Foreman Arttu Huttunen: “Foremen Change, the Partnership Lasts”

Kiilax’s partner Kesälahden Rakennus Oy is a construction company operating in North Karelia. Its projects range from industrial and residential buildings to schools and shops.

Foreman Arttu Huttunen believes that, whatever the building, sound basic construction is always much the same work. The materials and methods are the same; only the setting changes. Huttunen speaks from experience.

• “I have been with Kesälahden Rakennus for five years. I started as an hourly paid construction worker, completed a site management placement and eventually became a foreman.”

Kesälahden Rakennus Oy is currently completing Sepänhelmi, a supported housing facility for Hoiva- ja palveluyhdistys, in central Joensuu. Huttunen says he is spending his days on site at present, although his role also includes office work and the paperwork that comes with it.

• “New projects are already being costed, and once they get under way my duties will also include contact with subcontractors and suppliers. I ‘inherited’ Kiilax from the more experienced foremen, and sticking with a tried-and-tested partner is not a bad thing!”

Kiilax has supplied Sepänhelmi with a wide range of materials and products: inspection hatches, furniture panels, plywood cut to order and Kiilax’s reusable stair protectors.

Stair protection does not have to become site waste

When choosing materials for a building project, cost efficiency, reliable delivery and dependability are the main factors. Durability is far from a minor consideration either.

• “It is best when all these things go hand in hand. We are moving towards more responsible and environmentally considerate choices in all the materials we use. Take these Kiilax stair protectors: the material is durable, so they can be reused on as many as three sites.”

For Huttunen, there is no doubt about which is better: Kiilax’s rigid protection or the alternatives.

“Things run smoothly with Kiilax and the service works. Orders always arrive accurate to the millimetre and, at best, are on site the very next day. Construction is hectic, and there is no time to sit around waiting for orders.”

The legacy of the older foremen has also been passed on in a practical sense. Over time, Kesälahden Rakennus has become almost self-sufficient in stair protection.

When necessary, the company replaces a damaged protector or tops up its stock, rather than ordering a large amount of new material to discard after every project.

• “Stair protection has to be durable, practical and safe. It is put in place as the precast elements are installed to protect the finished stair surfaces, and removed only at the end of the project. Good protection shows in the flawless steps the end user sees.”

KESÄLAHDEN RAKENNUS OY

• A family business founded in 1975
• Builds residential, industrial and commercial premises in Eastern Finland
• 20 employees
• Turnover: €9 million

Kesälahden Rakennus Oy offers broad expertise in construction shaped around the client’s needs. Its growth is based on continuous development, the adoption of new methods and materials, and the development of its services. The quality of its operations is monitored through its own management system.