Samuli Heikkonen has qualified as an engineer in wood technology from the University of Applied Sciences and works in R&D at the Suolahti and Punkaharju plywood mills. ”Before and during my studies, I worked in the plywood and veneer industry as well as in a sawmill in various jobs in production. Furthermore, I’ve been an exchange student in Germany, working there as a bricklayer, and later in Singapore laying down parquet floors,” says Samuli.
In his previous job in a research centre in Mikkeli in central Finland, Samuli was in charge of research and testing for the mechanical forest industry. After having worked closely with various industrial customers, he became interested to work for some of these companies. Samuli then noticed an interesting job announcement on Metsäliitto’s Internet site and decided to apply for it.
”Product development is a teamwork job between production and sales. I’m responsible for planning and implementing the testing and research of product development projects as well as reporting. Managing projects and meetings with partners are part of my daily routine. I also visit Wood Products Industry’s other units to discuss the ongoing projects,” continues Samuli.
”The best and at the same time the most challenging part of my work is variety. Each day is different as we work on several projects simultaneously. I very much enjoy working in a very competent and cooperative work community. I feel that cooperation with different partners and colleagues is very rewarding. What motivates me in particular is that the tasks are hands on and directly related to the company’s daily operations, even though sometimes ideas can be ‘in the clouds’ in R&D,” adds Samuli.
”When I applied for my present job, I considered Metsäliitto Wood Products Industry a very solid, development-oriented and reliable employer with a Finnish background. After two years in the company, I still agree with my first impression. I very much appreciate Wood Products Industry’s efforts to adjust to the forest industry’s challenges and its willingness to invest in R&D,” concludes Samuli.