Olli Hanhikoski has been part of the Nordic Electro Power story since day one. His journey from an installer and foreman to the core of the company's HSEQ operations reflects NEPower's evolution from a local electrical contractor to a trusted partner in renewable energy and electrical infrastructure.
When NEPower was founded, Olli was one of the four founding members. In the early years, the work was diverse and hands-on; he served as a working foreman, simultaneously responsible for project progress, installations, and invoicing.
"Back then, we did everything ourselves. We were on the construction site pulling cables while handling project management on the side," Hanhikoski recalls of the company's early stages.
Field experience as the foundation for safety
Over the years, NEPower's focus shifted from building technology to demanding substation projects and renewable energy initiatives. Along with this shift, Olli’s areas of responsibility evolved as well.
Since 2019, he has served as the company's Occupational Health and Safety Manager. Today, in his role as HSEQ Manager (Health, Safety, Environment, and Quality), his task is to ensure that quality, safety, and responsibility keep pace with the company's growth.
Extensive practical field experience provides a perspective on the work that cannot be learned from theory alone. More than a decade of experience in occupational safety organizations has taught him what safety means concretely on everyday construction sites.
"Occupational safety responsibility belongs to all of us, not just one person. My job is to act as a channel, ensuring that information flows and that any deficiencies are addressed in time," Hanhikoski emphasizes.
Safety and quality as the currency of trust
The company's growth has brought significantly increased requirements for documentation, reporting, and sustainability. Today, NEPower’s operations are guided by certified systems, audits, and the stringent quality requirements of major clients.
In Olli’s work, this is particularly evident in maintaining audits, developing operating procedures, and ensuring subcontractor quality. Currently, the company is developing a supplier evaluation system to ensure the entire supply chain operates at the same high level of quality.
"We are already doing many things well, but I believe in continuous improvement. Nothing is ever completely finished, and we can always be better tomorrow than we are today," Hanhikoski states.
Balance through speed and the peace of nature
Demanding expert work requires balance. For Olli, that balance is often found in motorsports.
In his free time, he can be found on motocross or ice tracks behind the wheel of an ATV. His latest acquisition, a 200 - horsepower machine ensures that his focus shifts completely away from work matters in an instant.
"Helmet on and throttle open - that’s when you forget everything else," Olli laughs.
Alongside speed, the peace of nature provides important balance. A cross-country ski trip or a quiet moment in the middle of the forest helps him recover from a busy daily life.
Published 21.5.2026