Many careers at CH-Polymers’ production plant in Kaipiainen last over twenty years, and in some cases even over forty. That makes process manager Jouko Suhonen a newcomer in the group, and he utilizes the fresh perspective to help update the production processes.
As the process manager, Suhonen ensures that customers receive high-quality products on time, and that the staff can work in a good, safe environment. Suhonen describes himself as a jack of all trades who jumps in wherever necessary at the Kaipiainen plant. Before joining CH-Polymers, Suhonen gained extensive experience in the chemical industry working for an international corporation, performing various tasks ranging from production to maintenance and research. Experience has taught him to prioritize aspects that are crucial in production.
– Production serves the customer, and meeting customer demands is the most important task. I constantly assess which functions are essential and if there is anything that does not add value. To ensure profitability, I also consider efficiency and strive to minimize waste, says Suhonen.
Solutions through teamwork
During his first year and a half, Suhonen has been able to assess CH-Polymers’ processes from a fresh perspective.
– I try to keep my eyes open and raise questions about whether we could do some things differently. The best part is that I can rely on a truly competent organization where we can come up with the best solutions together. It’s not “I” and “you” but it is our joint effort that makes a difference. Everyone has a role in our success.
– I am currently working on getting different internal systems to communicate with each other and utilize automation where possible. Automation both streamlines people’s work and reduces the risk of human errors.
Advantages of a compact team
Throughout his career, Suhonen has enjoyed having a broad scope of responsibilities. He continues to appreciate an opportunity to learn something new.
– Before CH-Polymers, I knew practically nothing about binders – even though I had worked in a paint factory! Now I understand the versatility of binders, their production, and how diverse the customer base is. This is a great example of learning on the job.
Suhonen attributes his smooth integration into the new workplace to his supervisor, COO Timo Heimola, with whom it has been easy to discuss things, and who has been an excellent support in learning the new role.
– In such a small company, the human aspect is always present. There are just over thirty of us at the Kaipiainen plant, and we are like one big family – everyone knows each other. That’s good news to our customers, too. A compact team ensures that information travels efficiently, and you will get to know your contact person well.
– We respond quickly to customer wishes or complaints that may arise and handle them considering the customer’s production process. Our product development team works hard to contribute to the customers’ product manufacturing and help them reach superior quality, Suhonen concludes.