Marko Hännikäinen is a seasoned mechatronics engineer and a true hands-on project doer. He knows glass industry process equipment and production plant requirements well. At LGT, his core mission is to ensure that every delivered plant operates exactly as intended and that all solutions are safe, serviceable, and fully feasible in real-world conditions.
Broad experience and practical expertise
In LGT’s customer projects, Marko is responsible for the complete design and implementation of production plants. His work begins the moment a project lands on his desk from the sales team.
Everything starts with defining the process equipment and the plant layout: conveyors, dosing systems, storage solutions, steel structures, maintenance areas, and walkways. No two projects are alike, and this is where experience truly pays off, knowing what works in different environments and spatial constraints.
One of the key parts of the job is optimizing manufacturability and serviceability: how a device can be installed, supported, accessed, and maintained efficiently throughout its lifecycle.
Once the design is in place, the work moves from plans to practice. Marko and the team oversee subcontractors, review 3D models and equipment deliveries, collaborate with the customer at every project stage, support installation, and participate in commissioning when the plant comes to life.
“I never look at things only as CAD models,” Marko says. “I look at how they can actually be installed. Does it fit? Can it be serviced? Is this a cost-effective solution?”
Working with people, for people
Practicality is one of Marko’s strongest assets. He has worked on dozens of projects in Finland and abroad, gaining a deep understanding of the technical limits, space requirements, and process characteristics of production plants. This helps speed up decision-making and significantly reduce project risks. Spotting tight spaces, equipment compatibility issues, or practical challenges early on saves customers time, money, and unnecessary stress.
Customers value Marko’s calm, honest, and solution-focused way of working.
“I get along with all kinds of people, and customers seem to appreciate that. After a project in Turkey, the same client requested that I lead their project in Belgium as well. I guess I must have done something right,” Marko says with a modest smile.
And to us, that’s a clear sign of the added value he brings to every project.
“The LGT spirit is strong”
Marko has spent most of his career with LGT and its predecessor, Lahti Precision. Even though their paths have parted at times, they have always crossed again — for good reasons.
“What motivates me is LGT’s small, tight-knit team with no departmental boundaries. Mechanical design, electrical engineering, software, and project management all sit side by side in the office and work seamlessly together. The atmosphere is relaxed and flexible, and for that we can thank our CEO, Jarmo Sopanen, and his open, people-oriented leadership style.”
