Control Cabinet Assembler Petri Somppi: “I Want to Do My Job, So That at Any Time I Can Say That I Did This”

Control Cabinet Assembler Petri Somppi: “I Want to Do My Job, So That at Any Time I Can Say That I Did This”
In addition to his duties as a Control Cabinet Assembler, Petri Somppi has also responsibility as a Workplace Steward for the employees.
13.03.2019 | 

The versatility of the work, the genuine opportunity to influence the quality of the products, and the opportunities to work abroad from time to time, mean Petri Somppi enjoys his work as a control cabinet assembler.

It has been nearly 14 years since Somppi first came to Escarmat. Originally, he came to Escarmat through an agency.

“I started at Escarmat in the summer of 2005. Now I work here in “hall 2” where we manufacture large-scale control cabinets for industrial purposes. The products we produce often end up in ships or power plants, for example,” says Somppi.

Somppi already had experience in similar work from a previous job, but he has learned the most important things while working with his current employer.

“The most important qualities when working as a control cabinet assembler, are care and accuracy. These characteristics are, in fact, always needed when dealing with electrical equipment. The cabinets simply do not work if they’re not assembled with precision.”

“If I notice something in the drawings that might be best done in another way, I’ll make a modification proposal.”

Control Cabinet Manufacturing Process

Control cabinets are mainly produced in series comprising dozens of cabinets. Assembly starts by becoming familiar with the drawings.

“If I notice something in the drawings that might be best done in another way, I’ll make a modification proposal.”

So, the best outcome for the client is still being considered during the installation phase.

“I feel I can genuinely effect the quality of the products going out to clients, and I want to do my job so that at any time I can say that I did this.”

The actual installation of the control cabinet comprises the following steps.

Mechanical section:The frames of the cabinets are lined up and the base and side wall panels are installed.

Fitting:The different electrical components are installed

Wiring:The fitted components are wired.

Finishing & Inspection:Cabinets are tested and prepared for delivery to clients

“Last year I was involved with four foreign projects and this year there are already three in the pipeline.”

Job opportunities also abroad

In addition to manufacturing cabinets, Escarmat offers its clients an installation service. This also gives assemblers a lot of opportunities to participate in various power plant installations and ship engine conversion projects around the world.

“Last year I was involved with four foreign projects and this year there are already three in the pipeline. My intention would be to participate in at least the power plant installation in Turkey and the conversion projects for the LNG tanker in Singapore and the passenger ship in Denmark,” Somppi explains.

What’s the best thing about your job? “When you leave your mark on the work. “The project starts when I get handed a folder with drawings of the cabinet to be manufactured. At the end, there is a row of cabinets in front of me with yellow stickers to indicate that they are on the way to the door to be dispatched to the client.”

Escarmat is a full-service automation supplier offering flexible subcontracting and project manufacturing of switchboards, automation cabinets and control cabinets to various industries. We also offer tailor-made, comprehensive turnkey solutions.