In the beginning of next year, an internationally unique training program that aims to develop circular economy design capabilities, is starting in Finland. The Circular Design – a path towards circular economy -training program is the first program aimed at companies, which delves into the designing principles and practical solutions of circular economy. Design Forum Finland, under the Ministry of Environment, and circular economy specialist Ethica Oy and their partners, are responsible for implementing the program.

After COVID-19 hit, many companies switched from meeting partners and customers in-person to having endless virtual meetings. Teams and Zoom meetings filled up the days as we fumbled our ways through working remotely. The same happened to tradeshows; travel restrictions and social distancing made it impossible for people to gather in large groups and companies started a new trend of virtual tradeshows instead. Now that the world is slowly shifting back to the life before the pandemic, are the virtual tradeshows here to stay or are we yearning to meet our peers face-to-face again?

Level crossing accidents and the safety of level crossings in Finland has been discussed in the media from time to time – especially in the aftermath of major accidents. According to a study commissioned by Traficom, there were 81 significant level crossing accidents in Finland during 2007-2016, and the majority of these at unguarded level crossings. A significant level crossing accident is an accident that causes either personal injury or material damage of more than EUR 150 000 or causes an interruption of traffic on the main line for more than 6 hours (Karhu & Voutilainen: Traficom, 2019). Compared to the number of railway kilometres in the other Nordic countries, Sweden and Norway, level crossings in Finland are statistically more dangerous than in our western neighbours.

In 2019, a modernisation project was started on the Tampere-Seinäjoki railway section, which is considered one of Finland’s main railways. The interlocking of this track section is managed from the Western Finland centralised train control system (TAKO) supplied by Mipro.

There is currently no higher education institution specialising in railway technology in Finland, from which ready-made rail experts will graduate. Therefore, one good way to acquire the skills needed is to utilise recruiting training programmes. Over the years, we have found that the best professionals for the industry come from polishing the diamonds ourselves, in cooperation with a competent training partner.

Mipro Oy has appointed Jari Pylvänen and Aleksi Ikonen as Business Directors. The appointments will take effect immediately.

Welcome to visit us at our booth 530 in “Railway technology: Signalling” hall 27

The Water Services Days, organised by the Finnish Water Utilities Association, is a traditional event in the water industry. The two day event is a place for water supply operators to come together to discuss relevant matters and listen to expert lectures on current topics. This year the event was held in Botnia hall, Vaasa, May 11-12, 2022. During these two days, Mipro’s representatives met with customers and partners and attended the lectures on current topics such as crisis resilience, cyber security, water supply cooperation, asset management, carbon neutrality and circular economy. In this blog, we will highlight a few interesting speeches and talk about how Mipro’s solutions can address many of the issues that were raised at Water Services Days.

Mipro is committed to corporate social responsibility in accordance with the United Nations Global Compact (UNGC).

As a result of competitive tendering, the Finnish Transport Infrastructure Agency (Väylävirasto) has selected Mipro to deliver a new interlocking system for the Kuopio marshalling yard. The project includes a new ETCS-ready interlocking system for the marshalling yard, including e.g. centralised control of signals and switches and the possibility of local control.

Promoting the circular and data economy has become a key priority for many private companies and for the public sector, in order to improve competitiveness and achieve sustainability. These two issues also play an increasingly important role in ensuring security of supply. In Southern Savonia, the creation of concrete solutions has been enthusiastically pursued.

Mikkeli Waterworks’ new Metsä-Sairila wastewater treatment plant is one of the most modern in the world. A treatment plant based on MBR, membrane bioreactor technology, was built inside the bedrock. This minimised potential harm to the environment and at the same time provided good conditions for the process and maintenance. The treatment plant’s process automation and instrumentation project was started in the summer of 2019 and the plant was commissioned in May 2021. In addition to the wastewater treatment plant, Mipro’s MISONET automation system also included the Kenkäveronniemi inlet pumping station and the Salosaari measuring station.

The European Railway Agency, ERA, is the European Union’s agency responsible for promoting the harmonization of Europe’s railway systems. One of the main objectives of ERA is to improve railway safety and to develop safety culture. ERA organises the seminars and workshops provide a comprehensive overview of the direction in which European railway safety is being developed and how Finnish companies can also be involved in the development.

Almost 100 million journeys are made in the Helsinki metro every year. On average, 270 000 passengers rely on the punctuality and safety of the metro every day.

Mipro, in cooperation with Saranen Consulting Oy, The ELY Centre and The TE Office, launches a recruitment training program, “Mipro Academy”, on the 1st of February 2022.