 2020 to prepare for expected growth. – We are investing strongly in growth, and expect double-digit expansion in the coming years. Our vision is to develop alloys that enable our customers to benefit from high conductivity and lightweight construction combined with more resistance, says Mr Roland Harings, CEO of MKM. In accordance with MKM’s plans for growth, they implemented two UPCAST®
production lines for oxygen-free copper production in March 2017. – A significant share of our investment programme is dedicated to machines offering improved process capabilities. The new UPCAST® lines offer a production capacity of 26,000 tonnes and allow us to deliver copper products with higher conductivity for customers in thriving industries, says Harings. – Initial results are very positive and confirm the good impression we had of UPCAST throughout the project.
Certified world-class quality The ever-evolving technologies used in car manufacturing create a significant demand for high-conductivity copper wire. According to the Fraunhofer Society, a renowned German research organisation, by the year 2050 around 20 per cent of the global demand for copper will come from the automotive industry. – There is already up to six kilometres of copper wire in the electrical system of a standard car, and with modern car technologies this is set to rise significantly. Copper components make up 24 kilos of copper per car. In hybrid cars this quantity doubles, while in electric cars the requirement is three times as high. This means an increase of 75 kilos per car, says Mr Harings.
As the demand grows, so will MKM – not only in terms of production capacity, but also quality-wise. The company has always been meticulous about the high standards of its products, and is therefore continuously developing their quality control processes. – We have already introduced numerous superior testing procedures that are unique in our industry. Our ambition is to be an absolutely reliable partner of choice for our customers. We utilise the very latest testing technologies and equipment in production, in the chemical lab, in mechanical materials testing, in metallography and in metal physics, says Mr Harings. Many of these testing procedures have been adopted by analysing comparable industrial sectors.
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Each and every one of our employees strives on a daily basis to achieve the unique quality of our products and for innovation.
Recently, MKM has received a new ISO certificate from Lloyd’s Register, which confirms the successful implementation of quality control: the ISO/ TS 16949 certificate, received in November 2016, sends out a clear message of MKM’s expertise in copper production related to automotive and capital goods manufacturing. Furthermore, MKM has had its ISO 9001:2008 certificate – originally received in 1993 – renewed. The latter certificate’s requirements include the ability to consistently provide products that meet customer, statutory and regulatory requirements, as well as the aim to enhance customer satisfaction. – We strive to deliver world-class quality. Certification proves that we execute and fulfil our customers’ requirements faultlessly and at a consistent level of quality, all the way from the enquiry stage to the finished product, to delivery to the customer, says CEO Harings.
Prospects for prosperity As the CEO of MKM, Harings predicts a bright future for the whole copper manufacturing industry, the main ‘need for feed’ coming from the implementation of new and developing technologies. – There are some really outstanding growth drivers for the copper industry, including e-mobility, renewable energy, cooling and heating, desalination for clean water, smart cities and so on.
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In terms of MKM’s own success, Harings points out the company’s working culture, acknowledging the 1,200 employees of MKM. – Each and every one of our employees strives on a daily basis to achieve the unique quality of our products and for innovation. MKM
• A leading European manufacturer of primary and semi-finished products made of copper and copper alloys. • The only manufacturer in the world to offer wire, strips, tubes, bars and sheets from a single source. • Also known for Contirod® & Conti-M® technologies. • Based in Hettstedt, Germany.
Around the world, our customers trust those employees. It is they who have made our company so strong, so customer-focused and so fit for the future. They create value and they embody value. That is what we are proud of. •
Who?
Roland Harings • CEO of MKM (Mansfelder Kupfer und Messing GmbH) from 2014 • Graduated as a mechanical engineer from RWTH Aachen University in 1989 • Until 2014, Vice President Automotive at Novelis Inc. (USA), the world’s premier producer of rolled aluminum and the global leader in aluminum recycling
COPPER CULTURE
Did you know this about copper?
• SOURCES: U.S. GEOLOGICAL SURVEY, JOURNAL OF THE SOCIETY FOR ARTS (VOL. 9, NO. 450)
MKM’s headquarters are located in the town of Hettstedt, where, in 1199, two miners called Napian and Neuke came across a vast copper shale. Their discovery was the spark that ignited the success of German copper industry. According to mining engineer W. P. Jervis’ article in the Journal of the Society of Arts, published in July 1861, ”Napian discovered the Kupferschiefer by mere accident, while digging a cellar near the then insignificant village of Hättstädt, and having it assayed, the result proved so satisfactory that he gave the present name of Kupferberg to the spot.” In addition to their monetary value, the copper ore deposits of ”Kupferschiefer” have played a major role in the scientific study of ore genesis – and are thus worldfamous among geologists. As stated by the United States Geological Survey Mineral Resources Program, during 800 years of mining, more than 2.5 million metric tonnes of copper have been produced from the Kupferschiefer deposits in east– central Germany. Around one million metric tonnes of discovered copper remain in identified deposits, and mean undiscovered copper estimates for the area amount to about 20 million metric tonnes. •
• TEXT: TIINA PAANANEN • PHOTO: SHUTTERSTOCK. SOURCES: NATURE.COM, SOUTHAMPTON.AC.UK, AEM.ASM.ORG
Kupferschiefer – discovered by accident
The antibacterial qualities of copper can prevent the spread of viruses and bacteria in public spaces. A study conducted by the University of Southampton states that copper can prevent the contraction of MRSA hospital-acquired infections from frequently-touched surfaces. In a hospital environment, such surfaces include door handles, light switches, rails, tables, bed sides, lift buttons and reception areas. Copper exposure inactivates pathogens by altering their DNA, resulting in an irreversible elimination of the pathogen cell. Previous studies indicate that copper surfaces can also be used to prevent the spread of Corona viruses, which include respiratory infections such as SARS and MERS. Research shows that copper surface killed the viruses in less than two hours. The antibacterial attributes of copper were well known, even during the era of ancient Rome. Copper sulphate was used to disinfect wounds, while copper coins were placed into water for purifying purposes. Even the ancient Egyptians used copper pipes for water distribution. In addition to preventing hospitalacquired infections, copper also restricts the spread of Norovirus and Coli bacteria. Construction industries have used copper before – although not knowingly – to prevent diseases. Antibacterial copper is included in over 300 compounds, such as brass, bronze and copper-nickel. Antimicrobial copper alloy touch surfaces are the only material group to receive an approved health registration from the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). •
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• TEXT: ANNA KORPI-KYYNY • PHOTOS: UPCAST
Tomi Ruusulaakso and Mika Anttila, the commissioning engineers of UPCAST OY, spent almost a month in Japan last winter. What they remember the most are the skilled workers, polite people and good food.
Everything works in Japan
T
he moment when the plane landed at Narita Airport in Japan, the bustle of the huge city of Tokyo made a big impression. There were people everywhere and traffic moving on several levels. – I come from a small town and have not travelled as much as Mika, and everything around me was new and amazing, says Site Manager Tomi Ruusulaakso.
On the way to their destination Part of the deal when travelling to new sites is that the customer arranges the pick-up from the airport, and at Narita Tomi and Mika understood the value of this. They were sent instructions regarding the meeting point in advance. – The instructions were excellent and very detailed. If we had had to find the destination on our own by using different kinds of transportation it would have been extremely challenging, thinks Electrical Engineer Mika Anttila. The journey to the customer’s site took a few hours and included transfers from train to bus. We passed through many suburbs, and it was very peaceful in the train because speaking out loud is considered rude in Japan. – We paid attention to the fact that there
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were no litter bins anywhere. This was due to the attack in Tokyo’s metro some time ago when the bomb was left in a bin. In the absence of the bins, people carried their rubbish with them and it was so neat and clean everywhere, Mika continues.
Different coffee from vending machines The working days at the factory were normally from nine to five and the men learnt very quickly how skilled and professional the workers were. – Everything was always well prepared when we arrived and that way we were able to proceed with our commissioning work. Every morning the workers got together for a briefing for the working plan of that day. And the work was always done on schedule as planned, sometimes even a bit faster. Tomi and Mika noticed how the forklifts always played happy melodies when moving from one place to another. The Japanese were also very careful when walking over the crossings in the factory area: it was like it had its own choreography with hand signals. – In Japan, safety is really a top priority in many things. We took a safety course before staring our job, and you had to always wear helmets and safety glasses at the factory.
In Japan the safety is really top priority in many things. There were no specific coffee breaks; you had to drink your coffee while working. Coffee was available in a can from a vending machine – either cold or hot. – At the end of the day all the work places were carefully cleaned. It was very nice to come to work in the morning in such a neat and clean environment.
Excellent supper After working hours, the men explored the city and the nature nearby on foot. In December, the satsuma trees were bearing their fruit and you were able to pick them when walking by. Tomi and Mika tried always to eat supper in different places.
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– The customer took us out for dinner many times, which was very nice. We had an excellent meat in a restaurant where the barbeque was in the middle of the table and the meat was grilled there during the dinner, they say. Normally there were pictures of the meals, which was very helpful when ordering since the local people did not necessarily speak much English. Once, however, they brought a whole raw chicken to the table! – That meal did not go as planned! I had no idea that the chicken would be served raw, but I ended up eating it anyway. Otherwise on this trip we enjoyed very good food, compliments Tomi.
Karaoke in tiny rooms One evening Mika and Tomi visited a karaoke bar where the group was given a private karaoke room. – I do not go to karaoke bars in Finland but here I decided to sing a couple of songs. While I was singing I thought that it might
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us, even though we certainly stood out from the crowd due to our appearance. We felt like we were invisible. It was kind of funny. The local people treated us very well and made us feel welcome, the pair say, with gratitude. •
be that the system was correcting my singing when it was out of tune. It’s very difficult to sing when you no longer recognize your own voice, Tomi laughs. During the time they were there, the commissioning engineers had time to make a day-trip to Tokyo, where again there was a customer representative to meet them. They had the chance to view the city from a 300-metrehigh tower and visit a beautiful temple. – What is also worth mentioning is the fact that nobody paid any special attention to
NEW FROM UPCAST®
• TEXT: SARI LOMMERSE • PHOTOS: UPCAST
Upgrade of PILOT test facility opens up new opportunities
There is always something going on at the UPCAST® Pilot test facility, with its renewals and improvements. Top modern casting lines make it possible to test and develop the equipment, products and processes better than ever before.
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I
For every new alloy, we want to make certain through testing that with the UPCAST® process the alloy in question can be produced into high quality cast products that meet customer requirements in terms of their high quality raw material.
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n the UPCAST® Pilot hall the tests are carried out on two casting lines: one is equipped with a 6 tonne melting/casting furnace with 400kW channel inductor, and the other one is a 3 tonne crucible induction furnace. The first one is a hybrid line where almost any size of rod and tube can be cast, with normal sizes for the rod being between Ø8–30 mm and for tube Ø20–60mm. It is also possible to cast various profiles with UPCAST® process, and the recent flat bar tests have been very successful. For the no. 1 line there was an upgrade at the turn of the year. – We replaced the old power control with a modern stepless TIV power control with IGBT transistors. This way the power control is more flexible, so the temperature control becomes more accurate, which is very important for testing. Energy savings come as a bonus with the new system. We also renewed the cooling water system, which ensures a constant water temperature and minimum water consumption. To move the heat energy away in the secondary circuit, we use water from the river, but with these changes we have also minimised its consumption, says R&D and Engineering Manager Markku Koivisto. The second line was commissioned about two years ago, thus far with very positive results and experiences. This line is specifically reserved for the testing of various alloys. – The advantage of the crucible furnace is the easy restart after emptying and cleaning the previous alloy. Naturally this line is also equipped with the stepless TIV control and accurate cooling water system, thus minimising consumption, Markku continues.
Most important alloys under testing are CuMg0.5 and ZnAl15 The most important alloys under testing are currently CuMg0.5, ZnAl15 and various brass alloys. CuMg has excellent strength and conductivity characteristics, which create several opportunities for its applications, such as contact wires for high speed trains, and low current and signal cables for the automotive industry. – The electricity transfer system, which is in contact with the contact cables on a train´s roof, causes mechanical oscillation in the cables creating waves, which have to move faster than the train itself in order to avoid the destructive standing wave in the cables. That is why it is essential for the contact cable to be tightened into a high pull tension above the tracks to reach the maximum speed. This requires strength. Modern cars have complicated systems requiring more electric cables but at the same time weight increase has to be prevented. Again, the solution can be found in CuMg. Due to smaller cross sections, less material is needed, so the weight control of the car is effective. Koivisto reminds us that, as he promised in the previous UPCAST Review, we will find out more about UPCAST® CuMg products at the end of the year. – We have already cast the biggest diameters of CuMg0.5, the rod has been processed, and the finished wire satisfies the requirements of EN 50149 standard. In addition, we have already produced an Ø8mm CuMg0.5 cast rod, which has been further processed into thin wires suitable for the automotive industry.
A big advantage is that with the hot press you can produce products with only specific lengths, whereas with UPCAST® technology we can cast rods into coils in exactly the optimised amounts for the customer needs.
With the cast diameter of Ø8mm, the process to the finished product is shorter and thus also more cost effective.
New technology for ZnAl alloy ZnAl alloy is used in the arc and flame spraying process for corrosion protection. The very fine ZnAl wire is led into the spraying gun where it melts and is then sprayed onto a steel surface, forming a film that protects the steel from corrosion. The technology for casting ZnAl mix into a cast rod is new. – We were contacted by a customer who wanted to cast the ZnAl with UPCAST® technology. We then developed the process together so that we could cast a Ø12mm rod, which the customer can further process into smaller diameters, all the way down to Ø1.2mm. The test batches were done some time ago and we will cast more so that we can have enough material to work together at the customer end to make the technique work in their process, says R&D Engineer Juho Kalliokoski.
There are remarkable benefits in the new technique. – Compared to the traditional production method of this alloy, the investment cost is clearly lower. In addition, a big advantage is that with the hot press you can produce products with only specific lengths, whereas with UPCAST® technology we can cast rods into coils in exactly the optimised amounts for the customer needs, Juho continues. In the future, the focus of the R&D will be on the alloys, while at the same time not forgetting the further development of OF and DHP products. We will also see the PILOT casting of e.g. CuSn and CuNi, the latter one offering good durability in sea water. CuNi tubes have already been cast and tested with excellent results. – For every new alloy, we want to make certain through testing that with the UPCAST® process the alloy in question can be produced into high quality cast products that meet customer requirements in terms of their high quality raw material. Based on our wide and long-term cooperation network, we can test the products under development all the way to their final dimensions, states Markku, in conclusion. •
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CASE
The Kokemäki-based mechanical engineering company Lehtosen Konepaja has carried out close co-operation with UPCAST for almost 50 years now, and the company’s know-how can be summarised in four words: quality, reliability, agility and flexibility.
Mutual trust since 1970
• TEXT: TOTTI TOISKALLIO • PHOTOS: LEHTOSEN KONEPAJA
L
ehtosen Konepaja is a prime example of a classical family enterprise whose global success is rooted in local operations. Focusing on heavy industry, the engineering company produces and develops machine and equipment manufacturing services and manufactures conveyors and conveyor systems as well as industrial blowers as its own products. Established in 1923, the company has always been owned by the same family and grown from a mechanical workshop run by a few people into a corporate group with 140 employees. All of the company’s physical functions are located in South-West Finland. Managing Director Erkki Lehtonen says that the industry’s long history in the area has provided a strong basis for today’s productive – and global – operations.
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– The Satakunta region has a long tradition of mechanical engineering, which is evidenced by the number and quality of operators. Our own customer base consists of international export companies operating within the EU, whose products continue their way to end customers all over the world, Lehtonen comments.
UPCAST’s most important supplier Locality and globality also characterise the co-operation between UPCAST and Lehtosen Konepaja: the physical proximity of the companies’ offices creates good opportunities for developing the co-operation and manufacturing UPCAST® products. – For UPCAST, we manufacture almost all of the company’s mechanical equipment and carry out the necessary assembly work. We
The secret to our longevity lies in long-term operations and constant development, as well as investments.
also perform cold test runs of the equipment in our facilities, Lehtonen says. As a systems supplier for the forest industry, harbours and the process industry and a machine manufacturer, Lehtosen Konepaja is ranked among the top three operators in Finland. Lehtonen says that the secret to a working partnership is trust. – Our co-operation with UPCAST is built not only on the quality, reliability and agility of our production, but also on the mutual trust arising from that. Our partnership has continued since 1970, which can be seen as a sign of trust in and of itself.
Continuous development to ensure quality In order to provide its co-operation partners and customers with technological solutions required in modern industrial production, a
mechanical engineering company must keep up with the times. Thus, Lehtosen Konepaja has made strong investments in growth since the 1990s: two of the latest concrete signs of growth are the almost 2,500 m2 sheet metal work and welding hall and the robotisation of welding in Kokemäki. – The secret to our longevity lies in longterm operations and constant development, as well as investments. In accordance with our growth strategy, we seek both organic growth and growth through acquisitions, Lehtonen comments. Lehtonen says that Lehtosen Konepaja’s own future looks very bright, as does the company’s future with UPCAST. – UPCAST invests heavily in product development. The company’s suppliers also develop themselves constantly in their respective sectors. •
Lehtosen Konepaja Ltd
• Founded in 1923 • Mechanical engineering company, specializing in heavy metal industry • Employs approximately 140 professionals • Production areas include system deliveries, body manufacture, and complex machined components • Delivers loading and logistics systems and production lines for sawmill industry, ports, and process industry • Subcontractor for several international export companies in the technology industry
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SELFIE
PEOPLE AT WORK
• TEXT: TIINA PAANANEN • PHOTOS: UPCAST
Janne Hosio Sales Manager janne.hosio@upcast.com
Sami Ollila, Project Manager
Already an engineer at the sandpit “ I was interested in building and constructing all kinds of things at kindergarten, and the teacher said that I would definitely become an engineer. How right she was: I got my Master’s degree in engineering. I have never thought that much about my career path. I have always chosen the direction via my interests and where life has taken me. At UPCAST, my responsibilities are like those of a project manager. I am in charge of projects related operations in general and executing individual projects from the very beginning until the end. I am in contact with customers, all possible suppliers and other interested stakeholders. My job is right in the middle; it’s a kind of hub role. The phone and email are the most important tools, and taking part in various types of meetings is a vital part of my work. You never know what kind of working day is ahead when you get up in the morning. There are always new questions and challenges to which we are looking for answers and solutions together. My job requires general knowledge about many different things and especially the ability to distinguish critical issues from the less important ones in the constant flow of phone calls and emails. The most rewarding thing in my work is solving everyday challenges and of course when a project gets completed on time and within budget. Even though every now and then the work does not go exactly to plan, you should never get overstressed or give up. There are always surprises and unexpected problems. However, we never leave the customer alone – we always aim to finding a working solution. When your work is sitting in the office all day, there has to be something to balance that in your free time: I like to exercise, e.g. at the gym and on roller skates in the summer. Also, music, cultural experiences and good food are close to my heart. I love cooking and I play guitar every now and then, mostly just for myself but sometimes for the joy of others as well.“ •
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UPCAST Review May | 2017
Every day at work is different Juho Hanka, Sales Administrator, Spare Parts Juho Hanka became a permanent member of the UPCAST spare parts team in the autumn of 2016 after working as a summer assistant. Along with the work he finished his BBA degree at Satakunta University of Applied Sciences in the spring of 2017. Juho had always dreamt of the kind of work he is currently doing at UPCAST OY. – In my studies I majored in sales and marketing and it is really interesting to deal with trade all over the world. I am very customer oriented and want to carry out all my tasks as well as possible. Juho’s typical working day consists of serving customers: answering their enquiries and closing deals in the international atmosphere. Sometimes the days extend a bit, although he tries to complete his work within normal office hours. – At this stage in my life I want to concentrate on work and develop myself in it. In his free time Juho relaxes with music working as a DJ in nightclubs. UPCAST has a very good working environment and spirit. Everybody knows each other and you can always reach out for help and advice – and you get it. – My co-worker is Satu Huhtala, who has lots of experience, and the Customer Service Manager, Ismo Rossi, is also very supportive. Team spirit is taken care of by spending time together outside of work, sometimes doing some exercise and sometimes just relaxing – like the last event, which was wine tasting. Juho enjoys the international work very much and he is looking forward to business trips to Germany and Croatia later this year. At UPCAST the direction is always forwards and upwards. – Every day is different. •
New degree, new challenges
From commissioning to sales
Susanna Bollstedt, Sales Manager
Tuomas Rajaviita, Sales Manager
Susanna Bollstedt joined the UPCAST project sales team in autumn 2016. Earlier she worked as a sales engineer in spare parts sales. She is now enjoying the challenges ahead. – I completed my MBA degree at the same time as working and was keen on acquiring new tasks to utilise my recent education and previous experience. On top of her former bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering, the business management studies now qualify her even better to serve international customers. In her current position, Susanna is dealing with more extensive entities than before. – In spare parts sales we have data about the UPCAST® lines delivered previously and therefore we are able to identify and deliver accurate spare parts and consumables to customers. Now I need to focus and customise my sales activities individually to each potential customer and for their specific needs, which means that I need to have good knowledge of both the UPCAST® process and the equipment. Susanna has been working at UPCAST for six years. She compliments UPCAST for being a great and supportive employer. – I feel that they believe in me here by giving me the opportunity for career progression. In the future Susanna is hoping to get involved in interesting projects. Professional development is important to her. — I thrive on continuous learning and exploring new things! •
Tuomas used to work in the commissioning of the UPCAST® continuous casting lines until he moved into sales in spring 2014. Since then he has performed completely different tasks as a sales manager. It’s a huge change from the technical role he had as a site manager. – My job description has been completely rewritten, he says. Tuomas liked the change very much, along with the increased responsibility and the new challenges. He travels more often now, but his trips are significantly shorter in terms of time, which is good for a parent of small children. During the eight years he spent in his commissioning role, Tuomas learnt about the product in detail. He always had the chance to participate in the R&D team’s work when he was in Finland, and when at the customer’s site he followed through with the commissioning right up to acceptance. Now in his sales work with customers, this experience and technical knowledge is a big advantage in negotiating new deals. – I am a very sociable person and get along with everybody, which is also beneficial in this role, Tuomas adds. A sales manager’s work requires always targeting the specific customer in question and customizing the work according to their needs. There are no two identical customers in the market. – We receive the technical requirements and details from the customer, and based on those we carefully prepare a quotation for the UPCAST® casting line designed for their needs. We then of course hope that the quotation leads to contract discussions when moving forward, Tuomas states. – Participating in the exhibitions is also a very important part of the sales work, he continues. This diverse sales work is carried out both in the team and individually. – I have been very positively surprised by my new job. It includes so much more than I expected at the beginning. •
May | 2017 UPCAST Review
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