Søren Friis
Project Manager
What is your role at DISA?
I’m project manager for new development projects in R&D. My job is to create new products for new businesses areas worldwide. My team consists of colleagues in India, China and Denmark with all kinds of skills to create a full born product within mechanical, control and documentation work. My main focus is to translate market needs to DISA product within the financial goal and time limits.
For how long have you worked at DISA?
I have been with Disa since 2013 starting as mechanical engineer in the R&D group, product maintenance and custom solutions. My work was to design custom made solutions for those customers who couldn’t use a standard Disa product. Also supporting the daily production and service department regarding technical issues on Disa products.
After 5 years I moved to a new role as project manager in R&D for new development projects with responsibility of moulding machines in the medium size segment.
Can you share a fun or interesting fact about yourself?
In my youth I build the most powerful moped in the countryside where I grow up. I used all my money and time building this moped. Shortly after, in a test drive, it was confiscated by a man in a uniform driving in a funny car with blue lights. I had to borrow money to pay the ticket, and I was “grounded” by my parents and not allowed to use the workshop for a long time.
If you could have any superpower to help you at work, what would it be?
If I just could look into the future and check if we have done our new development designs properly to ensure satisfied customer and colleagues.
What 3 words would you use to describe DISA?
Professional, Innovative, Opportunities
What sets DISA apart from other workplaces you've experienced?
Disa is a global company that gives you, as an employee the changes, to go around in the world and experience other cultures.
From an engineer’s point of view, the DISA products contains all kinds of engineering skills which makes it fun to work with as an engineer.
In DISA you always have the opportunity to try working with other new areas.
What is the best part about your current role or the tasks/projects you're currently working on?
The best part of my job is to be creative and make new designs and concepts for new business areas worldwide.
To be a part of new product designs/concepts that will be used in future DISA machinery.
To setup a development project group and see the high spirit and engagement among all the members in the project group.
My international team have been designing a new product platform for the last two years. Now we are in stage where we must build the first prototype in our Chinese factory. It’s an incredible phase when a new developed product is coming alive.
If you were at the airport right now, what country would you travel to?
China or India.
What projects are you currently working on?
I’m currently working on a new product platform for the Chinese market. The new product line is built with Chinese material standards and Chinese components to avoid any or at least a minimum of components imported from EU. The cost price is main focus in this project which have forced new production methods and component design for faster and cheaper manufacturing. Also, service procedures have been redeveloped to reduce down time for the customer. Also new patents have been applicated. The first prototype is now being assembled and tested later this year.
What initiatives or projects are you most excited about that are happening within DISA right now?
I’m particularly excited about the new product platforms being developed at the moment. These upcoming platforms will ensure the future of DISA.
