FEELING for METAL(L)
When Johan Söderlund was doing his degree project for his Master's in Industrial Economics, he saw a vacancy at Elpress in Kramfors. That was almost four years ago and Johan is thriving in his current role as Product Manager.
Johan had no idea what kind of company Elpress was or what products they made, so he had to do his research before the first job interview. He was a little surprised when it turned out that Elpress was an international player with customers all over the world.
"Elpress has all its production in Kramfors, and also its own laboratory, which I found fascinating," says Johan. The company seemed interesting and Johan saw great opportunities to develop and learn in the event of getting the job, which he did.
As Product Manager, the tasks consist mainly of developing and maintaining Elpress's product range and project management for, among other things, product launches. Johan is responsible for Elpress PIM system (Product Information Management), a database containing all product information such as images, texts, documents, etc. The system supplies information to various outlets, including our catalogue and website.
Elpress News took the opportunity to ask our colleague some questions, the answers to which will certainly surprise some employees.
What is the most "amazing" thing you learned about Elpress products?
Something that has always been clear is that Elpress is permeated by high quality. But what I find most amazing is Elpress's rather unique business idea "System Elpress", which is based on a system solution, in which all components are to be approved. Not least the high flexibility and knowledge that exists within the company, which makes it possible to provide customers, who require special solutions, with quality and customised products. It is also amazing that Elpress has its very own Lab in Kramfors where all products are tested and approved according to current standards.
What are your plans for the future?
I am happy at Elpress and in my current role! Due to the variety of work, I have many contact points both inside and outside the company, so it is something I find interesting and I am happy to continue on that track. In the current times of Corona we are adapting, and everything is becoming more "digitized", which means that other points of contact are being made. Then one starts getting into marketing, for our products to be visible, a lot of information and moving material needs to be available to our customers and potential customers. This has led to more work being done for webinars and to make data available. That mix of customer contact and marketing is fun! Something about it makes me want to keep working on it!
If you could choose any job, at any company, what would it be?
It would have been incredibly cool to be able to make a living as a musician! But otherwise I feel very comfortable with the job I have today, so working as a product manager is probably a track I envisage staying on... Perhaps being a product manager at a guitar manufacturer like Gibson!
What do you do in your spare time?
I keep on top of my exercise regime, which is something I like doing! Both running and weight training. I have actually just latched on to this Padel trend, it's a fun sport even for total beginners (like me)! But I also do a lot of guitar playing and rehearsing, as I play in a heavy metal band in my spare time!
I don’t think my colleagues know this about me:
... that I play electric guitar in a heavy metal band called "Dark Reflection".
I think that's probably news to most people! I have also tried Yoga a couple of times, it's not as "heavy metal" perhaps, but I blame my partner for that!
Latest updated: 2021-04-21