– When I started, we had only one major project under way in turreted mortar systems, in Sweden. Since then, it has been a case of fastening your seat belt. Orders, requests for quotation and projects have kept coming in, Henri says.
Patria NEMO has become Patria’s spearhead weapon system product in the international market. It is a mortar system that can be integrated into an armoured vehicle - wheeled or tracked platform - a naval vessel or a container, taking mortar mobility, firepower and protection to a new level.
Growth has made Henri’s work even more international. He meets customers in different countries and takes part in trade fairs and demonstrations. The questions range from the system’s technical features to commercial matters.
– You need to understand the technology well enough to answer customers’ questions. For example, they want to know how far the system can fire or whether it can hit the target reliably while on the move. And yes, it can.
The international aspect suits Henri well. He says he had already been interested in work that would allow him to use his language skills and learn about different cultures.
– It is great to see how international business works from the perspective of a Finnish company, and to be able to be involved in it myself.
Henri originally studied materials technology with a focus on wood technology at Lahti University of Applied Sciences, and went on to spend almost six years working for an importer of woodworking machinery.
– The work sparked my interest in mechanical engineering, product development and customer projects. It encouraged me to apply later for the Product Manager position that had opened at Patria.
Alongside his work, Henri studied mechanical engineering at Tampere University, majoring in product development, and graduated last December with a Master of Science in Technology degree.
He considers variety to be one of the best aspects of his work. His duties include supporting commercial projects, following product development and handling numerous practical situations with customers, from demonstrations to test firings.
As Product Manager, Henri works extensively with different functions across Patria. On a daily basis, he is in contact with specialists in areas such as engineering, sales, production, logistics, testing, the vehicle business and export control.
– It is almost easier to say who I do not work with. Product management is a bit like glue between different functions.
The variety of the Product Manager’s role also makes it demanding. The matters involved are often technically complex and schedules are tight. At the same time, Henri has to be able to prioritise his own work.
– You do not have to say yes to everything. Sometimes you need to stop and think about which things are most important and what one person can realistically manage to do.
According to Henri, learning has been accelerated by a good working community. Weapon systems employ many highly experienced specialists, from whom it is easy to ask for help.
– There is no need to be afraid that someone will wonder why you are asking such a question. Even so-called silly questions are allowed.
Henri spends much of his free time doing sports. He has played volleyball for more than 20 years, including at second-division level. In recent years, his focus has shifted to beach volleyball, which he also plays in tournaments during the summer.
Text: Matti Remes
