Last June, CH-Polymers’ former managing director and CEO Sauli Laakso handed the baton to Tuija Andersson. Laakso looks back at his twelve years of leading CH-Polymers with satisfaction: the business grew steadily and established a status as a good place to work.
In 2009, Sauli Laakso took charge of the newly formed CH-Polymers. He already had over two decades of experience in production, sales, and global buying.
My entire career I’ve worked for companies originating from Raisio Chemicals, so there has always been a Raisio kind of culture. I wanted to nourish that atmosphere of a good place to work at CH-Polymers, focus on the people and give the employees space to think for themselves, says Laakso whose role as a senior advisor is now to pass on his invaluable knowledge and contacts he acquired as the CEO.
Laakso recalls that times were tough in the beginning when CH-Polymers was a small competitor in a field of many big players. His goal was to maintain and grow a dynamic business and establish a solid source of income for its employees. He can now look back with satisfaction.
In twelve years we grew from 27 to around 60 employees, increased our sales from 16 to 71 million, and every year was profitable.
Flexibility goes both ways
Last year’s employee satisfaction survey returned flattering results. Laakso believes that when the job is interesting, people stay committed.
Our turnover rate is low, and I have a strong sense that people really enjoy working at CH-Polymers. Employees embrace the good work atmosphere and fair play. Of course we do some team building and social gatherings, but it really starts with the employees themselves. We allow everyone to think for themselves. When the employer is flexible, the employees generally return the favour when we all need to stretch as a group, he says.
Laakso feels that during more difficult times he has always had the full support of his staff. One of the best forms of feedback he received from the employees has been the annual joint effort to get him a nice bottle of wine (Amarone is his favourite) for Christmas.
They did not have to go out of their way to do that, and it always really warmed my heart.
Strong R&D ensures future success
Laakso feels confident about the company’s future; CH-Polymers has gained a strong foothold in the industry and its products are trusted and demanded.
Online shopping and different packaging needs are growing enormously, and the cardboard market has exploded. Our products are also used in cleaning wipes and face masks, which showed during the pandemic. The paints and coatings industry is more cyclical. Paint sales got a boost during the pandemic as people spent more time at home and fixed up their houses. On the other hand, the rising inflation is slowing down the spending, which also shows in the paint sales, Laakso explains.
At CH-Polymers we put a lot of emphasis on R&D and we play in the same league with our much larger global competitors. With all these new opportunities in the market, I foresee a great future for CH-Polymers and can step aside with a peaceful mind.