Take on challenges with courage and always put the customer first—they are the reason we succeed
Raija is our dear Customer Support Manager at Alteams Laihia, Finland. She has been part of the Alteams family for over 30 years, starting as a billing secretary and becoming an invaluable member of the team. Known for her kindness and dedication, Raija makes sure everyone—her colleagues and our customers—feels supported and appreciated. And here is her story.
Career Journey
I started my career at Alteams Laihia in 1989 as a billing secretary. At first, my work was quite simple, but over time I took on more responsibilities—handling sales orders, managing subcontracting, and buying components. This growth led to my promotion to Sales Assistant, and later I supervised the purchasing team for a period. Today, I work as a Customer Support Manager, helping with daily sales and making sure our customers are heard and supported.
Daily Responsibilities
A typical day for me is busy and varied. I process sales orders, manage invoices, and talk with customers to agree on delivery schedules. I also work closely with the production team and purchasing team to keep everything running smoothly. On top of that, I track business trends, share updates with my team, and update our price lists every few months.
Memorable Moments
One of my proudest moments was when we successfully delivered products to a customer on time despite very challenging circumstances, and the customer personally thanked us. Another memorable moment was during a customer visit when they expressed appreciation for my quick responses to their messages. I’ve also found it rewarding to train new employees in the purchasing department and see them grow in their roles.
Team & Workplace Culture
For me, one of the best part of working here is the team. Everyone helps each other, and I feel valued and supported. Working together like this makes our workplace positive and enjoyable.
Personal & Professional Growth
Alteams has helped me grow both professionally and personally. I’ve gained confidence, improved my language and communication skills, and built strong relationships with customers and colleagues. My advice to anyone thinking about joining the company is to take on challenges with courage and always put the customer first—they are the reason we succeed.
Looking back, I’m proud of how my career has grown from a small role into one that is meaningful and really rewarding.