Eerik Puolitaival's insight to the World of Panel Repairing and Analyzers

Eerik Puolitaival, expertise lies primarily in panel repairing and analyzers technology.

At Raute, we pride ourselves on our innovative technology and the knowledgeable minds behind it. Today, we are delighted to introduce you to Eerik Puolitaival, whose expertise lies primarily in panel repairing and analyzers technology.

Eerik's Journey from Finland to the World of Panel Repairing Technology

Growing up in Oulu, Finland, Eerik was introduced to the wood industry at an early age working as a summer trainee in a log-building factory. This early introduction to the world of wood fostered a curiosity that would later lead him to pursue a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering from Kajaani University of Applied Sciences (KAMK). Eerik describes this decision as being "the closest to what I wanted to do in the future."

Upon graduation, Eerik dove into his professional journey, gathering diverse experiences through a series of part-time jobs. His trek took a pivotal turn in August 2016 when he joined Raute as a service engineer. This position, part of the Kajaani Service team, marked the beginning of Eerik's deep immersion into the world of wood technology and panel repair stations.

His tenure at Raute took him across the Atlantic to Pullman, Washington, USA, where he spent two transformative years adapting to the North American work culture. During his time in Pullman, Eerik was responsible for the commissioning and service of Raute Mecano products in North America. He worked closely with our Raute Pullman employees, sharing his expertise while gaining a stronger global understanding.  This international experience broadened his professional scope and significantly impacted his personal life. "Our children became fluent in English and adapted to a different culture, and we all grew to appreciate the nature and climate in Pullman," he shared. Now, as a Product Manager, Eerik is at the forefront of driving innovation and excellence at Raute.

Mastering the Intricacies of Panel Repair Stations

Back in Finland, Eerik broadened his expertise with the addition of panel repair stations to his repertoire. As he started working with panel analyzers, Eerik fully immersed himself in the complexities of panel repairing technology. This transition brought him face-to-face with the complexities of 3D sensors, a realm previously uncharted for him. "The 3D sensors are the master of the system. They are what guide the entire process," Eerik explained.

Learning the of the 3D sensors was a formidable task that Eerik undertook with gusto. "Understanding how the 3D sensors work, their limitations, and how to optimize their performance was crucial for me," he shared. Without any specific tools at his disposal, Eerik relied on his curiosity and the knowledge of his colleagues to learn the ropes. "I didn't have any tools. I had to ask a lot of questions and learn from the ground up. At Raute, we have a tradition of knowledge-sharing, and I am grateful for the support of my colleagues," he added.

It's crucial to have a deep understanding of the core principles that underpin the operation of panel repair stations. , we had a stable scanner and moving material. But now, with the panel repair station, it is the opposite. This reversal requires a different mindset," Eerik explained.

Eerik's journey to mastering the panel repair station took approximately one year. "It was when we completed our first delivery to the USA, about two years ago, that I felt confident in my knowledge of the panel repair station. I had the opportunity to work closely with technology and did not have any other tasks to distract me. So, I was able to fully immerse myself in learning and working in production," he concluded.

Global Perspective and Raute's Support in Harnessing Customer Insights

Having worked in both Finland and the USA, Eerik brings a unique global perspective to his role as a product manager. His experiences abroad have equipped him with a deep understanding of different customer cultures and market needs, allowing him to navigate the intricacies of customer requirements with ease.

At the same time, Raute's support and emphasis on a collaborative work environment have been pivotal in Eerik's journey. Our fostering innovation and knowledge-sharing has facilitated Eerik's growth and enabled him to harness valuable customer insights that are instrumental in delivering solutions that not only meet but exceed customer expectations. As we continue to navigate the ever-evolving landscape of technology, Eerik's global perspective and the support from Raute will undoubtedly play a crucial role in driving innovation and customer satisfaction.