We would like to thank everyone who visited our booth, especially all you who entered our contest. THANK YOU!
We also want to give a big thanks to the organizers who made NATE to what it is today. THANK YOU!
We had two fantastic days at NATE UNITE. See you next year!
Wrapping up the last day at NATE UNITE 2020.
At the end of the day we will announce the winner of the DJI Mini drone contest. At the moment the fastest time to assemble our Roof Butler is an incredible 4 minutes and 27 seconds.
Welcome to booth #823 where we show you our 5G-ready solutions.
Hope to see you!
#mafiis5Gready
We wish everyone a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year, especially the kids at Kenswad Academy in Kenya.
Edition 2 of our product catalogue is now available for downloading
MAFI welcomes emerging growth with the help from Optilon
MAFI, The Scandinavian market leader in the antenna and support engineering, teams up with Optilon, the independent Nordic supply chain advisor, to support MAFI’s projected growth.
“It is important that we are fully prepared in order to keep up with our predicted growth, and that’s why this project is so important. By gaining a centralized decision-making process that helps us forecast and control all material flows, we can remain efficient and responsive despite the global expansion.” – Carin Werkmästar, Chief Supply Chain Officer, MAFI Group.
The joint journey includes a key implementation of an enhanced process for supply and demand planning. The process is supported by world-leading supply chain technology*. Some of the improved planning capabilities that MAFI will gain are the following:
A partial driver for MAFI’s growth is the construction of the emerging 5G networks. Optilon is proud to be a part of MAFI’s journey and the creation of future networks that will be a key enabler for the future connected community and industry 4.0 among other significant digital concepts.
About Mafi
MAFI Group is an engineering company that designs, develops and sells infrastructure solutions to the telecom sector worldwide. MAFI was founded in 1992 and has played a vital role in helping operators and vendors to build thousands of telecom sites.
About Optilon
Optilon focuses on helping their customers utilize their resources where they generate the most value. We are a company founded by engineers, that combines world-leading technology with Nordic expertise in Supply Chain.
Optilon was founded in 2005 and is today active throughout the Nordic region with offices in Sweden, Denmark and Finland. Since the beginning, Optilon has completed over 500 projects, and currently employ close to 50 people.
*SO99+ by Optilon’s trusted partner ToolsGroup
Pierre Bengtsson, the majority owner and current CEO of MAFI Group has decided to focus on his role as board member.
The board has appointed Mats Thörnqvist to take over the CEO role.
From its start in 1992, MAFI Group has grown from a small, local, company into a global enterprise. The company is now taking the next step in its continued expansion on the global market.
“I am very pleased to present Mats Thörnqvist as the new CEO,” comments Kent Hansson, chairman of the board. “Mats is a skillful leader and has showed deep understanding of how to nurture growth and development in an international, technical operation during his previous management roles.”
Mats has held various senior management positions in Scania and, since 2014, has been living in São Paulo. There, he was a key person in the industrialization and production planning of Scania’s new truck program in Brazil. He is an engineering graduate and will be setting up home in Mora with his family. Mats will start his service no later than October 15, 2019.
“I feel honored to be taking over from Pierre as CEO and leading one of the most exciting companies in this sector. We are facing a journey with many challenges. Working with my colleagues in MAFI Group, I am looking forward to creating innovative and sustainable solutions,” reveals Mats.
“As the company’s chairman, I would like to thank Pierre for having literally devoted 20 years of his life to developing MAFI Group into what it is today. We now sell our products globally and have operations in four parts of the world. Pierre laid the foundations for the journey the company is to continue with Mats in charge. I’m looking very much forward to continuing to work with Pierre on the board,” concludes Kent.
For further information
Kent Hansson
Chairman
+46 (0)70 284 43 48
kent.hansson@mafigroup.com
In-depth interviews with Pierre and Mats can be read at www.mafigroup.com. Mats Thörnqvist, new CEO of MAFI Group
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“Who is Mats?”
“Well, I’m 37 and I grew up in Avesta. I left home at 16 to specialize in energy and technology at a residential, upper-secondary school. After that, I studied materials technology for 2 years at Dalarna University. I went on to complete my engineering degree at the KTH Royal Institute of Technology in Stockholm. In 2006, initially focused on materials technology, I started as a trainee at Scania. Just a year after my traineeship, I was promoted to be the manager of Scania’s largest materials technology group.
“In 2014, having led several organizations in, for example, product development and business development, I was given the responsibility of starting and running the production planning and industrialization of Scania’s new truck program for the Latin American market. This assignment was based in São Paulo, Brazil. It ran for 5 years. At the end of June, I, my wife and three children moved back to Sweden.”
“What will you be bringing to MAFI?”
“I’ve gained a great deal of expertise and experience from one of Sweden’s most respected, major companies. This will be very useful on the journey ahead of us. Working abroad for a long time also gave me international experience and an understanding of other cultures.”
“What’s your response if I say goal-oriented?”
“Yes, I’m extremely goal and results-oriented. Quite simply, I like to compete,” answers Mats, laughing.
“However, at the same time, I value people highly. Results, yes, but the most important thing is to have fun along the way. This helps things go well and it is how we’ll reach the goals we set. I put a lot of energy into promoting a creative and congenial work environment for all employees. We must have fun!”
What sort of leader are you?
“A selfless coach. I believe in the philosophy that the person who has a problem also most usually has the answer. It’s simply a matter of asking the right questions and coaching the person towards the answer. This is how people grow, gain in self-confidence and learn how to encourage and coach others to develop. Still, management sometimes has to be asked for advice or decisions. We’re always here when necessary. Discussion is very open at MAFI. It will continue to be so.”
Do you have any leadership role models?
“I have many; some in Scania and some outside. I often encourage managers and other workers to find a role model, analyze what they find impressive in this person and challenge themselves to be at least as good. I myself have always had the personal goal of being good at addressing audiences, something that scares most people. If you expose yourself often enough to these uncomfortable situations, I guarantee that, sooner or later, you will, as I do now, appreciate the experience you’ve gained.”
“What do you expect of your fellow workers?”
“That everyone takes up the organization-wide challenge of company growth in existing and new business areas. Additionally that, in accepting this challenge, we all see the opportunities for developing personally by taking more responsibility and making more decisions ourselves.”
“Have you been able to gain an idea of what MAFI’s biggest challenge is?”
“We now have a clear company structure and organization with many new functions. We have also started operations in both North America and Asia. As regards structure and organization, the challenge is to ensure that roles and responsibilities are crystal clear and that everyone knows what is expected of them. In North America and Asia, we have to create scalable organizations and boost sales. Another challenge is to continue to grow organically while maintaining our delivery and quality levels. As said, to reach our long-term goals, we also need to explore new business areas.”
“What is Mats like away from work?”
“Still extremely goal-oriented,” replies Mats with yet another laugh.
“When I was young, I did a lot of snowboarding, mostly big jump. Having injured my shoulder, but having escaped relatively unharmed compared to many others in the sport, I decided to quit. However, I’m never slow to accept challenges.
“I appreciate having an active life. I’ve done three Swedish Classic races. The Lidingöloppet cross-country race is in the diary every year. I’ve also done the Stockholm marathon, the Göteborgsvarvet half marathon and taken part in the world’s most amazing running experience, the Rio de Janeiro marathon.
“When my time’s not taken by job or family, I like to work with my hands. Though I say it myself, I’m quite handy. I like creating, modifying or rejuvenating things, a hobby I share with my wife, Lena. Before the children came, we used to visit major do-it-yourself stores just to get ideas for new projects.”
“How does it feel to be taking over from someone who has given half his life to getting MAFI to where it is today?”
“It is, of course, a huge honor. At the same time, it’s a fantastic opportunity to develop operations and to take Pierre’s legacy further into the future.>
“The company is in its most expansive phase ever. What are the ideas behind now taking a step back and how do you feel about it?”
“I planned to take a step back in the next few years so that I could focus more on my work for the company’s board. However, when Mats came onto the horizon, everything went more quickly than planned. Life can be like that at times. Still, for me, it’s an entirely natural step. In our present phase, we need different skills and a new driving force. Mats fits the bill.
“With all the skillful workers who have joined the company in the past two years and the organization we have established, I’m confident about my decision. I also think it will be incredibly exciting to watch the company develop from my new perspective as owner and board member.”
“All the decisions you’ve taken over the years have been in the company’s best interests. The same applies here, but this time the decision has massive repercussions for you personally. How does that feel deep down?”
“There are many feelings rushing through my head. Of course, these include a certain apprehension. However, that’s always the case with major changes. I’m used to taking decisions that impact on others. Thus, in some way, I also have to be prepared for decisions that impact on me. Nonetheless, there is obviously some apprehension.”
“What will your future involvement be?”
“I won’t be disappearing from the company, but I also won’t have any operational responsibilities. Apart from board work, I’ll be around to provide support for Mats and our companies abroad. I’ll also be passing on my experience of the industry to our new recruits. However, Mats and senior management will be calling the tune.”
“What will you miss on the operational side?”
“All the employees. We’re a large family. I’ll miss that most.”
“You’ve done an almost inhuman amount of travelling. Will you miss that?”
“I’ll still be travelling, but not to the same extent. Thus, there’s definitely going to be a little travel abstinence,” responds Pierre with a huge smile.
“One thing I won’t miss about travelling is the feeling that creeps up on me after two weeks back home. It’s a sort of panic that we’re losing sales opportunities and that the world is coming to a standstill. It’s not a nice feeling, so it’ll be good to escape that. However, we now also work in an entirely different way. We’re expanding the company via local establishments worldwide. This means there doesn’t have to be as much air travel as before. We’ve always worked for sustainability. Thus, it’s good to now have new blood that is also passionate about the subject, but in its own way.”
“What is the biggest challenge facing Mats?”
“MAFI’s values globally amongst all its employees. Bringing everybody aboard the same boat and rowing in the same direction.”
“What do you feel has been your greatest strength as a leader?”
“Never giving up. I’ve been through much adversity over the years, but never given up. Then there’s my long-term approach. Regardless of whether things are going well or badly, I work towards long-term goals.”
“What’s the major lesson you’ve taken from your twenty years here?”
“That things don’t always turn out as imagined.”
“Are you good at handling things not turning out as imagined?”
“Yes. I don’t think that the unease I’ve sometimes felt on various occasions has spread to those around me. At least, that’s what I think!”
“What are you looking forward to the most in your new role?”
“To work close and on a regular basis with Kent and Philip on the board”
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MAFI’s new solution, the Roof Butler, or more formally MAFI 4120,
is ready to be ordered and will begin to be shipped out from early September.The Roof Butler is a freestanding solution pole for wind exposed equipment such as RRU’s, filters and switch-boxes placed in areas of low risk. It’s been in the making for a while, as a complement to MAFI’s 4112.
”We realised that the market demanded an altarnative that is even lighter and easier to assemble on site than MAFI 4112,” says Samuel Enqvist, Cheif Business Office for MAFI Standard Solutions, MSS.
”We have managed to construct a solution that is exceptionally light and flexible compared to comparable solutions. We have achieved this due to our engineers’ in-depth knowledge on how to shape thin and pre-galvanised high-strength steel into optimal shapes.”
The Roof Butler will be shipped to sites in small boxes with a total weight of less 25 kilos (55 lb). This allows it to be carried and mounted by one technician. Still, its load capacity is almost 250 kilos (529 lb).
”Since we also have put much effort into giving the Roof Butler a simple but efficient design it is quickly assembled” Samuel continues.
”So in short using MAFI´s Roof Butler will save our customers both time and money.”
One of the designers developing the Roof Butler was Daniel Boberg.
”We have thoroughly designed every component in detail so that the final product would meet both our demands of high standards and life expectancy” he says. ”For instance, we replaced its original plastic feet to steel since we don´t have enough data on how plastic ages over a long time.”
A lot of effort and adjusting also went into simulations and testing how to minimise the risk of it from tipping over.
”We managed this with using a concrete ballast that´s attached under the pole.”
As all MAFI´s freestanding solutions, the Roof Butler is horizontally adjustable, so it always stands vertically, even the roof it stands on is inclining. It also has a high overturning resisting moment, ” Daniel says. ”This way, it has a high performance in relation to its size and weight.”
Daniel and his colleagues are happy with what they have achieved.
”I believe we have found a solution that will be very handy for lots of needs and that really works. Its a solution we are proud of putting MAFI´s brand on.”Basic facts of the MAFI RoofButler
• Freestanding • Easy to transport and to mount • Total weight, including equipment, about 250 kg.
Download the datasheet for the Roof Butler, MAFI 4120.
Click here: Roof Butler / MAFI 4120 pdf
MAFI’s freestanding solutions are gaining high interest in Nigeria, as MAFI is exploring
its possibilities to enter this enormous market. Ponnenkandy Purushothaman is MAFI’s
Sales Manager since March: ”And just around the corner, I am convinced that MAFI’s
solutions for 5G also will be highly attractive!”Nigeria, with about 200 million inhabitants, offers tremendous potential for the telecom sector.
Since March, MAFI is intensely active in getting a foothold into this booming market with the aid of Ponnenkandy Purushothaman, or “PP” in short, MAFI’s appointed Sales Manager in the West-African country.
PP has a solid background with several start-ups with telecom companies in Nigeria. Originally from the Indian Army and also with assignments within the United Nations in Africa. He worked in ACME Telepower Ltd, India for a couple of years where he spent much time developing telecom sites to include construction, deployment and managed services. He was then posted to Nigeria by end 2008 to lead a newly acquired ex Norwegian Telecom Infrastructure company.
After having leading roles in some other telecom company start-ups in Nigeria, PP was about to head back to India early this year after finishing a six months consultancy assignment for a Danish Solar Solution Company.
”But then, out of the blue, I got an offer from MAFI in Sweden to help them set up their business in Nigeria,” PP says.
And he accepted, for several reasons.
”After talking long with Enqvist, I saw that some of MAFI’s products should have tremendous potential here,” he says.” Besides offering products of the highest quality, they are innovative and cleverly put together. I think that for instance MAFI’s freestanding solutions are precisely what many telecom operators here would willingly embrace for their ongoing network expansion efforts.”
When it comes to MAFI’s brackets, he thinks they will need a longer time to get accepted. These items are mostly fabricated locally, but without any safety regulations and often somewhat improvised. Since there have been accidents due to poor quality. PP believes that telecom providers and regulatory authorities will soon be more focussed on the need for stringent quality checks even in these products which will open possibilities for MAFI.
”There’s also a mindset that if it is from Europe, then it must be expensive.” PP continues. ”But I can show customers that due to how efficiently MAFI uses materials, combined with their products high standards, the cost difference is negligible.”
The need for secure, high-quality solutions will be even more evident when the roll-out of 5G will begin in Nigeria.
”There are already 5G trials going on in Nigeria´s booming commercial city, Lagos. Next year we are expecting a breakthrough for this new technology. I am convinced that when the roll-out starts, telecom operators will demand much higher quality and safety standards than so far and this will offer incredible potential for MAFI´s solutions.”
Finally, PP accepted MAFI´s offer because he has a broad experience with start-ups in this sector of business and he believes he can add value. ”And I also knew MAFI will be an exciting company to work for!”
Last months PP was busy getting in touch with major telecom operators and tower companies.” I am building solid relationships with potential customers, having regular meetings with them, and I´ve given them opportunities to have a serious look into our freestanding solutions. The responses so far have been quite encouraging.”
Next step is to set up a site, a ”show-room”, on a rooftop that consists of MAFI´s solutions, chiefly the Free Stander Solutions. All operators, tower companies and contractors will be invited to visit study and evaluate what MAFI offers.
”This will give MAFI a definite edge for future roll-outs,” PP says.
In the long term, PP foresees a full-fledged office and a warehouse coming up in Lagos.
”And so far, I am a one-man-show,” he says with a smile, ”but as soon as the business starts to grow, we will hire more people locally.”[blockquote text=””When the 5G roll-out starts, telecom operators will
demand higher quality and safety standards, and this
will offer incredible potential for MAFI´s solutions.”” show_quote_icon=”yes”]Ponnenkandy Purushothaman, or ”PP” for short, is MAFI’s Sales Manager
in Nigeria since March.
Sven Brückmann began working at MAFI in mid-June. He has been interested in technology all his life, although his way to attaining his masters in technical engineering has been a bit meandering.
Sven is working as a designer with construction, research and development at MAFI´s HQ in Mora, Sweden. He works in projects both within MIS: MAFI Integrated Solutions and MSS: MAFI Standard Solutions.
”This includes the whole process from first ideas to prototypes, testing, calculate wind resistance until test installations,” Sven explains. ”And I am involved both with developing our existing solutions and researching new ones.”
For Sven, the challenge lies in improving and optimising a solution as far as it´s possible.
”It´s exciting finding out how to lower the weight of a product as much as possible without losing any of the properties we are looking for. Also the economic aspects are always one of our priorities since we want our solutions to be cost-efficient to produce. Last but not least, solutions that need mounting must be very easily put together by the end-users at the actual telecom-site.”
Sven interest in technology led him to work as a sound engineer in his late teens.
Some years later he changed his direction into becoming and real estate agent. However, in the long run his love for technology got the upper hand and he began to study mechanical engineering at Bochum´s University of applied science, from where he finished with a masters degree in 2014.
Sven is originally from Germany but came to Sweden almost three years ago. He lives in Orsa, about 20 kilometres north of Mora.
”I prefer Sweden to Germany because there are lesser people here, and since I cherish this country´s nature. In my free time I like canoeing, biking and skiing in the winter. I´m also fond of acro yoga and dancing everything from waltz to rumba.
Sven Brückmann is new designer at MAFI.
He is working with construction, research
and development at the HQ in Mora, Sweden.
”I like working with finances because it underpins all parts of a company.”
Lina Nyström has always liked maths. She also loves accounting, making reports and analysis and as MAFI´s new Financial Manager, she will have to do plenty of it all!
Lina is from Älvdalen, about 30 a minute drive north of MAFI´s HQ in Mora, and she had her Bachelors degree in economics at Örebro University. Before MAFI she´s been working as an accountant consultant and six years as CFO in Älvdalen.
Lina will also be responsible for MAFI´s economical follow-ups, financial statements and some controller tasks.
”What I also appreciate in working with economics is the variety and width of what you do. One day is never like the other.”
She also emphasises that the overall goal is to make MAFI´s customers satisfied.
”The aim is to create a positive picture of who we are and what we do, so they are happy with our solutions and services,” she says.
After six years as CFO she was looking for new challenges and she was appealed by MAFI´s international activities. Spending time with her family, working out and travelling are things Lina like to do when she´s not working.
”I´m quite passionate about health and diet,” she reveals. ”And when it comes to working out I like to a variety of things, biking, swimming, running and skiing in the winter.”
Lina Nyström – new Financial Manager at MAFI –
loves accounting, making reports and analysis.
MAFI is building a new warehouse at its headquarters in Mora, Sweden.
”The volumes of goods we are handling is increasing and for us to be able to have an efficient logistic flow we need more space says Andreas Pietiläinen, CFO at MAFI.
With the new warehouse, it will be easier to handle incoming goods and to make quality controls. The warehouse will be 800 square metres (8.611 square feet) and will be ready to use in October.
”I´m really eager to make a difference at MAFI and be part of its journey. I enjoy working with customers and to make them satisfied.”
Anders Smitz is relatively new at MAFI, working with customer support since early May, and he has lots of experience from similar assignments.
If you, who are reading this is a customer of MAFI´s, you probably have been or will be in touch with Anders. Working back-office, he´s doing a broad variety of tasks like making tenders, creating orders and booking shipments.
”Earlier I´ve been working at Scanmast and Scheider Electric Wibe for a total of about 18 years,” he says. ”The assignments were similar but I also worked with project support and in various business systems.”
Seeing that he makes a difference is one of the things Anders enjoys at work.
”What really makes me happy is when I´ve made a customer satisfied,” he continues. ”A also enjoy building a network of customers, learning to know their needs and what I can do to help. It´s also very satisfying to be a part of MAFI´s international environment, having customers all over the world.”
The most common reason customers get in touch with Anders recently is to know when their shipment will arrive.
”I can help them with finding that answer,” Anders says, ”although it might take a little while sometimes since I sometimes need to check with our suppliers or logistics partners.”
Off work, Anders likes to ride his Honda Firestorm VTR 1000. Both for shorter rides around Dalarna, but also for longer trips. He is also keen on keeping in shape, biking, running and working out in the gym.
”Lately I´ve been focusing on biking,” Anders reveals. ”I´ve done a local race twice on mountain-bike, it´s 95 kilometres* and last time I did it in 4.05 hours, which I am quite proud of!”
*95 kilometres is 59 miles.
Anders Smitz is working with customer
support since early May.
MAFI has was certified according to ISO 45 001 in June.
ISO 45 001 is an International Standard that specifies requirements for an occupational health and safety (OH&S) management system, with guidance for its use, to enable an organisation to improve its OH&S performance in preventing injury and ill-health proactively.
”We´ve been certified within this field for many years,” says Andreas Pietiläinen, CFO at MAFI. ”But since there is a new ISO-standard we wanted to certify ourselves accordingly.”
During the audit in June, MAFI was also audited according to ISO 9001 and 14 001.
ISO 9001 is defined as a set of international standards on quality management and quality assurance developed to help companies effectively document the quality system elements needed to maintain an efficient quality system.
And ISO 14 001 specify requirements for establishing an environmental management policy, determining environmental impacts of products or services, planning environmental objectives, implementing programs to meet goals, and conducting corrective action and management review.
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