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Janne Cederlund is part of the Hämeenlinna production team, where a supportive team spirit and thorough induction process help welcome new talents. There is high demand for Patria’s armoured wheeled vehicles, and production at Patria’s Hämeenlinna facility is increasing. The success of vehicle projects is also evident in the team led by Janne Cederlund, which has been strengthened by new members.
– We are constantly recruiting new people for vehicle assembly.

Cederlund works as the production representative in various delivery projects, in which some or all of the vehicles are manufactured in Hämeenlinna.
– The role and duties of a production engineer might sound formulaic, but in fact the work is highly varied. Special versions of different vehicles bring a good level of challenge to the working day, and communication with stakeholders as well as a shared, solution-oriented approach are key.

A good orientation is a great way to start

Cederlund emphasises the importance of induction when a new employee joins the team.
– Every new fitter is assigned a mentor who goes through the different operational phases with them. That’s how I myself was able to get up to speed quickly back in the day.

At the start, the newcomer’s skills are also assessed to ensure they are assigned to tasks that best match their previous experience.
– New employees come from various backgrounds. Many have experience as vehicle fitters, while others come from industrial assembly roles, Cederlund explains.

Cederlund, who has completed both a basic qualification in automotive fitting and the Finnish matriculation examination, began working at Patria as a trainee in 2018. After conscription, his employment as a fitter was made permanent, and he worked in this role for three years. About a year spent in a supervisor position broadened his understanding of production stakeholders, and at the beginning of 2024 he moved into the role of production engineer.
– The transition to project manager has gone very smoothly, as I have received a lot of support from the rest of the team, even though the job title was the first of its kind in production.

This is a good example of the positive atmosphere that Cederlund values highly in assembly.
– Discussion is open. You can always ask your colleagues if something is unclear. As a young person, it can initially feel daunting to ask more experienced colleagues, but here that’s not an issue at all.

Accumulating expertise is pursued

At the beginning of his working day, Cederlund goes through emails and deals with unfinished business from the previous day. After that, he joins the daily management meeting with different stakeholders to review the day’s matters.
– I also advance small development projects daily to improve production, such as standardising various procedures and processes. Patria also enabled me to complete a Lean Six Sigma qualification as part of our continuous improvement efforts.

As team leader, Cederlund works closely with other functions involved in vehicle production, such as colleagues responsible for procurement, design, and quality assurance. The production chain also includes subcontractors.
– The work requires good planning and cooperation to ensure our deliveries succeed and schedules are met.

Cederlund appreciates a workplace that offers the opportunity to build skills and progress in one’s career. Alongside work, he has completed an engineering degree, a specialist vocational qualification in production supervision, and Lean Six Sigma training as part of the continuous improvement model.

What kind of person is suited to working in Patria’s vehicle assembly?
– You should apply if you value professional pride and openness in the workplace.

The job is well suited to those who enjoy teamwork, as practically all work is done in pairs or groups.
– And a genuine interest in vehicle technology, mechanics, and hydraulics is definitely a plus, alongside suitable qualifications.