ATA is more than just a checkpoint for Eero Mäkinen
Eero Mäkinen, who enjoys skiing, running, and orienteering in his spare time, is a third-year engineering student at Tampere University. His degree program is in mechanical engineering, and this spring he will choose his major. Out of ten specialization options, he is seriously debating between machine design and some other alternatives. Eero has worked at ATA in the quality assurance department for over three years – whenever his studies and other commitments have permitted.
Quality assurance is precision work
At ATA, quality assurance for all gears begins with a visual inspection to ensure that each gear complies with the drawings created in collaboration between the customer and ATA’s designers. The next stage is implemented with handheld measuring instruments. The production phase also includes magnetic particle inspection, contact pattern checks, and 3D measurement. Data on surface roughness is also compiled and included in the meticulous material documentation delivered to the customer.
“Comprehensive quality assurance ensures that the classification identifiers and markings of the gear pairs supplied by ATA are all in order. Full compliance with standards and regulations and along with them safety and operational reliability are absolutely essential for all ATA’s customers no matter if they operate on land or sea,” Eero explains.
More responsibility
ATA has decided to relocate all its production to Hautala, which requires expanding the factory. This interesting project also keeps Eero busy. “Last summer, in addition to quality assurance, I got involved in the relocation work – I’m helping ATA’s Production Director, Marko Nummi, and his relocation team figure out how all of ATA’s impressive production machines will best fit into the new facilities in Hautala. Marko and his colleagues plan and specify, and I model their plans and draw where the compressed air lines will go, and where the corridors, doors, and break areas will be. I use 3D modeling to support this work,” Eero explains.
Would you recommend ATA as a workplace?
“Yes, I would. The company is a nice size — not too big — and the atmosphere is good. There are also opportunities for advancement. A major reason why I felt comfortable from the very beginning was my first supervisor, Lassi Rannisto, who really is an amazing guy. He set clear objectives and provided guidance on how to achieve them. Everybody here really are friendly and helpful,” says Eero, who plans to stay in Tampere and continue working for ATA even five years from now. We very much hope that plan comes true, too.