Staff

Ilves or Tappara?

Ilves!

How did you end up at Nokian Panimo?

In 2013, a friend told me that Nokian Panimo was looking for a summer temp in the office. I got the job and ended up spending three summers assisting Hannele in the office, working as a sales assistant in the brewery shop, and helping Jacob and Miitri out in the sales field and the brewery’s warehouse. In the autumn of 2015, I wrote my final year dissertation for the School of Business on behalf of the brewery. After that, I started working full-time in the office in a variety of roles and led brewery tours for several years, until those duties were handed over to Sari. Since spring 2021, I have been the brewery’s chief executive officer.

Ilves or Tappara?

Lahti Pelicans.

How did you end up at Nokian Panimo?

I first became interested in the food industry as a young lad whilst doing summer jobs at Fazer Mylly. After my military service, I decided to study for a degree in the field. The plan was to return to the bakery sector after graduating, but a microbrewery course led by Tuomas Markkula steered me in the direction of beer brewing instead. I graduated from HAMK as a food technology engineer and, after working at a couple of larger breweries, eventually ended up at Nokian Panimo as a brewer. The beer has been flowing freely and I’ve got to know Nokian Panimo very well over the years. There aren’t many jobs I haven’t done at the brewery. Microbrewing at its best. These days, I work as the brewery’s production manager.

Ilves or Tappara?

Ikurin Vire 😉

How did you end up at Nokian Panimo?

I ended up at the brewery in 2011. At the time, I was looking for work in my field and happened to get a job as a process operator in the cellar. That marked the start of a journey that has taken me through the various stages of the brewery – from the cellar to the brewhouse and the laboratory, right up to my current role as head of beer production. I’m responsible for ensuring the smooth day-to-day running of beer production, leading the team and ensuring quality. Process development is particularly close to my heart, whether it involves automation, equipment procurement or operational methods. It’s rewarding to see how continuous development ultimately shows in the finished beer 🍻

Ilves or Tappara?

As a long-time resident of Pori, I wonder how I should respond to this?

How did you end up at Nokian Panimo?

In January 2025, I heard that the long-serving master brewer at Nokian Panimo had stepped down from his role and that they were looking for a new person to take his place. I expressed my keen interest in the vacancy and, following the recruitment process, I was delighted to hear that the job was mine! It’s brilliant to be joining such a professional team and to be able to make my own contribution to Nokian Panimo’s success story.

Ilves or Tappara?

Having travelled all over Finland, I support Ilves.

How did you end up at Nokian Panimo?

I started studying process engineering when I decided to change career paths. One of the courses covered beer brewing, and after two brews I began looking for more information and challenges, and became keen to study biotechnology in greater depth. It turned into a passion that continues to this day. I first came here for a work placement in February 2021 and ended up staying on this path. My main responsibilities are tasks in the brewhouse and the cellar.

Ilves or Tappara?

Of the local teams, it’s definitely Ilves, but as someone from Ostrobothnia, Kärpät is of course the undisputed number one.

How did you end up at Nokian Panimo?

In autumn 2021, my time at Pyynikki Brewery came to an end, along with that of a few others. Coincidentally, around the same time, an old friend told me he was planning to leave Nokian Panimo to set off on new adventures. So we swapped jobs on the spur of the moment in January 2022, and I’ve ended up staying here and enjoying myself.

Ilves or Tappara?

Tappara, raised on his mother’s milk.

How did you end up at Nokian Panimo?

I started working here through a recruitment agency in 2010, armed only with the experience I’d gained from my own empirical self-exploration of the sector. My duties mainly involve work in the brewhouse and cellar, as well as general odd jobs.

Ilves or Tappara?

Neither. I don’t follow ice hockey.

How did you end up at Nokian Panimo?

After my military service, I was looking for work and Nokian Panimo was recruiting. I got through to the job interview, after which I went on holiday to Italy. After my trip, I heard that I’d got the job. I’ve now been working at the brewery for several years.

Ilves or Tappara?

Neither. I don’t follow ice hockey.

How did you end up at Nokian Panimo?

I had just graduated from vocational college and was looking for work when I heard that Nokian Panimo had a three-month fixed-term contract available. I took the job, and after three months I was offered a permanent position here. I’ve now been with the company for 11 years.

Ilves or Tappara?

SA-IPA

How did you end up at Nokian Panimo?

I worked at Fazer Makeiset in Lappeenranta for 15 years, until we moved to Tampere because of my wife’s job. At that point, I’d already applied for jobs in brewing in Nokia and Pyynikki, as I’d always been interested in beer production, but the time wasn’t quite right for me yet. However, I managed to secure an eight-month temporary position at Saarioinen in Sahalahti as a cover for someone on study leave. When my time there came to an end, I couldn’t seem to find any work in my own field, and I was already thinking about a career change. Then, whilst on a career development course, an advert for Nokian Panimo caught my eye. I sent in my application, and the rest is history. #teetyötäjostatykkäät

Ilves or Tappara?

Ilves.

How did you end up at Nokian Panimo?

An acquaintance of mine, who worked at a brewery, rang me one lovely summer morning and asked if I was interested in a job in brewing. And of course I was. I started a few years ago as a brewhouse and cellar assistant, and these days I’m the supervisor of the bottling department.

Ilves or Tappara?

Tappara.

How did you end up at Nokian Panimo?

I joined the brewery in the summer of 1997 to bottle Linda cider. A former colleague from my time at the Pyynikki Brewery (Sinebrychoff) put in a good word for me when they heard I was available. Now I mainly do canning work, as well as repairing and maintaining the equipment.

Ilves or Tappara?

Tappara

How did you end up at Nokian Panimo?

Ending up at Nokian Panimo was a matter of chance. I was looking for work at just the right time and was interested in process operations. A vacancy was advertised for someone to work in the canning plant at Nokia, and that’s where I am still today.

Tappara or Ilves?

Neither – I don’t follow ice hockey.

How did you end up at Nokian Panimo?

Beer and other alcoholic drinks have always been a part of my life as a hobby. This hobby turned into a career through the restaurant industry, and studying for a Bachelor’s degree in Food Science was the next natural step, as I wanted to work in beverage production. In the autumn of 2023, the stars aligned: I was looking for work and a brewery was looking for someone to join its team. Luck was on my side and I got to join a brilliant team to pursue my dream career.

Tappara or Ilves?

Ilves

How did you end up at Nokian Panimo?

I’d been working as a production worker at Saarioinen in Sahalahti for just under five years when, one day, I found myself wondering what I’d like to do when I grew up.

Well, I happened to come across an advert saying that Nokian Panimo was recruiting, and as I was interested in the world of beer, I sent off my application – and here I am now.

Ilves or Tappara?

Neither, TPS.

How did you end up at Nokian Panimo?

I ended up at Nokian Panimo in 2008 after I had sold my stake in a food import company and my long-standing business partner, Matti Heikkilä, rang to say telling me that he had taken up the post of managing director at Nokian Panimo and asking if I’d be interested in heading up the sales team. It’s now been 14 years since then, spent with a brilliant team.

Ilves or Tappara?

Tappara.

How did you end up at Nokian Panimo?

In 2012, the sales team in the Helsinki metropolitan area needed some extra help; that’s when I was recruited, and I’ve been part of the team ever since. I’m currently the regional manager for Southern Finland.

Ilves or Tappara?

Come on, Ilves!!!

How did you end up at Nokian Panimo?

A mate told me there was a good job up for grabs with a great team. And now I’m on board.

Ilves or Tappara?

Tappara, of course – I’ll never forget the 1985–1987 seasons. These days, I can even bring myself to support Ilves a little, as long as they’re not playing against each other.

How did you end up at Nokian Panimo?

I’ve been an entrepreneur for 25 years, 18 of which I spent as a shopkeeper in Nokia, and when I stopped, I found myself hoping to get a job somewhere nice. The brewery needed a temporary worker/stand-in/stocker, and after a two-year ‘probationary period’, I was offered a permanent position. I’m currently the manager of the Shop and Taproom. I’m also responsible for the Keisari Experience brewery tours.

The best colleagues in the world are right here in this building. It’s really lovely to come to work here every day, and it’s brilliant to be part of this success story.

Ilves or Tappara?

Tappara.

How did you end up at Nokian Panimo?

I’d decided to give up being self-employed and was wondering what I’d end up doing when I grew up. I looked into various training options, and an apprenticeship seemed to suit my circumstances. Then, one lovely summer evening, I was sitting out on that terrace and it suddenly dawned on me: could I possibly come here to do a qualification? I picked up the phone and rang Sari to ask if something like that was possible – and it was. And now here I am, part of a brilliant team.

Tappara or Ilves?

llves!

How did you end up at Nokian Panimo?

I saw on LinkedIn that Panimo was recruiting a Warehouse Manager and quickly decided to apply for the role, as it sounded interesting and I was intrigued by Panimo’s brand and story. On top of that, I’d heard a lot of good things about the Brewery. I have a varied background in warehousing and logistics, as well as experience of working in a production environment. I believe that here I’ll be able to utilise my strengths and develop both myself and Panimo’s logistics as part of a great team! It’s great to be working at Panimo and to ensure that customers can enjoy our high-quality products in shops, restaurants and at various events.

Ilves or Tappara?

Porin Ässät.

How did you end up at Nokian Panimo?

In 1997, I went to the brewery’s warehouse for a couple of days to help with the production of Linda cider, and that’s when I caught the brewing bug.

Ilves or Tappara?

Ilves… Always!

How did you end up at Nokian Panimo?

I’m a general labourer in the food industry. I’ve been working in various roles in the sector for over 25 years. I also used to do summer jobs at the Pyynikki (Sinebrychoff) brewery back in the early 1990s. Then there came a period later on when I was out of work for a while, so I plucked up the courage to knock on the door and ask for a job. Here I am, and I’m already in my fifth year. I’m now the second-in-command in logistics at the warehouse.

Ilves or Tappara?

ONE LOVE – ONE CLUB, ILVES!

How did you end up at Nokian Panimo?

Just before the application deadline, I heard about the vacancy for Head of Maintenance and decided to apply. After a couple of meetings with the brewery’s management, we found we were on the same wavelength quite effortlessly. The brewery had also been a client of mine for several years in my previous job, so it wasn’t a leap into the completely unknown. I’ve been carrying out various maintenance tasks for nearly twenty years now. It’s a source of pride to be working at the brewery in my own village!

Ilves or Tappara?

Kalpa, of course.

How did you end up at Nokian Panimo?

I was just phoning round various companies when I heard that a former maintenance worker at Nokian Panimo was about to retire and asked me to pop round. As it happened, there were jobs available, so I ended up staying here.

Ilves or Tappara?

I chose my side back in the 1970s, but I try to remain neutral on social media.

How did you end up at Nokian Panimo?

– In the spring of ’95 (I’ll never forget it), the brewery’s office assistant hadn’t turned up for work and I got a call asking if I knew how to use a computer and if I could come in to cover for her. I’d learnt to use AmiPro and PageMaker at the Jyväskylä College of Vocational Teachers, so computers were certainly nothing new to me. The Täky Tuoretukku system used at the brewery, with its green flashing letters, was completely unfamiliar to me, though I didn’t mention that. The office assistant didn’t come back, so I ended up staying in that role. Little by little, my duties have become more varied, and these days my title is Administrative Manager; I handle the paperwork for the business.

Ilves or Tappara?

Ever since I was a child, I’ve been taught that Ilves is the only one that counts.

How did you end up at Nokian Panimo?

I started working at the brewery in August 2021. In spring 2021, I spotted a job advert online, and here I am now. I have a Master’s degree in Accounting, and before joining the brewery I worked as an auditor. My role involves a wide range of finance and marketing tasks, such as cost accounting, internal reporting and preparing financial statements. The work is suitably challenging and interesting, and it’s always a pleasure to come to work!

Ilves or Tappara?

Ilves

How did you end up at Nokian Panimo?

As I was about to graduate from university, I was looking at new job opportunities when I noticed that Nokian Panimo was recruiting. The job description (and the products) were so interesting that I simply had to submit an application. During the recruitment process, I was travelling around France on the Interrail pass, but I managed to fit the interviews in between train journeys and other activities with apparent ease. I haven’t regretted applying to Nokian Panimo for a single day!

Ilves or Tappara?

Vimpelin Veto

How did you end up at Nokian Panimo?

In autumn 2025, I came across a vacancy for a temporary Business Development Manager and applied for the role straight away. The job description seemed exceptionally interesting, and I was already familiar with the company’s strong brand. I’m lucky to have joined such a professional team, who are keen to drive the company forward together.