The members elected to INFRA's representative body made important decisions at the main event of the year, INFRA25, in Turku. Emil Mäntylä was elected Chairman of the Board in an exciting vote. Who is he?
1. Emil, you have been involved in INFRA's representative council since 2020 and the board since 2022, and in RT's representative council since 2023. You started as a deputy member in all of them earlier, and now you are also in EK's entrepreneur delegation. Are you in positions of trust in your element?
Yes, I feel that I am. I have always been interested in how common issues can be developed and taken forward, both from the perspective of an individual member and the entire industry. Positions of trust are a great opportunity to have a broad impact and learn from other actors. Working collaboratively, listening and seeking solutions is a natural way of working for me and I believe that it also fits well in positions of trust.
2. What role has INFRA Youth played in your own career as an influencer? What is your greeting to the young generation of member companies?
INFRA Youth's activities have had a really big impact! It served as an excellent springboard for these tasks, offering the opportunity to learn, network and see how together we can influence the development of the entire field. That's where I got the spark that things are worth taking on - and that your own contribution matters!
One of my big goals is to make this activity, which has given me so much, an essential part of the organization. I want to encourage everyone, regardless of background or gender, to get involved. Seize the opportunities early – your vision and energy keep the entire field vibrant.
3. INFRA You have been busy in Uusimaa for a long time. How will you ensure that in the future you will become familiar with all of Finland and all infrastructure sectors and be able to promote the entire industry?
I see a strong district association background as a strength. I understand the importance of regional activities and influence. I intend to be in constant contact with the districts, meet with members all over Finland and listen carefully to what is happening in different sectors. Cooperation and dialogue are the key to INFRA ry being able to promote the interests of the entire industry in a unified and credible manner.
4. What themes and topics would you particularly like INFRA to focus on during your term? If you could choose one thing that would change, what would it be?
I think that my first task as chairman is to clarify the themes and priorities that are important to the membership and the industry for the near future. But already at this stage it is clear that I want INFRA to continue its good work to strengthen the vitality and attractiveness of the industry. It is also important that companies can operate in a predictable and fair operating environment.
If I had to choose one thing that would at least change, it would be how we talk about infrastructure: I want the sector to be seen as the foundation of society, an enabler and a prerequisite for sustainable growth – not just as costs and projects..
5. In your election speech to the House of Representatives, you presented yourself as a pretty ordinary family man who lives in a semi-detached house and owns a Volvo and a golden retriever. Now reveal a skeleton in your closet!
Now (fortunately) a difficult question came up, but perhaps the answer to this is that even though I talk a lot about listening and cooperation, if someone asks me from home, I think I'm the one who forgets things and buys the wrong brand of milk from the store - so not everything always goes according to the construction site plans, but we're constantly improving!
6. Tell us a little more about your company and its history.
The story of our company began exactly 70 years ago with the return of Porkkala. At that time, the founder of the company, my grandfather Klaus Mäntylä, was commissioned to do ditching work and bought his first machine – an Ansaldo Fossati bulldozer, which was still called a tank in the aftermath of the war industry. From there, the company has come to where it is today after various stages and today we operate all over Finland in the circular economy, civil engineering and special transport.
7. Greetings to INFRA member companies and employees?
Thank you for the great honor and trust! I look forward to what we can achieve together. I embark on this mission with a big heart and as an Infra member – among you and for you!
Which one do you choose x 10
- Lake or seascape? – Lake
- Nice or Naantali? – Naantali
- Detective or non-fiction? – Detective
- To Avanto or to bubbles? – Avanto
- Shovel or snow thrower? – Shovel
- Touring skating or ice skating? – Ice skating
- RTD or Special Forces? – Special Forces
- Leka or CNC machine? – Leka
- Bounty or Mars? – Mars
- Fishing or golf? – Both!
Appointments and a new strategy on the agenda
Director, M.Sc. (Econ.) was elected as the Chairman of the Board at Turku INFRA25. Emil MäntyläMäntylä is already the third generation to represent the family business Mäntylä E & E, and has risen from INFRA Nuor to several positions of trust.
The head of Destia's rail and urban services business group will continue as first vice president. Kari Alavillamo.
The CEO of MP Logistics and the Chairman of the Board of INFRA Western Finland became the second vice-chairman. Marko Pakarinen.
INFRA's new strategy was also approved in Turku, according to which the organization will grow more and more into an everyday partner for its members - a support and security on the path of growth and change.