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The secret to a long career as a technician? A good crew and a trustworthy employer

Personal interest in technology and machine repairs led to Sarlin

Compressor technician Reima Koskela has installed, maintained, repaired, and serviced the compressors of Sarlin customer for 23 years. He still remembers his first day of work like it was yesterday.

“I started at Sarlin on 17 April 2001. I’d been a maintenance man at the Eho bakery for 12 years, and I really wanted to learn something new. I saw a Sarlin ad in Helsingin Sanomat, and it immediately felt right to me. I didn't land the job I applied for that time, but Sarlin called me not long after, and here I still am.”

Sarlin hired Reima as a maintenance technician for its compressor department. Reima has wide-ranging experience in practical technician work: he has previously worked as a plater-welder, metal worker and shipwright. Most of all, he has been interested in working with machines and devices, which became his career.

“I’ve always been interested in repairing various machines. Even at home, I sometimes find myself thinking about technical solutions for certain things. Sometimes I’ve been too excited to sleep while working on particularly interesting projects.” 

Good workmates understand each other and help in surprising situations

Reima appreciates the work community at Sarlin. The workers get along well, take things in good humour, and offer help in surprising situations. One never knows what might be waiting when installing, maintaining or repairing machines and equipment. Sometimes, one pair of hands is simply not enough. This is why help from fellow workers is highly appreciated, and the crew also comes together to figure out the best solutions for customers.

“Our workplace has a pretty low turnover rate. This is better for working together because we already know each other and what our strengths and specialities are. We have a great crew. Overall, Finland has a pretty small pool of compressed air technicians. This is a demanding industry that requires constant vigilance.”

The work has seen many changes over the years: information technology and digital solutions have entered the mix, impacting how work is organised and performed. Today, workers need skills and knowledge beyond their core competencies.

“Younger colleagues know computers better than I do, and they’re happy to help an old hand like me. In return, they can hear from a voice of experience,” says Reima with a grin.

Freedom and trust in workers are important for motivation

Sarlin has proven itself to be a good, stable and trustworthy employer, all things valued by Reima. The company cares for its workers, offering extensive occupational healthcare services, and leaves the worker free to perform – Sarlin trusts its people.

“I care a lot about having a good degree of freedom. I’m free to do my work and plan my tasks and schedules.”

Extra complexities are a frustration for a straightforward man.

“There’s no needless interference as long as everything works. The whole company has a low hierarchy and relaxed atmosphere.”

Reima explains that his motivation is a sum of multiple factors. First, he likes his job. He always loves coming to work. Knowledge and experience of machinery, devices and situations let him solve the problems of customers successfully.

Long, trusted customer relationships are rewarding

Reima is also excited to talk about the importance of customer trust. His long career at Sarlin has netted him some long and rewarding customer relationships.

“The customer knows that I know their facilities, rules and systems, and can be trusted to move around independently. It’s imperative for the customer to avoid interruptions to production that would result in extra costs. With a familiar face handling their maintenance, the customer can trust the work to be done in a smart and seamless fashion. Once I get things going and can see the results of my work, that feeling is just great.”

Although Reima has an extensive work history, he likes learning new things and the challenges of his work. “New technology comes with a lot of learning, because you need to know and understand all of the equipment. Compressed air is great technology.”

What has kept Reima as a Sarlin maintenance technician for more than 20 years?

“It’s the crew, interesting duties, and a good, reliable employer.  The best part about the work is the variety. Regular preventive maintenance is meant to prevent breakdowns. Even so, sometimes you have to work with broken compressors. Troubleshooting can be really difficult at times, but once you find the cause and fix the compressor, you’re left in a really good mood.”

Reima is a straightforward, practical man, and he spends a while thinking about his attitude to work. He has no motto for life, exactly, but it is important and natural for him to do his best in any given situation.
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