Wednesday, May 28, 2025
At SCA, Supranee Åström navigates the external cladding facility with assurance, stopping periodically to help a coworker. She recalls all too well how difficult it is for the uninitiated to understand the technical phrases she uses. The sign on the door going into the planning mill says, “This is where Sweden’s best exterior cladding is made.”
The sound of machines in full activity and the smell of wood flood the air as the door opens. Supranee Åström had never heard of complex computers, technical words, or a new language when she first entered the planning mill six years ago. Supranee chuckles when she remembers her first day at the mill, saying that everything felt different because she had just moved from Thailand to Sweden. “That first day felt like being thrown into a whole new world. I didn’t know where to stand, what to do, or even what was happening around me. But my colleagues were invaluable, and by asking questions and watching how they worked, I quickly found my way.”
From the planning mill to the residence of an individual
The work that is done within the planning mill is reflected in the message on the door. Committed operators operate with confidence and care to create long-lasting products. “Every day when I start my shift, I remind myself that I’m here to create world-class products. That brings a deep sense of pride and a constant drive to keep improving,” Supranee notes.
The best part of Supranee’s job is witnessing the fruits of their labour, which are high-quality products. Items that wind up as studs in a new construction, outside cladding on a house, or a deck. “Seeing a new deck, a beautiful facade, or a newly built house and knowing our products are part of it – that makes me proud,” she says. She particularly recalls passing a beautiful home and noticing that the timber containers outside were labeled with SCA SmartTimber. “When I saw our wood there, I felt an enormous sense of pride. Knowing that what we produce becomes part of someone’s home – that’s a fantastic feeling,” she says.
With an emphasis on safety and ergonomics
Supranee’s life has always involved manual labor. She started working in rice fields in Thailand when she was eight years old, laying the groundwork for her strength early on. She has discovered, however, that strength is insufficient at the planning mill. Ergonomics and technique are equally crucial for preventing injuries. “Even if you’re strong and your body can handle heavy lifting, you have to think long-term; your body needs to last for many years to come,” says Supranee.
Working more productively lessens physical strain, which in turn reduces the chance of injury. “I’ve found ways to work that are better for the body, and I try to teach others how to do the same, to avoid unnecessary wear and tear,” she says. Safety is one of Supranee’s top priorities, therefore, it’s no accident that she also acts as the mill’s primary safety representative. “As the safety representative, it’s my responsibility to help ensure a safe working environment. I never want a colleague to get hurt, so I actively work to identify and prevent risks. Fortunately, we have a manager who takes safety seriously and acts quickly when something needs to be improved,” she says.
Supranee views her work as more than a simple assignment. Making high-quality wood goods that will endure for generations is the goal. “These trees have been growing for 80 years before they reach us. We have a big responsibility to take care of them properly and turn them into sustainable products,” she says. She is a key member of the planning mill team because of her great dedication to safety, quality, and the workplace. Additionally, Supranee and her coworkers ensure that SCA SmartTimber products continue to exceed the highest standards both now and in the future with each board that exits production.
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