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Toni Valtonen values a hands-on approach to work and the hearty banter shared with good colleagues. Both can be found at Patria’s vehicle factory in Hämeenlinna.

Toni Valtonen trained as a restaurant chef, but he never truly found the evening and weekend-oriented work to be his own. At the start of his career, he worked for companies manufacturing electrical systems and electronics. He also had a brief stint as an assembler for Patria’s Nemo mortar systems in Hämeenlinna.

He continued to consider the possibility of returning to Patria. That opportunity came three years ago, when Valtonen was hired as a supervisor at Patria’s vehicle factory. He already had experience as a manager and trainer from his previous job.

At Patria you can influence the content of your own work and your career development. 

Valtonen has not regretted his return to Patria—quite the opposite. He appreciates a workplace where it is possible to progress in one’s career and gain new skills alongside the job.
– Patria is a good place to work. Here, you can influence the content of your own work and your career development. I also feel that I am doing important and meaningful work for national and international security, Valtonen explains.

Results are achieved in a good working atmosphere

Patria manufactures armoured Patria 6x6 and Patria AMV vehicles in Hämeenlinna, which are currently in high demand on the international market. The continuously growing order book is also reflected in Toni Valtonen’s work.
– There is plenty of work, but on the other hand, the pressure has not become too great. The good team and atmosphere play a big part in this. It’s nice to come to work when humour is not forgotten in the midst of getting the job done. The people here are very like-minded.

It’s nice to come to work when humour is not forgotten in the midst of getting the job done, Toni says.

Valtonen believes that a positive atmosphere is the best environment for getting results. He says he has always appreciated the importance of diligence throughout his career.
– I don’t really understand half-hearted efforts. I expect myself and others to do things well. I don’t give up when the first problem arises.

Valtonen’s upward career path has not come for free. He has had to work hard for it.
– I haven’t attended technical schools myself, but through hard work, I have been able to move forward. Instead of sitting at a school desk, I have learned things through practical work.

Work and free time in balance

Patria’s employee surveys show that the company’s staff find their work meaningful. The staff also appreciate the opportunity to balance work and free time. Valtonen agrees.
– Alongside work, there is enough time and energy for family life as well, which unfortunately is not a given in today’s working life.

Valtonen believes that job satisfaction is also reflected in staff retention. Only a very small number of his colleagues have switched to a different employer.

In employer image surveys, Patria has rapidly risen to become one of Finland’s most attractive technical workplaces.

In employer image surveys, Patria has rapidly risen to become one of Finland’s most attractive technical workplaces. Valtonen is not surprised by these results.
– Patria has a strong brand, and in the current global situation, many want to contribute to national defence in a concrete way.

As a supervisor, Toni Valtonen was involved in recruiting new employees to work in Patria’s vehicle production through a staffing agency. He estimates that he has hired 60-70 new employees.
– Many were excited simply by the opportunity to attend a job interview at Patria.

New role brings new challenges

Toni Valtonen recently moved to a new position at Patria’s vehicle factory. Under the title IT Support & ERP Specialist, he focuses on developing and training the enterprise resource planning system within Patria’s Protected Mobility business area.

At the time of this interview, Valtonen’s job description is still taking shape. At the very least, the new role involves close contact between the various parties in the supply chain, from logistics to production, as well as support in problem situations.
The new position fits perfectly with Valtonen’s own principles in working life.
– I am open to anything new and always happy to help wherever needed.