We think you might be interested in Bilfinger %s website.
Otherwise select the country you are interested in here.
+

Get to know Tomi Kopra – E&I Leader at Bilfinger in Finland

I started working at Bilfinger in May 2025 as Manager E&I Maintenance & Projects. 

Before joining Bilfinger, I worked at several international companies. I started my career at Kotka in Pulp mill, where I worked as a supervisor for automation and electrical installers. Over the years, I held various expert roles, focusing on developing services for industrial clients, initiating new business activities, and participating in sales tasks at Siemens.

At Outotec, I was involved in launching remote monitoring services for mining clients and led global tendering operations. Following the merger of Metso and Outotec, I took on the responsibility of managing spare parts operations across Europe. At Neste, I was in charge of maintenance workshop operations at the Porvoo refinery.

I applied to Bilfinger because I have extensive experience and expertise in electricity, automation, and instrumentation, and because Bilfinger is an international company offering a wide range of industrial services. I am particularly interested in roles related to the service business and in further developing my expertise in business operations.

What do you consider most important in your job?

My job is to make sure that all local units have the capacity to serve our clients effectively. This means making sure they have the right skills, a sufficient number of personnel, and the ability to manage international projects that we are leading. While the local heads of units are responsible for delivering business and services to clients, my role is to work with them over the long term to grow and develop the business.

In every project, we must ensure that implementation is carried out within the agreed schedule, as efficiently and cost-effectively as possible. Occasionally, additional guidance is needed when unexpected situations arise, and support may be required to help prioritize tasks.

Engaging personnel in decision-making and operational development is a top priority. From a business perspective, this autumn we will be focusing on how to further develop Bilfinger’s services and project capabilities.

How did you end up in this field? 

I have been interested in technology since I was young. I was particularly interested in electronics and electrical engineering. I completed my studies in electronics production technology, which included courses in electrical engineering and automation. After graduating, I began my career as an electrician at a pulp mill. When an unexpected opportunity opened up, I became a foreman in the automation department.

What made you interested in applying to Bilfinger? 

Bilfinger caught my interest because of its broad range of services for industrial companies and its strong position in electrical contracting in Finland.  I was also drawn to Bilfinger’s clear ambition to grow its business. At the group level, there is a comprehensive service offering that enables collaboration on large-scale projects and supports the expansion of our current operations.

I’ve been warmly welcomed at Bilfinger and received excellent onboarding support from my close colleagues. As a work community, Bilfinger is close-knit, with strong collaboration and a genuine willingness to help one another. From Pekka, our CEO, I receive practical support when needed, along with valuable insights into electrical contracting, an area in which he has extensive experience.

Bilfinger gives the impression of being a company with substantial resources, yet decision-making is as agile as in a smaller organization. At least during my first few months, I have noticed that decisions can be made very quickly and flexibly.

What are the future challenges that may be experienced in the field? 

In the future, the electrical and automation sectors may face challenges in finding enough skilled employees. Current educational programs do not directly prepare graduates for industrial roles, even though the sector urgently needs new talent as industry becomes increasingly electrified and digitalized. Additionally, numerous green transition projects are planned in Finland, which will further increase the demand for industrial expertise.

What kind of person would be a good fit for Bilfinger?  

Someone who is interested in projects and technology in the Nordic countries. Bilfinger offers good opportunities for personal and career development. We have good examples of how installers have advanced into top managers and project manager roles, or who have moved into more demanding expert positions through further studies.