Karl-Erik Lyts A veteran in the production hall With 44 years of experience at Rani, Karl-Erik Lyts has seen it all. He has witnessed the company’s development from a small family business, where everyone knew everyone, to a major industry player. – A lot has changed over the years, especially the products. The films we deliver to customers today are twice as thin as those of the 1980s. It’s exciting to see how technology is moving forward. Karl-Erik is interested in technical things and enjoys seeing the installation of new machines. He thinks that curiosity about technical matters is a useful characteristic for those working in production. Punctuality, perseverance, and a serious approach to work, are also good characteristics, according to him. – When young people join us, I often tell them they’re welcome to work at Rani, but should prioritise getting an education first. Karl-Erik and many of his peers have been working in the same workplace for a long time, while younger generations tend to switch jobs and aren’t always sure about their career paths. –This is challenging for the company. Becoming a skilled film blower requires extensive experience with the machines. It can take several years to fully develop the necessary expertise. –Becoming a skilled film blower requires extensive experience with the machines. Karl-Erik has worked as a film blower responsible for raw material procurement for the past 25 years. He ensures the right raw materials are available at the right time, and are delivered to the right production line. He points to the connection station above the machine, which has various hoses for different types of granules. When a silo runs empty it must be refilled, and sometimes materials must be transferred to another silo or restocked. In his job it’s important always to be one step ahead. – The work also involves numerous forklift trips, particularly since we began using regranulates and the eco-hall. He enjoys his work and has a good relationship with his colleagues, but shift work does take its toll. Nonetheless, he approves of the new 12-hour system, as it gives him more time to rest between shifts. –But my sleep suffers, especially since I’m a morning person. After a shift, it usually takes me two days to feel mentally clear again. He unwinds by walking his dogs, working in the forest, and ensuring he makes time for exercise. What is the best thing about Rani? –Reliability. For instance, we always receive our salaries on time. I remember a country-wide bank strike in the mid-1990s. Even then we were paid on the scheduled day. The company organised it so that we could collect our wages in cash from the payroll office. Who: Karl-Erik Lyts. What: Film blower and raw material manager on the extrusion side of the production hall. He is also a substitute shift foreman. Background: Born and raised in Terjärv, but has lived in Kaustby for many years with his wife. He has spent his entire working life at Rani. He worked as a trainee and summer worker in the welding department in the village factory before starting work at Bjölas. Likes: Spending time outside with the family’s two dogs, a labrador and a husky —preferably at least an hour or two every day. Also enjoys cycling, and is training to return to running after suffering from a torn Achilles tendon.
