In the beginning, there was a swamp, a shovel and Janne. While Janne Somero’s career at Keski-Suomen Betonirakenne (KSBR) did not start quite that dramatically, his first project in the company was undoubtedly anything but easy.

Construction of a demanding overhead transmission line project between Huittinen and Forssa began at the end of 2022. KSBR’s contract included 76 foundations and extensive earthworks, requiring exceptionally thorough planning and coordination. The project also presented significant logistical challenges, as the foundations were spread across a wide area of difficult terrain.

This was the project to which Janne Somero was assigned as project manager. At that point, he already had more than 20 years of experience from a family-owned construction business. Following the transmission line project, Somero further expanded his expertise in project management, equipment utilization and resource planning. Together, these experiences laid the groundwork for the role he was invited to take on in late summer 2026.

Somero has now been appointed fleet manager of KSBR Rent, the company responsible for the rental and maintenance of construction and earthmoving equipment. He will continue to oversee KSBR’s infrastructure operations while working from the Nivala office. In his new position, he succeeds long-time entrepreneur Juha Takanen.

Site visits and development work

When first approached about the role, Janne Somero gave the opportunity careful consideration.

– At first, I wasn’t particularly enthusiastic about the idea, he says candidly.

– But the more I thought about it, the more interested I became. I first needed to organize my thoughts and understand what the role would mean in practice and how my responsibilities would change. Eventually, it started to feel like a position in which I could truly succeed.

During the decision-making process, Janne Kananen, who leads GRK’s Power business as well as KSBR’s energy and infrastructure operations, proved to be an encouraging sounding board.

– In September, I called him and said that yes, I was ready to take on the challenge.

Once the decision had been made, Somero quickly turned his attention to development initiatives.

– Together with maintenance manager Juha Kivioja, we have already decided to spend more time at project sites and get to know the people doing the work. That will certainly make communication smoother.

There is also plenty to be done at Group level. Going forward, Somero and GRK’s Jesse Saukkola will jointly assess opportunities to increase cooperation between KSBR Rent and GRK in equipment operations. The goal is to make even more efficient use of the equipment fleet while ensuring cost-effective operation and maintenance across the Group.

The changes are part of the parent company GRK Group’s broader objective to modernize and develop its equipment operations and technical services organizations.

The ripple effect of reliable equipment

KSBR Rent is a familiar environment for Somero. In fact, it was Juha Takanen, who will step down from the helm of the company this autumn, who hired him as Construction Manager in 2019.

At that time, the company operated under the name Takanen MR Oy. KSBR acquired the business in 2021.

– I intend to continue Juha’s philosophy of taking excellent care of our equipment. It must be reliable, clean and sufficiently modern. Well-maintained equipment is an essential part of the KSBR Rent brand. It ensures the best possible service for our customers and makes us an even more attractive employer for new professionals, Somero says.

He emphasizes that when machinery and equipment are in good condition, the impact extends far beyond the equipment itself, influencing project schedules, safety, cost efficiency and even employee well-being.

– Part of my job is also to ensure that resources are always in the right place and that new projects have access to both the equipment and the people they need.

From a single vehicle to a growing business

Juha Takanen is pleased with the hands into which the company he has spent years building has been entrusted.

– My father, Martti, started the business with a single vehicle in the 1970s. We completed a generational transition in 2014, and today the fleet has grown to more than 50 vehicles, along with wall formwork systems, concrete pumping equipment, excavators, dumpers and other machinery. Janne is the natural choice to take over because he knows our equipment and our way of operating.

As for Juha himself, he intends to ease off the entrepreneurial pace somewhat, spend more time at his summer cottage and do some travelling.

– I’m happy to leave the business in Janne’s care. Our highly skilled maintenance team provides an excellent foundation for the future, he says.

Career opportunities within the company

Janne Somero believes it is a major strength that KSBR employees have opportunities to advance their careers within the organization.

– It’s extremely important. Our integration with GRK creates even more opportunities in that regard. Employees are motivated when they can fully utilize and develop their expertise while staying with the same employer.

His own latest bold career move is an excellent example of exactly that.