An assignment in Slovakia provides valuable work experience

For Tuukka Kukkonen, who works in Patria’s logistics department, an assignment in Slovakia has offered an excellent opportunity to gain experience in an international project.

Tuukka had spent a couple of years working in warehouse operations at Patria’s Hämeenlinna site when he was given the chance to take up an assignment in Slovakia. There, a logistics professional was needed to help Patria’s vehicle manufacturing partner organize warehouse operations.
– When I was asked from the logistics side if I’d be interested in taking on this assignment, I immediately expressed my willingness. I thought that opportunities like this don’t come along very often in a career.

Tuukka has not regretted his decision. He has had the chance to develop his skills through project-based work and gain experience working in an international environment.
– I’m sure that this rewarding assignment will be beneficial to my career in the future, Kukkonen reflects.

Patria supports its local partner in production

The Slovak Ministry of Defence is acquiring a total of 76 Patria AMV XP 8x8 combat vehicles, many of which will be assembled at the facilities of Patria’s local partner. 
– The local partner manufactures, among other things, the subframes of the vehicles in Slovakia, carries out final assembly and installs the weapon systems, Kukkonen explains.

In Patria’s international vehicle projects, the operating model essentially involves giving the main responsibility to local partners. However, Patria remains ultimately responsible for production throughout the project.

In Slovakia, Patria’s experts are closely involved in supporting the partner, for example with technical questions related to production and materials procurement.

Tuukka works on-site as a logistics specialist. His responsibilities include maintaining warehouse accounting in the enterprise resource planning system, monitoring warehouse balances, and overseeing the acknowledgement of materials.
– I also support local logistics operations by training the partner company’s staff. By nature, I’m someone who’s happy to help out with other matters too, even if a particular task isn’t strictly my responsibility.