The Switch is expanding its power electronics (PE) operations in Vaasa. The upgraded production and test facility is now fully operational and provides multiple career opportunities for those interested in joining the company.
The company’s specialties include DC switchboard solutions (DC-Hub) intended for electric power supplies on ships along with other products supporting electrification within the marine industry.
“We offer tailored solutions to our customers, products and systems that reduce exhaust emissions and protect the environment,” says Christoffer Westman, Manager Software Applications, Power Electronics at The Switch.
This year, The Switch has made significant investments to scale up production and expand testing opportunities in Vaasa. The facility is already able to simulate how products are used on ships, supporting growing demand in the marine sector.
Power electronics now part of Vaasa’s future
The Switch has recently organized production, adjusting what is produced where. As the company also has production facilities in Lappeenranta, Norway and China ensuring that all the pieces fit together is challenging.
Factory manager Eemi Rautiainen explains that the Vaasa factory will place an even stronger focus on power electronics products, such as DC-Hubs, including their assembly and testing. The factory plans to make further investments and expand the PE product line. These measures will meet growing demand and maximize efficiency.
In addition to PE products, the facility will continue assembling and testing permanent magnet generators for offshore wind power, ensuring a steady workflow in the manufacturing process.
A record order backlog
The recent investments and production restructuring have a clear purpose. Maria Myllymäki, Sourcing Manager, notes that the company has never had such a high order backlog.
CEO Miika Reinikka confirms that during the first five months of this year, The Switch has already secured more orders than during the entire year of 2024.
Celebrating a milestone
In addition to a record order intake, The Switch is celebrating another important milestone. The company recently received its 500th shaft generator order since the very first one left production. This achievement is particularly notable considering that the first shaft generator was delivered just ten years ago. Many of these generators were manufactured in Vaasa.
The milestone is not only a feather in the company’s cap but is also significant from an environmental perspective. Permanent magnet shaft generators help reduce fuel consumption and lower greenhouse gas emissions.
Many paths into the company
For those interested in working at The Switch, there are several ways to join. Rautiainen himself started as a trainee, completed his thesis work for the company, and worked his way up to his current position.
“The Switch is becoming such a big player that many different types of skills and competencies are needed,” he says.
The Switch is becoming such a big player that many different types of skills and competencies are needed.
Westman advises anyone interested in working with technology to study electrical engineering – a point highlighted by The Switch’s current search for skilled electrical fitters.
Myllymäki, who works in purchasing, emphasizes that knowledge of production economics is valuable and can open up many career opportunities. She also highlights the international aspect of working at The Switch. When she started almost ten years ago, much of her work was with China, whereas lately her focus has shifted more toward Norway.
At its Vaasa facility on Yrittäjänkatu 11, The Switch employs approximately 70 of its 250 employees. About half of the personnel work in the factory, while the rest are involved in product development, purchasing, logistics and customer service.
This article is part of a series about companies undertaking world-class product development in Ostrobothnia. Partners:
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