It quickly becomes clear that Marianne Valola brings a versatile background, a strong drive to learn, and above all, a genuine desire to help customers succeed. At Lahti Glass Technology, Marianne works in sales and development, with a particular focus on glass fiber recycling solutions. At the core of her work is one guiding principle: making the customer’s everyday operations run more smoothly. “I truly want to understand what our customers are looking for and build solutions based on that.”
A diverse background that brings real value to customers
Marianne’s experience uniquely combines sales, customer service, product development, and service design. This is reflected directly in her work with customers: challenges are approached as complete processes rather than individual pieces of equipment, solutions are built from the customer’s perspective, and communication is clear and straightforward.
In recent years, Marianne further strengthened her expertise by completing a Master of Science in Mechanical Engineering at LUT University. For customers, this means that her understanding goes beyond the surface level and extends into technical details.
From a student project to practical solutions
Marianne’s journey to Lahti Glass Technology began through the Lahti Venture Program at LUT University, where she worked in an international team to develop LGT’s business. During the project, she gained an understanding of both LGT’s technology, and the challenges faced by its customers.
In her thesis Marianne focused on glass fiber recycling, a topic directly relevant to LGT’s customers: “Qualities of glass fiber forming waste and how they affect recycling process”
The results of her work have been applied in the development of recycling processes. For customers, this translates into a better understanding of material behavior, more efficient recycling solutions, reduced waste, and increased value from side streams.
Solutions for situations where everything is not yet clear
For Marianne, the most important part of her work is not providing ready-made answers but finding the right questions. “The best moment is when a customer feels that something could work better, but the solution is not yet fully clear.” In these situations, her strengths come into play: the ability to listen and clarify the problem, a genuine willingness to dive into the customer’s situation, and the persistence to find a working solution. “Success is at its best when it is achieved together with the customer.”
A determined mindset that shows in customer work
Marianne’s background as an entrepreneur and endurance athlete is reflected in her way of working. “Once we get started, we see things through to the finish.” This mindset is also visible in her free time. Last summer, she completed a 37-kilometer trail run in Ylläs fell in Finnish Lapland, and next summer her goal is 66 kilometers. She has also taken part in the Spartan Race event in Lahti.
“I don’t go to Ylläs to compete against others, but to see far from above and to share meaningful experiences with a good friend.”
Sport has shaped her way of thinking. “The starting line is often harder to cross than the finish line. In order to get started, you have to believe that you are the right person to do this work and make this dream come true. Once you take that first step, courage and effort will eventually get you to the finish line.”
According to Marianne, the same applies to business. You need to believe that you will succeed, even when there are challenges, fatigue, or uncertainty along the way. For customers, this means that things are addressed quickly, processes are followed through, and answers are found, even when they are not immediately available. “I am always eager to dig out answers to any questions our customers may have.”
Why LGT – and what it means for the customer
Marianne joined LGT a year ago, and one thing has stood out in particular: the level of expertise. “We have an incredible amount of knowledge here, and it is truly available for our customers.” LGT’s strength lies not only in its technology, but in its ability to combine deep process understanding, practical implementation, and a long-term commitment to developing customer operations.
At LGT, people are also trusted with responsibility and encouraged to grow into demanding roles. That means setting the bar high and not always choosing the easiest path. As Marianne puts it, you learn by doing and by stepping outside your comfort zone.
The working environment has also been an important part of her experience. Marianne describes her supervisors as approachable and supportive, and says that at LGT, you can truly be yourself. The positive team spirit is visible in everyday work and makes coming to work enjoyable. Shared activities are also part of the culture, and colleagues have enthusiastically joined in on the sports and wellbeing initiatives Marianne has introduced.
Marianne summarizes her role for customers in a very concrete way. “If you want to modify your existing batch plant or if you want a new batch plant, contact me. We have excellent solutions for receiving, weighing, dosing, mixing, conveying, material recycling and many more”.
Get in touch with Marianne and let’s build glass processing solutions together!
