From planning to delivery: Henri Granroth's role in complex project management pushes boundaries

“Basic-level projects typically take from two to eight months, but some projects can take up to 5–6 years – even longer. Right now I am working with a really fast schedule plant delivery project where we start from scratch – even though the extended basic engineering has already been done. We start from the specification of all the devices and work our way through to delivering all the units to the customer and providing them with detailed documentation,” Henri reveals.

Personally, Henri enjoys both types of projects, but his heart is more set on complex delivery projects, where he can apply his expertise and push his talents to the limit.

“I enjoy working on the details. You have to think about the positioning of every single bolt and nut, every hose and electric wire – you just have to understand and manage the whole process. It's all about paying attention to the smallest details.”

Groundbreaking green technology for lithium production

Right now Henri is working on an especially interesting project. Over a decade ago, Metso began developing a lithium hydroxide process that produces high-standard lithium which can be used on lithium batteries. By Metso’s process, lithium can be extracted without acid in the greenest possible way. Now Henri is part of designing the first production facilities that utilize this groundbreaking technology.

"We are currently designing one of the first-ever complete industrial-size lithium hydroxide facilities. Metso is responsible for the detailed engineering and delivery of the instrumentation. We are talking about thousands of hours of design work here. This is also one of the biggest projects in Metso’s history," Henri says.

Henri reveals that there are few similar facilities contemplated around the world, even in Finland, but this particular facility will be the first of its kind. He believes that these technologies will rapidly gain widespread adoption due to the progressive nature of the field.

"Understandably, this kind of sustainable technology is highly valued. Battery grade lithium is in high demand – it’s needed for example in the batteries of electric cars. Normally in the extraction of lithium, there are huge amounts of acids needed. With our technology, our customers won’t be needing any."

Chief engineers lead the projects

In terms of project management, Henri’s current project has been quite exceptional. Typically this kind of instrumentation and delivery project would take several years. Now the instrumentation detail engineering, procurement, and equipment delivery will be completed in less than a year.

"The project schedule is extremely tight, and it has been pushing the limits of not only ours but also our suppliers. This has loaded our supply chain to the boundaries of its capacity. Although it has been rewarding, I hope this pace won't become the standard," Henri laughs.

Henri has played a significant role in the project. At Metso, engineers have a crucial role in project delivery. Henri names four stages for this kind of project: design specifications, engineering of devices and accessories, procurement, and detailed documentation for the customer.

"There are so many small nuances and tiny details to define. For example, we design which device goes where, which is the right measurement technique, is the substance solid or liquid, or is it maybe foamy or is the tank filled with steam. There are so many little things to consider."

Luckily, Henri doesn’t have to achieve all this alone. In the different phases of the projects, there are several people involved.

"I get a lot of help and support from my team. I have an average of six people working on the project – in some phases more, some less. Still, as a Chief Engineer, I am the one responsible for the delivery. I have to make sure that the customer has all the right equipment at the right time."

From challenges to big smiles on both sides

In a project of this magnitude and fast-paced schedule, the hardest part is managing the procurement process. It is sometimes like a very difficult puzzle that the chief engineer has to solve.

"I am never worried about how we can manage the strict timetable at Metso. Instead, I have to worry a bit about who can deliver the products on schedule and how we create such an effective supply chain that everything is ready on time," Henri says.

Even though there have been times in the past where Henri has been near impossible missions, he has managed to stay on schedule with his team. He also reveals that sometimes the most challenging parts are a blessing in disguise.

"Sometimes, when I start negotiating with suppliers, they may state that obtaining the part will take, for example, six months longer than the customer demands. No one is very happy at that point. But when we then find a solution that enables us to stay on schedule… I promise, we all have a smile on our faces."

For Henri, these rewarding yet challenging projects are the essence of his work. He wants to grow as a professional and test his limits.

"What I like about Metso is that there are a lot of different sizes of projects. If you want to focus on small basic-level projects, you can do that. But if you want to challenge yourself, you are given the opportunity. That is something I truly enjoy," Henri ends.