“For an engineer I think this is one of the best, most enjoyable places to work!”

I really enjoy seeing how we at Semcon adapt to new trends and technology and how focus on people and sustainability has become our trademark. When I started working at Devotek/Semcon, all we had was a CNC milling machine, a CNC measuring machine, test equipment and an environmental chamber, but things are completely different now. In those days, most of our work involved automated gearshift systems for the automotive industry. We then created prototypes and qualification units that we used to run prototype tests and qualification tests. We also conducted environmental tests together with our partners.

Our very own workshop

In the start-up phase, one of the main reasons for having a separate workshop was to ensure there were close links between the engineers, production equipment and testing equipment. We’ve nurtured this link to this day, and as we expanded our offering in the field of mechatronics development, we also expanded our range of machinery to include more CNC machines. Many people are surprised when they find out we have our own workshop, and often even more surprised when they find out it’s 1000 sq. m in area! We have five CNC machines at the moment, and a couple of them are 5-axis milling machines. We also have a number of rotating test rigs and flexible facilities so that we can adapt with ease to different types of tests and production. We now produce lots of individual components for key customers because we’ve expanded our capacity as much as we have. We also make pre-assembled modules, from gearboxes to complete test rigs. We’re able to validate the technology in our workshop in interaction with people.

There are twelve of us working in the workshop at the moment, including two apprentices. We also have a large number of engineers who come to help us out with assembly and testing. It’s always exciting to see how a drawing turns out in reality, and whether the solution works the way you envisaged.

We’re proud to say that our workshop is the only one of its kind at Semcon, which gives us in Norway a unique project portfolio.

What’s the biggest thing you’ve had in your workshop?

Tractors, I reckon! We did vision control instrumentation for those. We’ve also converted lorries to autonomous vehicles and produced parts for actuators in space. Our project portfolio is made up of products that operate all the way from the seabed and out into space. We enjoy talking about the projects we’re working on, but there are times when things have to be kept secret for a long time.

About Thor

Title: Area Manager Workshop & Test
Education: BSc in Electronics and Engineering Cybernetics
Worked at Semcon since: 2004
I have most fun at work when I...: I work on industrial digitalisation together with my talented colleagues.