Finland’s only washing powder factory is located in Turku. It’s difficult to get to work in it, because there is very little staff turnover – the last employee arrived three years ago, while the longest career spans almost 40 years.
Work starts early at the Kiilto washing powder factory. Owing to flexible working hours, the first employees arrive at work at 6 am and the last by 7.30 am.
The washing powder team consists of seven employees: maintenance technician, warehouseman, packer, assistant, two process managers and a supervisor. But none of them are really interested in their job titles.
“We always assist anyone who needs help,” they say.
The factory manufactures washing powder for laundry (the team is very impressed with Serto’s soda-based stain remover), metal, hospital equipment and coffee makers. The production makes use of gravity: the components start off at the top floor of the five-storey building, and proceed down along chutes. More components are added on the way, with packaging at the ground floor.
The supervisor Patrik is amused when asked about what kind of expertise is sought when recruiting. “Our shortest career is currently three years, while the second-shortest is 12 years. The longest is almost 40 years,” says Patrik. This means that recruiting is a rare event.
Veijo has the longest career here, going on 38 years. Kiilto bought the factory in 2010. Built in the 1950s, it was used previously for aerosol manufacture, for example.
“In the 1980s, they used as much oil in one day as a detached house consumes in a year,” says Veijo. Oil was one of the raw materials of the time.
“They also made the solution that was used in the manufacture of AIV fodder. You’d see huge rats out in the factory looking to get a taste of that fodder,” says Veijo. Fortunately, rats are now a thing of the past.
What makes people want to stay here for decades?
“It’s all about the working community,” says Patrik. “They are extremely motivated and want to participate in developing our processes and facilities. We improved on a particular packaging machine together, and now it’s twice as efficient as it used to be. Kimmo is a genuine Gyro Gearloose. With small adjustments to the equipment, we’ve achieved great strides in productivity.”
Mona, who changed careers from being a practical nurse, likes the fact that the work is so varied. “I like the fact that no two days are the same. There’s always something to do. We are able to plan our work to a great extent and decide what is done and in which order. You can work on your own or have a conversation with your co-workers as you work, whichever you prefer.”
The paths of the employees to the factory are as varied as the people themselves. Mona was shown the ropes by her mother Sari – they work side by side now – who started as a temp during busy periods 28 years ago. Mira, on the other hand, was a packer for 12 years before joining Kiilto. Katri phoned the number in a job advertisement in Turun Sanomat newspaper 31 years ago. “The boss asked if I was strong. I said ‘no’, but I have plenty of grit!”
Grit is important and most importantly the team members emphasise the importance of good team spirit. “People here pull together better than I’ve seen anywhere else,” says Patrik.