Niklas, design engineer: "I'm excited to bring my experience from previous positions and industries into WFI’s future projects"

Team WFI is growing! As 2024 came to a close, WFI’s technical department welcomed a new addition to the team, Niklas Kinander. Niklas worked most recently as a technical manager in the retail interior industry and is now taking on the position as design engineer at WFI. With a background in engineering, project management, and development, he has spent several years working hands on, particularly within automation technology and machine construction. In his new role, Niklas is eager to apply his experience from previous positions and industries to WFI’s future projects – with focus on developing smart solutions.

From toolmaking to machine construction and automation technology
Niklas began his career by studying to become a toolmaker and has since, as he puts it, been open to taking chances by exploring different roles and industries. Over the years, he has worked with machine construction, building specialized machines for companies in the automotive and plastics industries, as well as with automation technology and robotic automation. Most recently, he spent a few years working as a technical manager in the retail interior industry and is nowadays a part of team WFI as a design engineer.

– In my previous role, I was responsible for both production and the technical aspects of development projects within the checkout area of retail interior. But now, it feels great to return to work more hands on, focusing on design and the creative parts. That is what I enjoy most about my job, developing solutions and finding smart ways to solve problems. I approach this with enthusiasm guided by my three core values: professional pride, cleverness from Småland, and viewing challenges as opportunities, Niklas begins.

A great mix of solid experience and fresh perspectives
In his new everyday life as a design engineer, Niklas works daily with creating drawings and CAD models for both external customer projects and internal development projects. Together with the rest of the team in the technical department, he handles new inquiries from the sales department, visualizing them with proposed designs and construction solutions.

– Everything happens in close collaboration with sales, project management, and purchasing. You realize that it takes many people working together to get things across the finish line, and it is truly rewarding to be a part of such a well-functioning team. It feels like we have a great mix of solid experience and fresh perspectives that makes us strong together. There is a lot of challenge potential, and I look forward to applying my skills from previous roles and industries to the work ahead. It will be exciting to see how we can integrate automation thinking into our smart logistics solutions, Niklas concludes.

Three fast questions with Niklas!

What do you prefer to do in your free time?
–   Cycling has long been a passion of mine, everything from mountain biking and long solo rides to driving bike races with my son and cycling to work in the morning. Otherwise, I spend a lot of time in the garage with my two sons, where we restore old cars together. We started with A-tractors and have gradually moved on to real cars as well. It is nice to head out to the garage after a day at the office and get my hands dirty – partly to do something physical, partly to get extra “father and son time”.

How would you describe the working environment at WFI?
–   What stands out the most to me is the positive energy that contributes to a great work environment and forward momentum. You can really feel that it is a family-oriented company where they have managed to recruit the right people to create that kind of culture. Additionally, I want to highlight the equality at WFI as a strength. I personally find it incredibly positive to have so many sharp women involved in the daily work.

Your best memory at WFI so far?
–   It must be the Christmas party that took place during my first week – it was exciting to be thrown into the team spirit right away, and above all, it was really enjoyable!