The stories of our people are the stories of The Switch. After all, the true value of any company is in its people. The Switchians create solutions that make the change. They touch the lives of our customers all over the world. They make up a network that has the strength to pave the way for a better future. Get to know some of our people, how they experience life at The Switch, as well as their passions and goals.
Markus Yli-Mäenpää, Service Engineer
I’ve had a knack for designing and building all sorts of things ever since I was a kid. Even today, during my free time, I have my own 3D design and printing projects going on. This enthusiasm is what drove me to pursue a career in the field of energy industry manufacturing. I started off in production, constructing converter cabinets and generators used in wind turbines.
Read moreAlex Guo, Product Manager
My work as a Product Manager for converters takes me on frequent business trips across China, especially to wind parks. I meet with customers and act as a bridge between them and our research and development team. I make sure the customers understand and use our products efficiently and that we, Yaskawa Environmental Energy, understand our customers’ needs.
Read morePeter Reindl, Director of Engineering
Computers were just being introduced when I was growing up, which gave me the spark to pursue a career as a programmer. Things took a turn when, through my studies, I became interested in the electrical aspects of computers and started taking classes with motors and larger-type machinery.
Read moreMy interests are as versatile as my hobbies. My pastime is colored with sports, computer games, cooking and walking in nature with my dog, Jörö. Nature has always been very important to me. I need space to breathe and wander in the green forest. My passion for the environment is one of the big reasons I ended up in this field and at The Switch.
Read more Read on MyTech (in Finnish) Watch videoWhat I love about motorcycling is that you get closer to nature than by just sitting in a car. You can smell all the scents around you. When I’m not speeding up, I like to slow down by spending time with my twin daughters, exercising and using my vocal chords singing in a choir.
Read moreOne word to describe how I ended up working with human resources management is fate. I have always been interested in HR and languages and worked as a teacher for a while after graduating from university. I love working with people, helping them, and making them happy – in that way teaching and HR are very similar! Most of my free time I spend playing with my two young boys. And I love to watch movies on the weekends. Traveling is a big passion of mine, and I’m looking forward to my children growing up and showing them the world.
Read moreI realized I wanted to work with engineering during my time at the Norwegian Air Force. Working at the communication center showed me what kind of cool equipment technology can offer and made me want to learn more about that. Growing up, I had always been disassembling and reassembling things at home, an interest which I then applied to my studies. I find working with drive solutions very exciting, especially now that the industry is moving towards more efficient applications.
Read moreI absolutely love working with different people and on great teams! I got into this field after noticing how much I enjoy working with suppliers, only to find out after I got here what kind of amazing people work at The Switch. When I’m not at work, I spend time with my friends and balance myself by hitting the gym. On the weekends, I go social dancing to live music, a hobby of mine for a long time.
Read moreWorking at Yaskawa Environmental Energy has been motivating, as my natural skillset has been noticed and well utilized. As a social people person, I have been given opportunities to showcase my managerial skills first as Team Leader and now as the Model Factory Manager in Lappeenranta. Even though I thoroughly enjoyed my starting position as a Design Engineer, I’m excited to be recognized for my competences.
Our employees’ stories at MyTech
Satu Lampela, Mechanical Installer
Satu works at The Switch factory in Vaasa where she builds generators used in wind turbines. Her job is to assemble mechanical parts ordered from various suppliers. Satu is a skilled worker and is interested in working with our massive projects.
Ville Rautio, Production Coordinator
Ville is responsible for The Switch’s advanced planning and scheduling system. He started his career with the company as a mechanic and has advanced from there. The right attitude and his eagerness to learn more have opened doors of opportunity for him within the company. Ville works closely with his colleagues who are responsible for supervision and manufacturing. He schedules projects and allocates personnel and material resources to ensure timely product delivery to customers.
Ulla Mäkinen, HR Specialist
Ulla is part of the Human Resources team that, together with the Finance, IT and Quality teams, makes up the Administrative department of The Switch. Ulla and the rest of the HR team are responsible for personnel development. They also assist the company’s management in their work. Ulla’s work as an HR specialist contributes greatly towards developing the production of environmentally friendly energy. She is also part of the entire lifecycle of an employee’s career – from recruiting to drafting employment contracts to training and finally to the end of employment. Top drivers in Ulla’s work are the well-being and job satisfaction of employees.
Henri Paukkunen, Production Supervisor
Henri is responsible for ensuring the smooth production of the environmentally friendly generators and motors. At times, he works as the supervisor of the mechanics and other production personnel. Together with the production professionals at The Switch, he develops and improves processes and tools used in manufacturing. Henri is responsible for the commissioning of new technologies, such as AR, used in production. Key factors influencing production development are the environment, quality and safety.