Road to Latvia and Professional Development – Aleksandrs Kristians Grašs’ Story

09.10.2025

“I sought to gain experience in Latvia – not only theoretical knowledge but also the opportunity to apply it in practice, to understand what I truly know and to identify the areas where I still need to grow,”
says Aleksandrs Kristians Grašs, who has been working at Latvijas Finieris “Lignums’ mill since May 2025 as an Equipment Maintenance Efficiency Engineer in the Equipment Maintenance Group.

Path to Latvijas Finieris

Aleksandrs explains that his path to Latvijas Finieris was a natural progression – after several years of study and professional experience abroad, he wished to return to Latvia and put his acquired knowledge into practice.

Studying abroad and travelling gave me a broader perspective. But I wanted to consolidate my knowledge in Latvia by complementing it with practical experience. I believe it is important to engage in meaningful projects at the beginning of one’s career, rather than focusing solely on routine tasks. This is why I came to Latvijas Finieris, where I particularly value the opportunity to collaborate with different teams and make a tangible impact on processes,

he says.

Studying in Finland, Growing Globally

Alexander is a final-year student at Lappeenranta-Lahti University of Technology in Finland, with a major in technology and engineering. His studies have been broad and interdisciplinary, encompassing mechanical and electrical engineering as well as energy and environmental topics.

“I wanted to gain as broad a perspective as possible – both professionally and through people’s diverse experiences. I have also studied in Korea, participated in exchange programmes, gained sales experience in the United States, and contributed to AI training projects. At Latvijas Finieris, for the first time, I experienced what it means to be part of a team tackling real, technically complex challenges,”

he adds.

First Challenges

When he started working at “Lignums’ mill, the biggest challenge for Aleksandrs was the sheer volume of information. However, he quickly found his footing, bridging the interests of both the production and technical departments. One of the projects involves developing an inventory of fixed assets and equipment to support preventive maintenance planning.

It’s important to find a middle ground between the different departments. Sometimes there are disagreements, but my job is to help find a common solution. I’ve learnt a lot here – especially how to work in a team and make decisions,”

says Aleksandrs.

Daily Duties and Values at Work

Alexander’s working days are diverse – one day filled with meetings across departments, the next devoted to resolving complex issues or advancing projects. Much of his time is spent at the computer, but what matters most is that the work never becomes routine.

What does he like most about working at Latvijas Finieris?

“People and experience are the biggest added value. It’s a chance to grow, learn and feel like you’re making a difference,”

he says.

Future Plans

Aleksandrs is currently in the final year of his studies in Finland, where he is completing his Bachelor’s thesis. He values the company’s flexibility, which allows him to successfully balance his studies with work:

“It helps a lot to see that the company supports my professional development.”

Aleksandrs is in no rush to make a final decision about staying in Latvia, but one thing is clear: his work at Latvijas Finieris has not only provided him with practical knowledge but also with confidence in the career path he has chosen – and there’s no reason to leave in haste.