Terawatt & Varte - Delivery Reliability Key - Terawatt

Terawatt Delivers Electrical Contracting Works for Multiple Varte Commercial Construction Projects

Pasi Blom, Construction Manager at Varte, describes Terawatt as a reliable electrical contractor that delivers projects as agreed and on schedule. According to Blom, the ability to bring projects to successful completion is one of the key factors that distinguishes contractors from one another.

Varte Oy is currently constructing two new commercial facilities for K-Auto, located in Koivuhaka, Vantaa, and Herttoniemi, Helsinki. Pasi Blom, who has worked as a Construction Manager in Varte’s commercial construction division for the past five years, is based at the company’s office in Malmi, Helsinki.

Blom has spent his entire career in the construction industry, initially working as a Site Manager before moving into his current role as Construction Manager, a position he has held for the past 11 years.

“At the moment, I’m overseeing four active construction sites: two projects for K-Auto and two others. I mainly work on new-build projects, although I occasionally manage renovation projects as well. Personally, I prefer new construction,” Blom explains.

Under Varte’s established project delivery process, Blom becomes involved in new projects during the design phase. The first step is to determine whether the development is undertaken by Varte itself or awarded through a competitive tendering process. Once the procurement model has been established, attention turns to construction methods and project scheduling.

“As Construction Manager, I’m responsible for preparing project schedules and bringing a practical construction perspective to new developments. Decisions concerning mechanical, electrical and plumbing (MEP) systems are made relatively soon after the procurement model has been selected. We then work with the procurement team to agree on the tendering process. I usually participate personally in all contract negotiations,” Blom continues.

Previous Experience Working with Terawatt

The collaboration between Terawatt and Varte began with the Aviologis project in 2021. Terawatt was also responsible for the electrical contracting works in the refurbishment of Veho’s showroom in Olari, Espoo. Blom also recalls a project in which Terawatt stepped in at short notice to complete the electrical works after the original electrical contractor went bankrupt during construction.

Typically, building services projects involve two separate contractors. The division of responsibilities is straightforward: one contractor handles heating, plumbing and ventilation (HVAC), while a separate electrical contractor is responsible for the electrical installations. Nowadays, building automation is also increasingly integrated with ventilation and other building services systems.

“Terawatt becomes involved in these design-and-build projects from the design stage. Together, we prepare electrical system specifications for the client and explain how the electrical works will be delivered,” Blom explains.

The scope and value of an electrical contracting project are typically determined by the size of the development and the requirements of its end users. These requirements can vary considerably depending on the intended use of the premises, whether for manufacturing, warehousing, retail or office operations. In K-Auto’s facilities, the electrical systems must also accommodate the specific requirements of automotive dealerships.

“In Herttoniemi, some of the electrical installation requirements come not only from Kesko but also from Germany, as Porsche is a major brand with its own established concept and technical specifications. Koivuhaka does not have the same brand-specific requirements, but the electrical needs of the workshop equipment must be taken into account,” Blom explains.

Trust Plays a Key Role in Decision-Making

All of Varte’s electrical contracting projects are naturally subject to competitive tendering. However, according to Blom, trust, familiarity and previous experience play a particularly important role in contractor selection. Price competition is intense, but Varte and Terawatt have already worked through many of the challenges and potential issues in previous projects. Both parties understand each other’s working practices and have established mutual trust.

“At the contract stage, we don’t need to document every minor detail. Trust works both ways, making the process easier for both Terawatt and ourselves,” Pasi Blom explains.

In his role as Construction Manager, Blom works closely with Terawatt’s Project Manager. Heikki Penninkangas, Terawatt’s Project Manager, has demonstrated a high level of professionalism in his dealings with Varte.

On site, Terawatt’s and Varte’s site management teams work in close collaboration. Both parties share the same objective: ensuring that matters requiring the client’s attention are communicated clearly, decisions are made efficiently, and the project progresses smoothly.

“What I value most about Terawatt is their willingness to step up and take responsibility. They understand that once they have committed to a project, they are responsible for delivering it from start to finish. The Terawatt team demonstrates a strong sense of accountability and professionalism. Heikki has managed our collaboration extremely well as Project Manager, and it certainly makes things easier when people know each other. Terawatt sees the work through to completion. That is where their greatest value lies.”

Pasi Blom

Varte Oy