Ilkka Heikkilä is Chairman of the Board at Riga Wood Finland and one of our long-time employees. Last month he celebrated his 17th Work Anniversary at Riga Wood Finland Sales Office.

You have been a part of Riga Wood for more than 17 years now. Please tell us what makes your work interesting, and what makes you passionate about it?

“I really enjoy my job, because it is very independent and every working day is different. I have great customers and they give us interesting challenges to solve. My job joins together my two big interests—birch plywood and sales work. Still, after all these years, nothing feels better than a nice plywood deal.”

How did you start working at Riga Wood?

“In fact, my relation with Latvijas Finieris is already over 21 years long. Before joining Riga Wood Finland, I was importing Latvijas Finieris plywood to Finland through another company. One day, in autumn 2003, a question arose that Latvijas Finieris should establish their own sales office in Finland. I volunteered immediately, because I knew Latvijas Finieris pretty well and had experience and  confidence that the products would find a market in Finland. The decision was made, a sales office was established and the job started. It was as simple as that.”

What have been the biggest challenges during these years?

“When you know your company, customers and competitors well enough, it is very seldom that big challenges catch you by surprise. The plywood market doesn’t flip overnight and you normally have time to prepare yourself and make new plans if something is changing. Keeping things simple, avoiding unnecessary risks, as well as having a wide long-term customer base and giving the best service, always pays back in the good and bad days.”

How has the industry changed during these 17 years and where do you think it is headed?

“The industry has changed a lot during these years. Small and old plywood mills have been closed and competition in the basic product sector has increased. At the same time the market has become more aware of green values, the importance of knowing the origin of wood and product performance. These are important values for our mother company as well, and are followed carefully.
In the future, the winner will be the company that can serve the customers in the best and most efficient way, with the best products. The future players must be big enough, while at the same time innovative and open minded to hear all the hopes and wishes from customers and the overall market. In my opinion, Latvijas Finieris is this kind of company.”