Expert Insights – Antti Ahokas at the Heart of Maintenance and Equipment Rental

Expert Insights – Antti Ahokas at the Heart of Maintenance and Equipment Rental

In the Expert Insights series, we introduce the specialists whose work keeps Saalasti Rails’ customers moving safely and efficiently. This time we meet Antti Ahokas, Maintenance Engineer, whose role combines rail equipment maintenance, safety assurance and the management of our rental fleet.

Two Roles, One Purpose: Reliable Equipment for Every Customer

Antti’s work is both hands-on and highly technical. His responsibilities include:

• maintaining and developing Saalasti Rails’ maintenance system
• ensuring the safety and compliance of the fleet
• performing equipment inspections together with senior experts
• developing maintenance processes with the production team
• guaranteeing the readiness of rental equipment for customer needs

He describes the core of his work simply:

“My motivation comes from seeing the impact immediately. When the equipment works, the customer’s production works.”

Maintenance is the Foundation of Operational Reliability

Well-maintained equipment prevents downtime, improves safety and keeps customer projects running on schedule. Predictive maintenance, correct timing of service work and continuous monitoring are central to Antti’s role.

Saalasti Rails uses digital tools for maintenance documentation and reporting, creating transparency for customers and streamlining both planning and execution.

According to Antti:

“Safety and reliability are built through preventive maintenance, documentation and continuous monitoring.”

Rental Equipment Brings Flexibility for Projects and Urgent Needs

When a customer’s own machine is under maintenance, or additional capacity is needed, rental equipment provides an immediate and cost-effective solution.

His practical on-site experience, for example in ballast handling and trackwork operations, gives him a clear understanding of what different tasks require from the equipment.

Our rental equipment is:

• regularly inspected and maintained
• delivered to customers ready for use
• available quickly when urgency matters

Antti recalls a memorable situation:

“A customer’s locomotive broke down during the operation. We delivered a rental locomotive quickly, allowing the project to continue without major delays.”

Expert Support for Customers’ Daily Operations

Technical understanding is essential, but so is the ability to identify the customer’s real need. Antti’s hands-on experience helps him match equipment to operational requirements accurately.

“I always try to understand the customer’s need before offering a solution.”

Trust is built through open communication, consistent quality and solid expertise.

Looking Ahead: Green Transition and Digitalisation

Antti sees several key development paths shaping the future of rail operations:

• modernisation of ageing equipment to extend lifecycle
• lower emissions and new energy solutions, such as electric drivetrains
• growing role of ETCS in safety and train control
• data-driven predictive maintenance becoming standard practice

Saalasti Rails supports customers through these changes with technical expertise, engineering support and reliable lifecycle services.

A Team That Supports and Enables Growth

Antti appreciates the balance of responsibility, hands-on work and professional development at Saalasti Rails.

“Here you get to work with the equipment for real. You are trusted with responsibility, and there’s room to grow your skills.”

Collaboration is a central part of our culture, everyone contributes to ensuring that the equipment performs and customers can rely on us.

A Message to Customers

Antti encourages customers to reach out whenever they need support:

“If you are considering maintenance services or equipment rental, don’t hesitate to contact us. We offer expert support and flexible solutions. Let’s make sure your equipment performs today and in the future.”

ECM Certification Ensures Safe and Compliant Maintenance

Saalasti Rails operates under ECM certification (Entity in Charge of Maintenance), which guarantees that our maintenance processes meet strict international safety and quality standards. Our ECM system helps customers trust that their equipment is maintained predictably, safely and in full compliance at all times.

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