Petra – Sensor Manufacturer

Petra Rissanen works as a sensor manufacturer at LAPP’s Hyvinkää branch. What does a sensor manufacturer actually do, and what has kept Petra enjoying her work year after year?

Petra is a native of Hyvinkää. She graduated as a precision mechanic from Hyvinkää Vocational School in 1998. During her studies, she completed an internship at Suomen Johdinvalmiste. Soon after, the company offered her a summer job, and following that summer period, Petra continued as a wiring harness assembler with a permanent employment contract.

“During my parental leave, the former Connecto Oy merged with SKS Connecto, and when I returned to work in 2010, I moved to sensor manufacturing. I quickly mastered this job as well,” Petra recalls.

A craft profession requires precision

In four years (2028), Petra will have worked at the company for 30 years.

“Over the years, there have been ups and downs and sometimes it’s busy, but the work itself has remained largely the same,” Petra says.

The biggest change has been in the tools. Petra’s toolkit for sensor assembly includes, among others, a laser welding machine, side cutters, needle-nose pliers, a grinding machine, a heating plate, and a saw.

“Some of the machines were intimidating at first, but I had to learn to use them. Over the years, the machines have been renewed and upgraded. We just got a new laser welding machine, which I now need to learn to use. Nowadays, tasks are increasingly automated, so there’s always something new to learn,” Petra explains.

LAPP's temperature sensors are handcrafted in Hyvinkää. There is a wide range of different sensors, and they are also custom-made for customers. Petra estimates that making one basic sensor takes 5–20 minutes, and the team produces hundreds of sensors each week.

According to Petra, the company’s temperature sensors are unique products, and there are hardly any competitors in Finland. Her job title often sparks curiosity.

“It often leads to longer conversations because people rarely hear about or meet a sensor manufacturer. It’s nice to have such a rare job title,” Petra smiles.

Petra says her work feels meaningful because of its focus on safety and precision.

“I concentrate on making the products and don’t always know where our sensors end up. But I think, for example, sensors going to Neste’s oil refinery ensure that temperatures don’t get too high. I make every sensor as good as possible so that nothing bad happens because of them,” Petra explains.

“This job requires concentration and great accuracy. Over time, speed becomes an advantage. And humor is also essential,” Petra adds.

Independent and flexible work

The job requires presence, but Petra appreciates flexible working hours and the time bank. Weekly team meetings and the company’s monthly coffee sessions, where company updates are shared, help structure the workweek. Petra and her team join these remotely from Hyvinkää.

“Sometimes we’ve joked about bringing our small portable laser machine to the garage so we could work from home, but that hasn’t happened yet,” Petra laughs.

She meets colleagues from other parts of the company at annual events. Last year, Petra praised the LAPP Group’s soccer and volleyball tournament in Helsinki.

“It was an amazing event and so well organized. I met colleagues from all over the world.” Petra’s team consists of six other sensor manufacturers and a supervisor. The work is very independent, but there’s time to chat and catch up during breaks.

“In addition to us, LAPP Automation’s warehouse operates in Hyvinkää, and LAPP Connecto also has functions and an office here. We share a break room, so we see others too.”

Many reasons to stay

Petra has worked her entire career at LAPP and its predecessors.

“I like my job. I know what I’m doing, I’m skilled, and I’m quick at it. This is still just as interesting day after day as it was in the beginning,” Petra says.

She also knows many others who have stayed with the company for decades. So, there are plenty of long-time colleagues around. In addition to the work itself, Petra values the proximity of her workplace.

“I can get to work in less than 30 minutes by walking or biking. We also have excellent benefits. Somehow, I’ve grown attached to this company, and I can’t imagine myself anywhere else,” Petra reflects.

In her free time, Petra enjoys simple activities at home, where her two nearly adult children stay every other week. At home, the eight-year-old cat Raita is always waiting to play.

“I occasionally go out for karaoke on weekends. I always end up singing Apulanta’s Pahempi toistaan at some point in the evening,” Petra reveals.