Major renewal at Uwira – new layout shortens lead times and improves employee well-being

The factory layout renewal at Uwira Oy – part of the Leinolat Group and located in Suvilahti, Vaasa – is nearing completion. The main objectives of the renewal are to shorten production lead times and improve employee well-being. As part of the project, Uwira's production management system has been updated, and the social facilities in all production halls have been renovated. By the turn of the year, the renewal was in its final stages. Final finishing work is currently underway in Hall 2.

Facilities aligned with production flow

Started in early 2025, the layout renewal and renovation project aims to streamline and improve Uwira's production flow as well as enhance both workplace comfort and safety. Before the renewal, same work phases were carried out in different parts of the hall. Following the changes, the placement of workstations and, for example, tools, now follows the natural flow of production.

Work tasks have now been centralized so that each production phase takes place in its own designated area. In addition, different production functions have been reorganized across the halls into a new, more efficient order. As part of the changes, Uwira's production management system has been updated from a push-based system to a pull-based one. In a pull system, semi-finished products are called to assembly points according to the work queue. This ensures timely and efficient production and helps keep the production facilities clear and well organized.

"The most important aspect of the entire project has been to ensure that the production flow and its management allow us to fully utilize the capacity of our production. We can't eliminate transports and transfers entirely, but they will be significantly reduced, and they now follow the production flow. In addition, all tools are now tidily placed in their own clearly defined locations", says Uwira's Production Manager, Otto Lammi.

Occupational safety, comfort, and ergonomic working 

 The renewal has been designed in-house by Uwira's own personnel. It was important for Uwira to plan the layout together with production staff – the best possible solutions for the placement of equipment and machinery have been determined together with the employees. Lammi emphasizes that the new layout will improve occupational safety and workplace comfort, and support ergonomic working.

"We have aimed to take into account everything that affects employee well-being. For example, we have improved factory lighting and reduced noise levels. We have also carried out extensive renovations to the employee facilities in every hall – completely renewing break rooms, locker rooms, and sanitary facilities. In addition to renovations, we also enhanced functionality: employees now have separate lockers for personal clothes and workwear, and we have also introduced separate locker rooms for women."

Positive impact on delivery times 

The renewed layout is expected to have a positive impact on delivery times through shorter lead times. A clear and functional layout also makes it easier to identify potential issues, enabling continued development of production in the future.

"This is a significant and important project for Uwira. We are very much looking forward to seeing its effects in practice," Lammi concludes.

What other development efforts were implemented at Uwira in 2025? Read more!