Agris Zalcmanis is the senior mechanical designer at Latvijas Finieris Iekārtu rūpnīca. He started working at Iekārtu rūpnīca with a professional diploma already in hand after his bachelor’s studies, initially combining the role of assistant mechanical designer with full-time master’s studies. Since December 2018, Agris has been the Senior mechanical designer at Iekārtu rūpnīca, not only creating solutions himself but also taking responsibility for the performance of the team.

“Iekārtu rūpnīca is my first and so far only job in my specialisation,”

said Agris, beginning his story about his career at Latvijas Finieris.

“When I was at school, I spent my free time on technical activities – for about seven or eight years I was into slot car track modelling. After graduating from Riga State Gymnasium No. 1, I started my studies at Riga Technical University in the study programme “Construction of Machines and Mechanisms”. During my studies and still today, I’ve had a passion for Downhill and Enduro mountain biking. I completed my understanding of the technical side of it by working in a bike shop and repairing bicycles. While I put the knowledge I gained in my studies into practice.”

To continue his development after completing his professional bachelor’s degree, Agris started studying for a Master’s Degree in Engineering Technology, Mechanics and Mechanical Engineering.

“During my master’s studies, I started working at Iekārtu rūpnīca of Latvijas Finieris, and to this day Latvijas Finieris is my first and so far only place of work. I started as an assistant mechanical designer, combining full-time studies with part-time work. The next step up was mechanical designer. As of December 2018, I am a senior mechanical designer.”

To explain what it means to be a mechanical designer, Agris explains:

“In English, the meaning of this profession says – a designer who understands a lot about technology. This includes a wide range of competencies for the specialist to design and build machines, as well as invent algorithms for machine operation. At Latvijas Finieris’ Iekārtu rūpnīca, specialists from several professions work to create, assemble and commission equipment. Mechanical designers are responsible for the mechanical parts of the equipment – preparing documentation (drawings and technical specifications) and designing the equipment. Electronics engineers work with electrical parts and operating algorithms. But the mechanical designer also needs to understand what an electric motor is and how it works. In short, we – mechanical – designers draw the model, while the electronic engineers design the control algorithm and automation. We each do our part, but we work in synergy, navigating each other’s work.”

The daily life of Agris is mostly spent in front of the computer, creating various 3D models and drawings. Starting from parts to whole machines.

“It’s not always a mechanical designer’s job to create something from zero. Sometimes, it is equipment that needs to be integrated into an existing production process. Then the work starts with going to the site, measuring, calculating, evaluating, analysing how the existing equipment works and how we can add the new equipment to or into it. Drawings may be simple, or they may take a day or more to prepare, in order to clearly show all the information needed for manufacture or assembly. We also design moving junctions, where speeds, loads, etc. have to be calculated. Geometry, mathematics, physics – these are just some of the skills that are critical for mechanical designers. After the drawings are made, the production workshop works on them and then colleagues go to install them. The mechanical designer is also involved in the manufacturing and installation phase, performing a kind of supervisory role.
The questions that are always present in a mechanical designer’s work are: can it be made at all; how can it be made; if it can be made, can it be put together; if it can be put together, can it be disassembled so that it can be transported, then installed on-site and put into operation; how can it be serviced afterwards?”

Speaking about working at Latvijas Finieris, Agris says:

“I value stability and security the most. The company is growing, so workers can feel calm – both about their jobs and their pay. And it is still interesting for me. Every piece of machinery we draw is unique. Every year, new and unprecedented projects for non-standard production solutions are realised. No two projects are the same. This is why I am loyal to Latvijas Finieris and Iekārtu rūpnīca.”

Latvijas Finieris is a responsible employer that relies on long-term relationships with professional, entrepreneurial and loyal employees, ensuring growth and a sense of security for tomorrow.