Metallised frame of mind
Peter Hvizda, Metallised Film Production Manager of Tervakoski Film, works in his dream job developing the bright future of capacitor films.
THE METALLISED FILM PRODUCED BY TERVAKOSKI FILM IS USED IN CAPACITORS ALL OVER THE WORLD – WHY IS YOUR FILM SO POPULAR?
We are an independent actor in our field, which means that we do the entire product by our own. We manufacture and metallise the film. There are not many other companies that can do both under the same roof. Of course, I cannot speak for the customer, but I think that our top selling point is the ability to offer the most technically demanding capacitor film solutions in the market. Probably, the other one is our expertise in the field. Tervakoski Film is a known brand with a long history. Because of our customer-oriented minds, we keep up-to-date with what is happening in the world and adjust our operations accordingly. We have a unique, well-designed supply chain from the polymer manufacturers to the metallised films customer and a laboratory for testing and observation. These are the most important factors we have to ensure to guarantee high-quality of Tervakoski, in which we trust so confidently that we can assure our products a warranty of more than 30 years.
HOW IS THE METALLISED FILM MARKET AT THE MOMENT?
Actually, there are only a handful of actors in the market manufacturing metallised film. But the pattern is now changing, as China has started to invest in the capacitors manufacturing. Many companies are thus founding production lines in China. It is interesting to follow what will happen. Fortunately, even if capacitor manufacturing shifts from Europe to Asia, our metallised film will still be in its capacitors.
There are not many other companies that can manufacture the film and then metallise it under the same roof.
BECAUSE OF SMART GRIDS, ELECTRIC CARS AND THE RAIL INDUSTRY – AMONG OTHER INFRASTRUCTURE APPLICATIONS – METALLISATION HAS NOW BECOME A DEFINITE TREND IN THE FILM MARKET. WHERE DO YOU SEE THE INDUSTRY DEVELOPING IN THE FUTURE?
Everyone talks about sustainability and green values. To increase the use of renewable energy sources, the European super grid was created and is now under construction. Transporting energy over long distances requires high-voltage levels to minimise losses, and I therefore believe that high-voltage direct current will be the new standard in the future. This means that the use of metallised film is increasing rapidly. Even though my opinion is not based on research, I believe this is only the beginning of a bigger story.
HOW ARE YOU PREPARED FOR THE CHANGES?
We have invested in our metallised film production as this huge market demands enormous capacity. Today, we have eight metallising machines in full operation. Along with increasing capacity, we need more lines and storage space to meet the future requirements. But, let’s see what the future holds. In any case, I am confident that Tervakoski Film will be part of it.
HOW WILL THE FILM BE DEVELOPED IN THE FUTURE?
The smart grid, electric cars, and other new innovations require smaller capacitors. We are producing an even thinner film with a thinner metal layer on it for these applications. We work in close cooperation with our customers, who all have their own designs and demands for the film and its metallising. Striving always to meet our customers’ needs, we are able to design more unique variations of the film.
We always strive to answer our customers’ needs and are thus able to design more unique variations of the film.
WHAT’S THE BEST THING ABOUT YOUR JOB?
I have been working with Tervakoski Film for 13 years in many different positions, and as a Metallised Film Production Manager for eight years. It is nice to notice that I am still as excited about my job as it was on my first day here. This is due to the smart people around me and our great teamwork. We are always growing and learning together, and that rewards the work. If I think about what my dream job was a few years ago, my current position fits it perfectly. I also think it is cool that with our work we can realize people’s dreams and help the future innovations come to life.
“Close cooperation with the customer is the most important thing when developing the product. Here we are always learning something new, and that makes the work rewarding,” says Peter Hvizda.