Master of Commissioning – Pasi Ala-Mutka: “In experienced hands, the whole system comes to life”

Pasi Ala-Mutka, who works at Raumaster as a site supervisor for installations and commissioning, spends most of his year on project sites around the world. While experience and hands-on expertise are essential in the work itself, strong support networks also play a key role.

As a Commissioning and Installation Supervisor, Pasi Ala-Mutka works on both outdoor fuel handling areas and indoor material handling processes. Most commonly, he is responsible for commissioning fuel and additive feeding systems for boilers.

“I carry out installation inspections on equipment installed both by Raumaster and by the customer. During commissioning, each piece of equipment is ‘brought to life’ individually through cold commissioning. Once everything operates as intended, the equipment is integrated into complete feeding lines. After fine-tuning, hot commissioning with fuel begins,” Ala-Mutka explains.

“We have a great responsibility and a genuine commitment to take care of every detail.”

Success requires not only broad technical expertise but also strong collaboration networks. Ala-Mutka works closely with project managers, designers and subcontractors, among others.

“By the time we step in, many people have already completed their part of the work. Our role is to ensure that the equipment performs in line with sales commitments and design specifications. This is highly interdependent teamwork, and effective cooperation with all parties also makes our work smoother.”

Ala-Mutka, who joined Raumaster in July 2019, has a total of around 18 years of experience in similar roles.

Technical and cultural understanding

From a commissioning perspective, projects typically begin in the final stages of installation. The commissioning engineer inspects the equipment and carries out the necessary fine adjustments to ensure safety and usability. Commissioning is considered complete once fuel is successfully run through the system, after which performance is often monitored further.

“Commissioning also includes training and instructing the customer’s personnel. A project is only complete when everything is running as it should and the operators have the required competence to use the equipment,” Ala-Mutka says.

“We don’t always share a common language, but things can be worked out through gestures.”

Mechanical expertise and an understanding of how the equipment works form the foundation of the role. In addition, hands-on skills, cooperation and the ability to work across cultures are essential.

“Experience is the greatest asset, and there are no shortcuts – it is something that accumulates over time, kilometre by kilometre. In every country, local culture must be respected, both at work and in everyday life.”

“A project is only complete when everything is running as it should and the operators have the required competence to use the equipment,” says Ala-Mutka.

Much of the year spent on the road

Ala-Mutka, who joined Raumaster in July 2019 and lives in Alavus, Finland, has a total of around 18 years of experience in similar roles. Today, he spends on average 250 days per year travelling. In addition to Europe, he is particularly familiar with projects across Asia.

“Sometimes the assignments are longer, sometimes shorter. When you travel this much, things at home must be in order. I’m in a fortunate position – I’ve been able to do this job 100% thanks to the support I have at home,” Ala-Mutka smiles.

“I’m also aware that on site I represent Raumaster. We have a great responsibility and a genuine commitment to take care of every detail. When a project is completed as planned, it brings a real sense of achievement – and of course, positive feedback is always appreciated.”

Master of Commissioning – what does it take?

Pasi Ala-Mutka, Site Supervisor, Installation and Commissioning, Raumaster: “Commissioning ensures that the equipment operates exactly as designed in every respect. Our work requires broad technical competence and understanding, as well as an interest in equipment, continuous improvement and high quality. Experience is a major advantage in many aspects. Success is built on seamless collaboration, and we commissioning engineers do our part to ensure that projects are completed to the highest standards.”