Due to this, today’s operators need to acquire an in-depth
knowledge of electronics, in addition to the traditional
mechanical and hydraulics skills that were called for previously.
As another example, when Kemppainen began, the normal
practice for drilling caissons that required temporary casing
was to vibrate the casing into the ground and later drill them
out with mechanical drill rigs and crane-mounted drills.
“But when we brought Bauer on board in 2004, we
demonstrated to our customers that you are able to turn
temporary sectional casings into the ground by using the
Bauer BG hydraulic drill rig; all with steady production and
basically no vibration,” said Kemppainen. “This brought
about major changes in our local market, since using a vibro
in the city core could potentially disturb the adjacent
structures. When the city saw that we had a viable vibrationfree
alternative, vibros quickly became frowned upon.”
Planning for the future
As for the future of his industry, Kemppainen recognizes that,
as with many industries across North America, a widening
gap in the workforce supply is calling out for more people to
start exploring opportunities in the trades; and enrolment at
a trade school is a good place to start. Whether it is in heavy
equipment mechanics, geotechnical or construction drilling
practices, he feels that any related study will give a leg up to
those looking at entering the industry. However, that being
said, Kemppainen also believes that, even though experience
is still an invaluable asset, having people skills and the ability
to think on your feet is as equally important in today’s market.
“The business is ever-evolving, and you will need a skill set
that will enable you to keep up with the changes in innovation;
not only in regard to the equipment, but also changes
related to best practices,” said Kemppainen. “Keeping an
open mind to changing industry methods and new ways of
looking at foundation construction is increasingly critical to
finding success. Also, a willingness to work hard is a major
PERSONNEL
requirement. It can be a tough job to work in our field... but it
can also be very rewarding for those who work hard.”
In many ways, Kemppainen’s future career plans have
already been set in motion with this recent promotion and
he intends to use his new position as a means to do what he
can to help the company in its continued growth. As such,
Kemppainen is looking forward to becoming increasingly
involved with ECA Canada’s strategic planning, as well as
playing a larger role in the company achieving its long-term goals.
“We are always looking at ways to expand and I am
looking forward to being part of the continued and sustainable
growth of our company,” said Kemppainen.
Outside of work and in his free time, Kemppainen’s
interests include activities such as photography, travel and
travelling fast.
“In the summers I enjoy riding my motorcycle and drag
racing my SRT Jeep,” said Kemppainen. “I used to be more
into photography and I am thinking of blowing the dust off
of my camera gear and getting back into it... if and when the
time allows.”
3.5” wide by 2.25” high
ECA Canada testing an
RG19T sheet piling rig
ECA Canada’s BG20H drilling in
front of the CN Tower in Toronto
“Keeping an
open mind to
changing industry
methods and new
ways of looking
at foundation
construction is
increasingly critical
to finding success.”
– Ray Kemppainen
PILING CANADA 71