One of Best-Hall’s key strengths is that the manufacturing process is carried out entirely in-house at the Kälviä factory. Seeing the whole process is also an important source of motivation for many employees. This is also true for Ilkka Suonsyrjä, whose job it is to cut steel pipes to the right length.
“It really is rewarding to see the result of your work at the end of the day in the factory yard, where the finished frame elements are waiting to be painted,” says saw operator Ilkka Suonsyrjä.
Ilkka works at Best-Hall’s sawing department, where he cuts steel pipes into diagonals needed for the prefabricated frames according to the building design. A large building can require up to 400 diagonals, so there is plenty to saw.
“During busy periods, the pace at my saw can be up to 800 cuts per day.”
Understanding the big picture is important
When Ilkka started at Best-Hall in the 1990s, the company was much smaller and the job descriptions broader.
“The culture was such that you worked where there was work to be done.”
Ilkka officially joined the company as a frame element welder, but soon he was also asked to go out to perform installations. When an older saw operator retired, Ilkka ended up taking up the job.
He says that being involved in the different stages of the building manufacturing process has not only increased his understanding of his colleagues’ work and knowledge of where each part belongs, but also made him understand the importance of his own work better.
“I have a better understanding of the big picture and how everything is interconnected, and especially how important every single detail is.”
Nice to clock in and out every day
During his almost 30 years at Best-Hall, Ilkka has not had a single day when he would not have enjoyed coming to work.
“The work has always provided just the right amount of challenge, and there are always plenty of pipes waiting to be cut. The slight rush and pressure to produce material for the welders is a great motivator,” Ilkka says, laughing.
He also says that the less than 10 employees of the sawing department have a great team spirit. For Ilkka, the experience of trust is essential.
“You can work flexibly in the way you want, as long as you get the job done. It’s a good feeling to know that your work is appreciated.”