Pride in the products, the team and continuous development.
The role of purchasing and internal logistics manager suits Amanda’s drive to move things forward.
When Amanda started at Sako in January 2023, she stepped into a world that combines long traditions with a strong focus on the future. Now working as operational purchasing and internal logistics manager, Amanda feels that in a unique work community like Sako’s, the spice of the work is constant forward movement and genuine professional pride.
Amanda began her career at Sako as a production development engineer. A natural career path led, through an organisational change, to her current role, where she leads a team of ten workers and three white-collar employees.
Quality is a promise of safety
At Sako, quality is not just one word among others – it is present in everything we do, all the way from the supply chain to the finished product. Amanda emphasises that quality is directly linked to product safety, which is the number one priority throughout the chain.
In every area of production, and in the areas of the supply chain outside production too, everyone has a hand in quality in some way. It is a shared matter for us that we never compromise on. Working processes and operating models exist to support people, so that we can ensure the best possible outcome and minimise failures.
Amanda
Amanda is not a firearms enthusiast herself, but she understands the special nature of the industry well. The pride and passion for the products can be felt and seen. Getting to work with a world-famous brand known for its quality around the world brings a very special pride and passion to the work.
A work community where people help and trust each other
Special praise goes to the “rifle factory team spirit”. The work community is made up of both long-serving Sako people and newer faces, and she considers this combination of skill and experience a great asset.
The best thing about our work community is helping each other and being considerate, even in the middle of a rush. We have shared problems that we solve together. Even if something does not fall directly within your own area of responsibility, help and consultation are always available.
Amanda
Amanda says she is in a happy position, getting to be proud of her team every day. In the team, professional pride and the knowledge capital that comes with experience come together. Day-to-day problems can largely be solved within the team itself. Even though there are many long-serving Sako people in the team, newer people have become part of it well. Amanda also values the trust and autonomy she is given.
For me personally, it is really important that I get to own my own things. Here there is no micromanaging; instead, there is trust that everyone takes care of their own patch. That leaves room for creativity and taking responsibility.
Amanda
Financial strength brings security and a long-term view
Sako’s long history and financially solid position show in everyday work above all as continuity and a willingness to invest. Amanda notes that the strong pace of work and the plans for the future create a sense of security. The world does not have to be finished today, because the work continues next week and next year too.
Financial strength shows in the fact that we are ready to invest in the future, such as factory expansions and new systems. It brings a sense of calm, because we can trust that even if we cannot fix something right now, its time will still come.
Amanda
Continuous development keeps things interesting
Developing competence and encouraging multi-skilling are a central part of Sako’s company culture. Operations are developed while keeping an eye on the big picture and the future. The development of operations also shows in investing in the safety and comfort of the factory environment. As a development-minded person, Amanda enjoys the fact that Sako does not stand still.
I have been able to develop as the organisation has grown and to take on new challenges. We have a safe environment to experiment and try new things. Continuous improvement and long-term strategic development keep things interesting. You don’t get bored here.
Amanda
According to Amanda, all kinds of people and personalities are a good fit for Sako. She emphasises that the company needs diverse expertise from different fields and representatives of different generations, so that the work community gains a range of views and experience. The perspectives that different people bring are important, she says, because they significantly enrich both everyday discussions and shared projects.