Kishore Shouche was browsing LinkedIn when an interesting job opportunity came up: Metsä Group was looking for a technology manager for the Äänekoski pilot plant, where the manufacturing technology for the new Kuura textile fiber made from softwood pulp is being developed. The job matched his skills very well, as the Indian graduate in chemical engineering and industrial production had almost 30 years of experience in cellulose-based textile fibers and their manufacturing technologies, from production to research and development and management positions.
“It felt interesting to experience a completely new culture. My wife and I were free to go anywhere, as our son had just graduated and left for Canada for his further studies. My wife was also ready for an adventure, so I sent in an application and was invited for a job interview,” he says.
After the job interview, they were offered the opportunity to come and get to know Finland before committing to moving.
“We were here for three days in June last year. Based on that, we decided to take the opportunity, and we definitely made the right decision. We moved in October, and Metsä Group made sure everything went as smoothly as possible.”
In India, temperatures can rise up to 48 degrees, so the difference with winter conditions in Central Finland is huge.
"Luckily, my coworkers advised me on what to dress for in the cold."
The couple settled in Jyväskylä.
“My wife is studying Finnish and takes long walks every day, which has helped her meet people. So she already has more friends than I do.”
Work and life balance
Kishore Shouche plays a key role in the Kuura-
in the development of textile technology.
“We do test runs once or twice a month and the rest of the time we analyze the results and plan how to further develop the technology. In addition to the production process, we plan what kind of changes need to be made to the machines.”
In Shouche's opinion, the biggest difference between Finnish and Indian work cultures is that here work and life are better balanced.
“In India, there is a lot of talk about balance, but it was only here that we understood what it means. Competition is really tough in India. The stress level is much lower here, and because everything goes systematically and planned at work, it is also possible to plan your free time.”
Systematicity is also reflected in the emphasis placed on planning in the work.
“In India, we go from idea to execution with excitement, which can leave planning behind. Here, I have learned that well-planned is half – or 80% – done.”
There are also no compromises on safety issues.
“Things are done systematically because we want to do them safely, and at the same time, technology is also advancing. I really appreciate the fact that technology and safety go hand in hand all the time.”
Like my own child
The Shouches' goal is to stay in Finland permanently. They appreciate the nature here, especially the clean water and air. The work team has become like family to Kishore, and Kuura fiber is a bit like his own child.
“The first commercial Kuura plant is in the preliminary study phase, and if all goes well, there are still many professionally very exciting and challenging years ahead,” says Kishore Shouche.
He draws his attitude towards life from ancient Indian wisdom, which says that life should be celebrated while at the same time searching for one's true purpose, one's life mission.
“At the same time, I see that we are all one family and the entire planet, all living things, are one.”
It also fits well with this philosophy that he has been able to develop textile fiber manufacturing technologies in his career, from traditional viscose through modal and Lyocell to a more environmentally friendly direction.
Metsä Group has announced that the possible first Kuura factory could be built either in Äänekoski or Kemi. Shouche would welcome both options.
“We are ready to move to Kemi if necessary.”
