When Anssi Mäkelä joined LICO in January 2005 on a friend’s recommendation, he couldn’t have imagined the diverse and long-lasting career that awaited him. Anssi has since become one of the core members of the production team, many of whom have been with the company for over a decade.
LICO is a company known for its long careers, and Anssi is no exception. Over the years, he has practically done it all—components and prototypes for railway, road, marine, and special vehicles applications. His current role is divided between LICO’s Kurikka and Koskenkorva sites. In Kurikka, he focuses on finishing tram panels and front sections, while in Koskenkorva, he primarily handles laminating and cutting. His official title, Composite Laminator, only scratches the surface of his skill set.
“With this many years behind me at LICO, I’ve been involved in every production process, becoming a jack-of-all-trades,” Anssi says with a smile.
Through the decades in composite craft and machinery
During Anssi’s time at LICO, the industry and the company have changed significantly. The most notable shift has been in safety requirements.
“Many material and safety regulations are stricter nowadays. For example, there’s more flame-retardant work, and the products we make are safer.”
Machinery and design processes have improved significantly as well.
“Today, our end products are of much higher quality, and the production methods are more flexible. The industry has changed, but we’ve managed to innovate and deliver,” Anssi says.
A day in the life at LICO’s production
Anssi’s typical workday is hands-on and structured. In laminating, the parts produced the previous day are released from their molds, and new ones are started immediately. Days run steadily from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. Running the production is a team effort, even though everyone has their own responsibilities. Rolls of fiberglass, molds, various fillers and reinforcements shape the workday. For Anssi, a successful workday is simple: things run smoothly, and the product turns out well.
“You feel it right away—a good product makes for a good day.”
Motivated in a good Company
When asked about the best parts of his job, Anssi doesn’t hesitate.
“Being in a good company, and the variety of work. I have great coworkers. Almost a third of us have been here a long time, 10 to 15 years, some even over 20. It makes for a good atmosphere, and the long careers speak for themselves.” According to Anssi, the culture at LICO is relaxed but responsible. “We’re not strict, but we get things done properly.”
In his free time, Anssi enjoys being active and exercising in many ways. “Staying physically active and fit provides a good balance to the hands-on nature of his work,” Anssi concludes.