Erik Sandgren, design engineer at WFI: ”The most fun is seeing a product idea come to life”

Team WFI continues to grow with new employees! One of last year’s new additions is Erik Sandgren, who began his employment as a design engineer in September 2022. Before Erik took place at the company, he has both studied 3D technology and worked with construction within a couple of different industries. Nowadays, Erik works daily with customer inquiries and internal development projects with the rest of the team at the technology department. And he describes that the short decision paths from idea to product are what he appreciates the most.

Technology interest became a career
It is easy to see a clear line in Erik’s background, both when it comes to education, work, and interests. For high school, he completed the technology program in Gnosjö and then continued directly on the same track with a two-year education within 3D technology in Värnamo. Studies that have been followed by practical work with construction in a number of industries, for example store interior, safety equipment, and resale of CAD software. Since September 2022, he is employed as a design engineer at WFI.

– Everything started when we got to try drawing during high school, which I immediately thought was very fun. Then I got a tip about the education in Värnamo and applied straight after graduation. I think it was around six years ago that I finished my education, and since then, work life has flown pretty good with a couple different positions as a design engineer before I found my way to WFI!, Erik begins.

Customer inquiries and internal development projects
Erik’s working days mainly consists of producing drawings and CAD models, both for external and internal development projects. His tasks usually starts when a request reaches the technology department and begins with the creation of a 3D model. The model is then presented to responsible salesperson or customer, and when the design is approved, all documents required for calculation and production are completed.

– Besides pure customer requests, I also work with our existing range. That usually includes further development of products or improving functionality. During this autumn, for example, I worked on our new welding table where we wanted to produce a variant with a better price picture, without compromising on the quality. But it can also be lifting a specific product from a case and making certain adjustments to make it fit into our standard range. So, my days are very varied even though the basis is the same, Erik says.

”The most fun is seeing a product idea come to life”
Inside the technology department, there is an ongoing close collaboration between the design engineers and the product manager, as well as with other departments at the office. Since it is a smaller team, there are usually short decision paths and quick management. Something that Erik describes as both preferring and appreciating in his point of view.

– I like our fast paths from inquiry to finished product! We always have an ongoing dialogue and can reason with each other, which I find very positive. Some matters can be a tough nut to crack, and it is not always that you see the most obvious solution on your own. It can absolutely be challenging to produce an article that meets every criteria and at the same time has a price picture that works. But that is also the most fun, brainstorming for a long time and finally making up a product idea that becomes reality. A smart solution that works well and the customer likes, that is the best thing about my job!, Erik concludes.

Three fast questions with Erik!

What do you prefer to do in your free time?
–   It may not be completely unexpected but I am quite interested in technology, so I think it is fun to try new technology gadgets and functions. We also have a little one at 1 year and 3 months at home so I spend a lot of time with my family, preferably on the couch in front of a good series!

What is your best memory from WFI so far?
–   I think that my best memory so far is the first after work I attended! It was quite close upon my employment, and it was really nice to meet everyone and hang out after working hours.

How would you describe WFI as an employer?
–   I would summarize it as a familiar workplace with good resources and nice products. It feels like we are a good mix of people, some new and many who have been here for a long time. A great and helpful group where I enjoy myself very much!