Valmet: “By open and confidential collaboration, the best solutions are found”
Valmet regards the expertise, local presence, and positive attitude towards problem-solving that unite both parties as the foundation of a successful partnership – when everything can be discussed openly in good spirits, the means to execute things in the best possible way are also found.
Finspection began inspections of pressure equipment manufactured according to the ASME code (American Society of Mechanical Engineers) at Valmet’s Lapua and Tampere Lahdesjärvi sites in the autumn of 2023. Additionally, Finspection’s ASME AI (Authorized Inspector) and AIS (Authorized Inspector Supervisor) experts were part of the Joint Review team when Valmet renewed its ASME manufacturing license for the next three years.
The ASME certificate is significant for Valmet as it enables the manufacture and sale of pressure vessel components for boilers for power and pulp industries in the United States, Canada, and South Africa, among others.
Tommi Kinossalo, Manager, Quality Control & Welding, Valmet, explains the factors that influenced the choice of partner:
“We knew even before the collaboration began that Finspection had skilled professionals. Additionally, they were able to provide a competitive offer.”
“Furthermore, Finspection’s local presence was an important selection criterion. Many service providers in the industry are German or British. However, operating in one’s native language is a significant advantage when dealing with the complex ASME code. It reduces the possibility of interpretation errors,” Kinossalo summarizes.
“Auditing is always a small effort, but with Finspection, everything went smoothly“
ASME standards are widely recognized – the certificate ensures Valmet’s manufacturing license, allowing the company to sell its products worldwide. The certificate is valid for three years, after which the audit must be conducted again.
The renewal of the ASME license began with a pre-audit conducted by Finspection, which assessed Valmet’s readiness for the official audit, the Joint Review.
“Audit is always a little exertion, but we were confident that the official audit would go through. The pre-audit revealed some minor adjustments that we were able to address before the actual audit. Overall, the project with Finspection was smoothly executed,” describes Kinossalo.
Finspection provides official ASME AIA -services (Authorized Inspection Agency) in cooperation with the German TÜV Thüringen.
“I see it as an advantage that Finspection collaborates with an international ASME expert organization. Although discussions about standards are smoother in our native language, the ASME code is written in English, and there may be differences in interpretation when translating. In problematic situations, we have been able to seek opinions and confirmations from the German side as well,” Kinossalo explains.
Problem-solving in good spirits
In addition to ASME certification, Valmet has had several ASME code-compliant boiler projects ongoing during the collaboration, where Finspection has been responsible for pressure equipment inspection at both the Lapua and Tampere sites.
“The inspection visits have been scheduled between Valmet and Finspection in a timely manner, so there have been no unnecessary interruptions in production, even with short notice.”
Kinossalo appreciates the openness, flexibility, and accessibility in cooperation with Finspection.
“The collaboration with Finspection has become smooth, and it’s easy to contact familiar experts with a low threshold. We share a common attitude towards problem-solving; everything can be discussed, and we can find ways to execute things in the best possible way together.”
“The saying ‘the customer is always right’ doesn’t apply when it comes to ASME codes,” Kinossalo laughs and continues: “That’s why it’s important that we have full confidence in Finspection’s expertise and competence.”
Valmet
- Valmet is a leading supplier and developer of process technology, automation solutions, and services for the pulp, paper and energy industries worldwide.
- With over 220 years of industrial history, the company employs over 19,000 professionals.
- Over the years, the factories in Tampere and Lapua have produced a total of over 300 components stamped according to ASME standards.
