Lars Brandtman
Mechanical engineer
Age 49
With Emotron since 1991
I was employed to develop and build testing equipment. Working with paper drawings got me interested in the AutoCAD software used by my colleagues to design products, so I started learning it at home in the evenings.
When I found that the assembly drawings could be improved to have better fitting of details, I offered to make a suggestion. It resulted in the assembly time being reduced from eight to three hours. This was my step over to mechanical design.
In 1997, I took the initiative to evaluate 3D technology, resulting in us introducing SolidWorks. We now use this tool together with PDM Enterprise. This allows us to work on the same project in real time, which is crucial for our cross-border development teams involving engineers from around the group.
I have been part of the development of most of our products, for example our SR drive system for rotary heat exchangers which won a design award in 2001 and is still market leader. Another important project was the modular concept for our variable speed drives, offering flexibility in production as well as for customers.
The job is independent and varied. I work closely together with, for example, purchasing and production. Having all functions in the house means I can follow my design from idea to reality. Seeing it work in production and testing really gives me a kick.
I like the positive atmosphere and freedom of action at Emotron. It has offered me the opportunity to change direction and to grow. I missed this when moving to another company in 2008. After one year I was back!