After almost 18 years at Mitac, Sanna has a unique understanding of how everything is connected - from planning to production.
She is a leader with a high work ethic, a keen eye for structure and quality, and a drive that makes things happen every day.
With her drive and experience, Sanna is one of the forces that make Mitac develop - every day. Here she tells us more about her journey, her leadership and how she sees the future of electronics production.
Name: Sanna Virtanen
Age: 37 years
Residence: Bridge
Position: Production Manager
Time at Mitac: 18 years
How did you end up at Mitac?
To be honest, it all started quite simply. I needed a job, and I saw an ad from Mitac at the Employment Service. When I came here for an interview, I was curious, especially about the small robotic line and the microscopes that were here at the time. It felt like an exciting environment, and I got the job!
What does a typical working day look like for you?
A large part of my day is about planning, maintaining structure and supporting the employees. I've been trained in LEAN, so improvement work and Gemba - being out in the field and following the flows - are a natural and important part of my days.
At the same time, I'm still involved in production, especially with microscope work. I always try to set aside a few hours a day for practical work - I think a manager should be able to do the job himself, both to be able to lead properly and to be able to teach.
And even after almost 18 years at Mitac, I still like to challenge and compete a little with myself in what I do.
What are the biggest challenges in your role as production manager?
The biggest challenges are about keeping up with the times while working proactively in several areas. I have to stay one step ahead, both in production and in planning, while at the same time trying to meet the different needs of my employees in the best possible way.
Can you tell us about an improvement or change in production that you are particularly proud of?
I am most proud of the fact that we are constantly developing our working methods together as a team. It's not about a single change, but about many small improvements that together make a big difference.
If I were to highlight something specific, our new ERP system is one of the biggest changes. It has really improved and simplified our everyday life. We have a much better overview of the entire flow, and it feels good that we have finally modernized on that front as well.
We have also recently invested in a new AOI for our robot park, which makes it even more modern and gives us increased capacity. Seeing how the systems are now connected and supporting each other gives us a strong foundation to continue to grow.
And as a bonus, we have also reduced the need for physical paper, which I personally see as a clear improvement!
How would you describe the culture at Mitac?
We place great emphasis on the work environment, well-being and open dialogues, and personally I think the culture here is really good. We invest a lot in the flow of information through regular meetings, and in creating community through, for example, AW, kick-offs and Christmas parties together.
A large part of my role is about coaching the people in charge of our various departments, and it's fantastic to see how people grow and develop, both in their roles and as individuals.
I also want to highlight our younger employees. New people bring new energy and drive us forward, which is concrete proof that even us "old dogs" can learn new things.
To quote something that really stuck with me during a leadership training:
"Only what is dead stops developing."
How do you see the future of electronics production - and how are you at Mitac preparing for developments in the industry?
The electronics industry is evolving rapidly, and so are we. We have already made great strides in automation, quality and sustainability, but development never stops. For me, it's about continuing to improve, without losing the flexibility and accuracy that have always been the basis of our production.
At Mitac, we are constantly trying to stay ahead of the curve by investing in new technology and modernizing our ways of working. Our new ERP system and the upgraded robot park are two examples that have already made a big difference in everyday life.
I think it's exciting to see how technology can help us both become more efficient and create an even better working environment without losing the human part that will always be the heart of production.
What do you do when you are not working at Mitac?
In the summer you can usually find me out in my little garden, planting flowers and listening to an audiobook or podcast. During the winter months, that hobby moves indoors, so my home is green all year round and colorful in the summer.
And if you're wondering who my favorite author is, it's without a doubt Stephen King. That man's magical mind beats most things!
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