Sami Hallikainen, Purchasing Manager

I am Sami Hallikainen, Purchasing Manager at Outokummun Metalli, and I have been with the company since 1995. My responsibilities include procurement, logistics, and inventory management, as well as overseeing my team. My daily work involves sourcing materials needed for production and maintaining supplier relationships.

I started my career at Outokummun Metalli as a Production Engineer, later transitioning to Product Manager for the harvester head business. These roles provided me with a deep understanding of production processes and product structures. For several years now, I have served as Purchasing Manager, a role that has continuously offered new challenges and opportunities for growth alongside the company’s development.

From farming to a metal industry multitalent

I grew up on a farm, where I worked on machinery repairs from a young age. Originally, I planned to continue the family farm, but due to challenges in agricultural profitability, I turned my focus to the metal industry, which offered attractive job opportunities in my hometown.

My educational journey has been diverse: I initially trained as a welder, then as a CNC machinist, and later as a mechanical automation engineer. Alongside my studies, I gained several years of experience working as a welder and machinist. This well-rounded education and practical experience have proven invaluable in expert roles where understanding production processes is crucial.

A meaningful career creates commitment

Outokummun Metalli has provided me with a meaningful work environment featuring excellent conditions and great colleagues. Reflecting on my career, my advice to newcomers is to invest in English language skills and Excel proficiency – both are highly beneficial. As for myself, the finish line of my career is approaching. My goal is to continue in my current role until the time comes to embrace retirement with a smile.

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