“I remember well when I took a gap year from my studies and worked in my mum’s kiosk. I received a call from the job centre, saying that they needed help with filing at Martela. My mum suggested that I go. I thought I might as well go and do some filing for a month. That was in 1983.”
I thought I might as well go and do some filing for a month.
Saila has held different roles at Martela’s factory in Nummela since 1983. After her one month was up she was asked to stay, and the company even offered to train her for other tasks. Saila started by learning touch-typing, which was slightly different back then, before the arrival of laptops, as she had to drag a heavy typewriter to her classes.
The switchboard and in procurement, exports, sales and production.
Having worked at the switchboard and in procurement, exports, sales and production, Saila has got to know the company’s operations from many different angles. Time has flown by and she has had an interesting career. Saila has always enjoyed her work. She is not one to give up when there is a lot to do, but rather works through the weekend if required. To balance things out she can take some time off during the quieter times. Saila describes Martela as her second home, which is no wonder as she even met her partner in the factory. Over the years Saila’s mother also worked at the factory for a while before retiring. Her son still works on the table production line.
Saila underlines how important independent initiative and vigilance has been in her career.
You need to know a lot about the products and how they are made; many people will ask very detailed questions. Her long career also gives her the confidence to identify her own interests and strengths. “I don’t want to be anyone’s boss. I’m more of a planner; that suits me better,” Saila summarises.
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