Meet the staff: Pontus Nordström

With a career spanning decades, our Technical Manager Pontus shares what brought him back to UMV and his passion for innovative, sustainable technology.

How long have you been working at UMV, and what attracted you to the company in the first place?

– My journey with UMV began back in 1989 when I worked here as a mechanical engineer and project manager. At that time, the company was called BTG Källe Inventing AB. After several years in the consulting business, I came back to UMV as Technical Manager between 2005 and 2009, and one year ago, I felt it was time to return to the company and the same role.

What drew me to the company was its unique position as a pioneer in developing machines for sustainable barrier coating. Their work on creating machines that coat paper and board with compostable and fossil-free materials is perfectly in tune with the time, and I wanted to be part of that journey. Even though UMV is a smaller company, they have an incredible ability to stay at the forefront of technology – something that truly inspires me.

What is your professional background?

– I’m a mechanical engineer with experience in project management, business development, and sales, mainly in the consulting business and the paper industry.

Can you describe your role as Technical Manager?

– As a Technical Manager, I have the responsibility of ensuring that our machine projects are delivered according to plan, on time, within budget, and with the highest quality. My work starts in the sales phase, where I contribute to calculations and planning, and continues throughout the entire project lifecycle, from commissioning to after-sales.

I’m also responsible for purchase, managing purchases of materials, machine parts, and assembly services, making me a central link between subcontractors and customers.

The role requires flexibility, especially since we are a small organization where many of us wear multiple hats. Our workplace is global, with projects in countries like Finland, France, India, and the U.S., so no days are alike. My tasks range from solving technical issues and collaborating with subcontractors to finding solutions that meet customer needs.

Since we don’t have our own workshop, communication with suppliers and customers is critical. I always aim to ensure quick support and high quality, whether it’s for new installations or upgrades of older machines. What makes this role so exciting is the variety, the fast pace, and the opportunity to work with cutting-edge technology in a global environment.

What’s the biggest challenge in your job?

– As a small organization with broad roles, we often handle multiple parallel projects. Balancing resources and ensuring everything runs smoothly can be challenging, but it’s also part of the charm. We work closely with customers and are quick to respond to their needs, which sets us apart from larger competitors.

Economic fluctuations do affect our industry, but the interest in our solutions is strong, and we’re seeing growth ahead.

What’s the most rewarding thing you’ve learned at UMV?

– Working with people from different cultures and roles, from operators to corporate executives. Handling cultural differences and adapting communication is both challenging and rewarding, and it’s something I’ve carried over from my time in the consulting business.

What do you enjoy doing in your free time?

– I prioritize exercise, especially padel and group training at the gym. After a sedentary job, it’s important to stay active and maintain physical well-being.