Mari Laakso works as a R&D Manager at Oilon. She began her career at the company as a R&D Engineer, focusing on the development of power plant and process burners. Over time, her responsibilities expanded to include industrial burners in smaller capacity ranges as well.

Today, Mari leads product development projects, participates in the testing of new products, and serves as the manager of the testing and simulation team. Her role also includes evaluating emissions and performance, as well as defining burner solutions for new fuels, such as biofuels. In addition, customer visits provide valuable insight into real-world operations.

“Through customer visits, I’ve had the opportunity to see how things work in the field and what kinds of challenges customers encounter in their day-to-day operations,” Mari explains.

“Even though I’ve been with the company for a long time, every week still brings something new,” she says. New challenges keep the work interesting, but for Mari, the best part of the job is the people.

“My colleagues are what truly make this workplace special. We work together toward common goals and solve challenges as a team,” Mari notes.

Over the years, both Mari’s role and the nature of her work have evolved, as have the requirements of the industry. For example, increasingly stringent emissions regulations have guided product development efforts. Oilon has responded by developing ultra-low NOx burners, with nitrogen oxide emissions that can be as low as under 20 mg/Nm³, significantly below EU emission limits.

Colleagues also spend time together outside of work. Oilon’s skiing group regularly trains together and takes part in the annual Finlandia Ski Marathon.

“I probably wouldn’t have participated in any of Finlandia Ski Marathon without this group. It’s great to have colleagues who encourage you to join in and challenge yourself,” Mari says.