Aiva is from Saldus – energetic, sociable, and someone who likes a dynamic workplace.

“I’m the kind of person who can’t sit still. I need movement, people, conversations, and continuous action,”

she says with a smile. These strengths also suit her daily role exceptionally well – managing logistics and transport planning at the Latvijas Finieris Iekārtu rūpnīca. Her path to this role has been a gradual one. After primary school, Aiva enrolled at Liepāja State Technical College, where she learnt the fundamentals of logistics.

“It wasn’t a conscious choice at the time – it was just a coincidence of circumstances. But I realised at technical school that I enjoyed this field because it combines rational thinking, working with people, and a fast-moving environment.”

Aiva is currently continuing her studies at Riga Technical University, where she is specialising in Business Logistics and is close to completing her Bachelor’s thesis.

“The subject of my final thesis will relate to Latvijas Finieris – maybe not directly to Iekārtu rūpnīca, but definitely to the company’s logistics processes,”

she adds. Aiva first joined the company as an intern.

“To be honest, it all happened by accident. I applied, I took a risk – and today, I’m a permanent employee. Already during my internship, my colleagues noticed my sense of responsibility and my ability to grasp processes quickly. When the internship ended, the offer to stay on was just a logical next step. My internship gave me the opportunity to understand the entire pace of mill operations, from planning production to coordinating transport flows. These processes are now my daily routine.”

Aiva’s work at Iekārtu rūpnīca is closely linked to transport planning and communication with drivers. Her role involves coordinating transport movements, keeping operations on schedule, and planning routes for the next day.

“That means lots of calls, emails, conversations, and fast responses. If a driver is running late, if a new route needs organising, or if loading times have to be coordinated, I’m the one people turn to for solutions. It is the fast-paced environment that attracts me most in this work. Something new happens every day. It’s impossible to predict how the day will go, and that’s what I like. You have to be ready to react and think on your feet.”

When speaking about her working environment, Aiva often highlights just how important her colleagues are.

“For me, the biggest reason this is such a good place to work is the people. It’s a very supportive team – whenever something doesn’t go to plan, or you need guidance, there’s always someone ready to assist. Even if they don’t know the answer, they will help you find it together,”

she says.

She says that this supportive, people-centred atmosphere is one of the reasons she feels motivated to work hard.

“It’s the feeling of being part of a community where every voice counts.”

When talking about Latvijas Finieris as an employer, Aiva immediately points to several aspects she finds particularly valuable.

“Having health insurance is definitely a huge plus. I also really appreciate the fact that the mill offers free fruit, soups for lunch, coffee and tea to employees,”

she says.
She also acknowledges the company’s welcoming attitude towards student employees:

“As a student, that’s important – whenever I need to tweak my schedule or make time for exams, we can always work something out.”

Traditionally, logistics and mill work have been male-dominated fields, but Aiva believes this is beginning to change.

“I’ll admit, I was a little anxious at the beginning – wondering what it would be like and whether I would fit in. But in the first few days, I realised that everyone here treats each other as equals.”

In the future, Aiva hopes to further develop in her profession and deepen her expertise in logistics.

“I feel like I’m in my place now. Every day I learn something new – both about organising transport and about the people I work with. And that’s what keeps me motivated.”

Aiva also admits that in the long term, she sees herself at Latvijas Finieris:

“It’s a company with values that match mine – responsibility, development and team support. I think it’s the perfect foundation for a career.”

Aiva Gricmane’s story shows that sometimes, a stroke of serendipity can be the beginning of a strong career and a genuine sense of professional belonging. For her, the Latvijas Finieris Iekārtu rūpnīca has become a workplace where she is building practical skills while gaining ever-greater confidence in her decision to join a wide, development-driven team.