Chemigate career chronicles

Jaana – lab technician turned controller

Chemigate wants to offer all its employees the opportunity to develop and improve their skills. Jaana Karvonen is one of the many people in our company whose career path has evolved over time. Where did she start from and where has she ended up?

“I graduated as a laboratory technician in chemistry in 1995. The nineties were a time of recession, and there weren’t many jobs available. Coincidentally, an acquaintance of mine mentioned Kationi, which was once part of Raisio Chemicals. I applied for a summer job in the laboratory and was hired by Paavo Ahonen, now retired Production Service Manager. It’s funny because my current job description includes some of Paavo’s tasks at the production interface,” says Jaana.

“In 1997, I stayed on as a permanent employee. During Ciba and BASF, there was cross-training, and I stood in for some time in the order service. In 2010, Production Manager Harri Heikkinen offered me a position in Chemigate’s order service.”

As the years went by, Jaana’s professional skills grew, and several significant changes were implemented in the order service at her initiative. As Chemigate grew, so did the number of financial administration tasks. When additional resources were hired for the order service in 2014, Jaana was offered the opportunity to move to a more permanent role in financial administration.

“With the support of my supervisor, CFO Mika Vuokila, I have achieved a lot. We had a clear, target-oriented path that we set out to follow,” says Jaana.

In her current role, Jaana performs a wide range of different tasks as a controller. Her tasks include internal accounting, including financial and production reporting, compiling budgets and forecasts, maintaining the ERP system and supporting the order service. Her responsibilities also include various development projects, such as the Cerveza digitalisation project for the order supply chain.

Chemigate employees’ long years of service indicate that the employees are enjoying working under the green Chemigate banner. So what’s best about the job?

You can find more information about Cerveza within the pages of this magazine.

“I think the best things about Chemigate are definitely the colleagues and the working atmosphere. The management is approachable, so you can ask them for advice and you don’t need tons of courage to do it. Every employee is valued, and our contribution is appreciated,” says Jaana.

Jaana’s family includes her partner and two daughters. Jaana is also a “nana” to one wonderful furry friend. In her free time, she likes to spend her time at home and exercise.

“In winter, my number one sport is skiing in the traditional style,” says Jaana. “In summer, I’m a pallet collar gardener and grow both edible and ornamental plants. In the evenings and mornings, you can find me in the garden, wandering around and taking pictures of the flowers. A long-time dream of mine is to have a big white greenhouse built out of old windows.”

Kalle’s new tasks

Kalle Kainu’s role at Chemigate changed with the acquisition of Finnamyl and Lapuan Peruna.

As if from an Easter egg, Kalle hatched out to become Finnamyl’s new CEO after Ossi Paakki retired. But Kalle is certainly not a novice – although the description might give you that impression.

Kalle has successfully managed Chemigate’s sales department for over ten years. This jovial man from Turku is a corporate veteran with plenty of experience, skills and wisdom. We wish Kalle good luck and success in his new endeavours.

At the beginning of their career path at Chemigate

Welcome aboard!

Teija Mäkinen (Finnamyl Oy) started as Chemigate Oy’s Ledger Manager on 1 December 2022. In addition, Teija will familiarise herself with payroll tasks at Chemigate and Finnamyl in 2023.

Paula Esala (Lapuan Peruna Oy) joined Chemigate Oy as a Sales Assistant on 1 January 2023.

Chemigate’s factory in Mietoinen has hired three operators: Lauri Lintupuro for a fixed-term contract as of 1 January 2023, and Sami Sarjo and Janne Franska for a permanent contract as of 1 March 2023.