Story | 01/05/2023 07:03:40 | 2 min Read time

Making it happen at UPM Biofuels: Working together for a green future

Sara Steensig

Editor, Tulus

Operations Manager Marko Leinonen ensures that the biofuel production at UPM Lappeenranta Biorefinery runs optimally and safely. Here, he shares how he is doing his part to stop climate change.

What projects are you mainly working on right now?

I am responsible for production operations at the biorefinery. We are currently preparing for next spring's major shutdown in cooperation with HSE and the maintenance and development departments. We are planning how the maintenance and inspection work can be carried out safely and efficiently during the downtime, ensuring smooth production afterwards.

What is your professional background?

I started working at UPM Biofuels in July 2012 as Maintenance Manager. In May 2022, I was named Operations Manager.

Before switching to Biofuels, I worked in various maintenance roles at Yara’s Siilinjärvi factories and UPM's Jämsänkoski mill.

What motivates you at work?

Biofuels is the industry of the future. By working here, I feel that I can do my part to stop climate change.

My great colleagues and I are met with new challenges every day, and every day, we work together to solve them. People here are highly professional; we are working towards common goals in a supportive and motivating atmosphere.

How do you take care of yourself at work?

During my career, I have learned to prioritise, and I’ve discovered that not all tasks need to be done today. It’s important to remember that I don't have to do everything myself either. I can utilise the expertise and skills of the entire organisation.

How about outside of work? How do you charge your batteries?

In my spare time, I try to exercise regularly and do things with my family, such as going to the cottage.

What kinds of challenges have been rewarding or educational to overcome?

Raising the production level from the already assumed maximum to a higher level is rewarding now as well as in the future. Since 2012, I have been involved in the development of the maintenance organisation and the biorefinery's maintenance processes. Now, we are reaping the fruits of that work.

The most rewarding moments occur when we overcome challenges as a team and make things work as planned.

 

Learn more about working at UPM Biofuels on our career page

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