According to Miika Laivonen, the BDC Kajaani Data Center project was a demanding one – the schedule was so tight that someone even called it an unofficial world record. As Construction Manager at SWECO PM, Laivonen was responsible for overseeing a large-scale operation where NK Tekniikka served as the electrical contractor. It was a project that, in addition to the challenging timeline, required exceptional professional skill to succeed.
Success Built on the First Phase
Collaboration with NK Tekniikka began in the autumn of 2024 during the first phase of the data hall project. The work progressed with such high quality that the client wanted NK Tekniikka to continue into the next phase as well. According to Laivonen, that says a lot.
The success of the first phase inspired confidence not only in project management but also among the client’s representatives. NK Tekniikka proved that promises were kept, schedules were maintained, and challenges were addressed quickly.
Project Management That Shows on Site
Laivonen especially emphasizes NK Tekniikka’s project management approach. In his view, it was not distant or administrative oversight, but genuine hands-on work and presence at the site.
“It’s not enough for management to sit in a remote office trying to manage a project from afar. You have to be on site, solve issues, and keep things moving forward.”
On site, NK Tekniikka demonstrated a comprehensive and proactive attitude: problems were solved quickly, and collaboration with the client and designers was active. The NK Tekniikka team demonstrated strong team spirit and genuine professionalism. Given the extremely tight schedule, installations had to be carried out efficiently and correctly the first time.
Solution-Oriented Collaboration That Delivered Results
According to Laivonen, NK Tekniikka’s approach was rooted in a “can-do” attitude, where challenges were met with solutions rather than delays.
“NK Tekniikka’s way of working was always solution-oriented, and if an issue arose, it was taken care of immediately.”
Although NK Tekniikka did not have direct design responsibility, their contribution was essential to the design’s success. Their experience and expertise guided the work in the right direction:
“Supporting Sweco’s design work, NK Tekniikka brought practical solutions to the table and helped steer the design in the right direction.”
Laivonen gives special thanks to the site management team, Petri Pirinen, Matti and Matias Nuorala, and Tuomas Kalapudas, who, in his words, played a key role in day-to-day management and in bringing the project to completion.
Resources, Scheduling, and Attitude in Perfect Balance
The scale and schedule of the data center were exceptional. A project that would typically take a year or more elsewhere was completed in just over seven months.
“Someone even said this was an unofficial world record.”
According to Laivonen, NK Tekniikka provided weekly schedule updates and mostly adhered to them. When delays did occur, they reacted quickly – often by adjusting working hours and putting in extra effort during evenings and weekends. The extremely tight project timeline coincided with the summer holiday season, but the site team ensured that work never came to a halt.
“If we fell behind schedule, there was always a plan or a crew ready to catch up. Vacations were taken later in the autumn, as the project had to be completed first.”
Laivonen says this shows the team’s dedication, flexibility, and professional pride:
“They had more stretch than chewing gum. The most important thing was that the main contractor was never left alone.”
The collaboration was built on shared responsibility, with every party carrying their weight. The project’s success was a common goal, and everyone worked towards it with determination.
Professionalism That Reaches the Field
Laivonen emphasizes that NK Tekniikka’s excellence was visible even among the electricians. The work was done carefully, the quality was evident in the finishing touches, and the overall attitude on site was excellent. The right people were assigned to the key roles, forming a strong and committed core team over the course of the project.
He notes that on many other sites, project management often leaves too much responsibility to the workers. At NK Tekniikka, however, resources were properly allocated, and management was handled by professionals.
“In many places, schedules slip because electricians are expected to do the impossible. Here, project management was solid.”
A Collaboration That Leaves a Mark
The Kajaani Data Center project was technically demanding. It was also a true test of collaboration, time pressure, and professionalism. Its success was built on trust, shared goals, and skilled execution from both management and field teams.
“They were true to their word. What was promised, was delivered.”