Keskitalo, who works in ABB’s Motion Services, mainly meets customers from the paper, metal and mining industries, as well as the energy sector.
“Together we go through the situation of the customer’s motors and generators as well as the need for drives services, and I map out how we can assist,” Keskitalo explains. “We plan the modernization needs of facilities, spare equipment service and periods of downtime, and we deliver measurements to customers, for example, to illustrate the benefits related to energy efficiency.”
“Sometimes we also visit the service center in Oulu or ABB’s production facilities in Vaasa or Helsinki. This way, customers can see how our motors and frequency inverters are both made and maintained in Finland.”
Solid knowledge of the offerings boosts sales work
Arto's own ABB career also started at the ABB motors and generators factory in Pitäjänmäki, Helsinki 35 years ago. “As a newly graduated technician, I was able to get to know all the working stages of motor manufacturing, from laying to winding and from assembly to testing,” he recounts.
After 10 years as a manager, Arto returned from Helsinki to his home region in the north after receiving an invitation to start running the Service center in Oulu that employed 30 mechanics. Later, he also became responsible for the Service center in Vaasa. “I worked for 10 years in a leading role in the Service centers. From those times, I remember the possibility to work independently, where I was given responsibility, but at the same time, support was always available if I needed it.”
“At ABB, I appreciate cooperation. We think about and do things together – in this way, the best solutions are also found. It is clear that no one knows everything, but we always have that guy who has a specific knowledge and can help,” Arto says. “I communicate with local colleagues or those from other ABB countries every day in my current position as well.”
ABB operates in 20 locations in Finland and serves customers throughout the country. Arto Keskitalo is responsible for ABB’s motor and generators customers in Northern Finland and maps also the service needs of frequency inverters. 
From time to time, Arto drops by the office to the service center to monitor the maintenance of customers' equipment. Pentti Runtti on the right shares status information on the motor winding. 
Workshop suprvisor Mika Kuivila (on the right) is always on top of things when Arto wants information about customers' equipment.
Sales work attracts
Arto Keskitalo started as a sales engineer 15 years ago. “My previous work experience with production and services management responsibilities has been a big advantage. I think I know ABB’s motors and our Service offerings like the back of my hand,” Keskitalo laughs. “And, of course, the customers have become familiar over the years. They have always been very quality-conscious. In addition, the aspects of sustainable development and energy saving are emphasized today. Together we can build a better world with, for example, high-efficiency engines.”
Arto entered a new decade this year, but his pace is not slowing down. “I usually go for a walk as early as 5:30, and my working day often starts at 7:00. Morning time is the best for me,” he explains. During the pandemic, Arto walked an average of 12,000 steps a day. "It was a good counterbalance to driving, and it is good to keep moving.”
Now he is able to meet our customers again. Some driving kilometers are accumulated during work, because the distances in the north are often long. “I plan the routes as sensibly as possible, and with a vehicle equipped with modern technology, the kilometers are easily covered. Of course, you have to watch out for reindeer and moose, as well as old people. Safety observations from the road accumulate in ABB’s system,” Arto informs.
However, Teams meetings with customers are here to stay, so he doesn’t have to start the car as often he did before. “Whether we meet face-to-face or virtually, the best part of this job is solving things together with customers and with the support of colleagues. I must also thank my predecessors, who have given me the right amount of freedom and responsibility in all my duties.”
“At ABB you have the potential to do anything. All you have to do is hop on board,” Arto encourages young people who are thinking about the direction of their careers.
