Safety management students deepen expertise with visit to VR FleetCare depot

VR FleetCare is a VR Group subsidiary specializing in railway rolling stock maintenance, modernization, and lifecycle management, serving customers across the Nordic and Baltic countries. In Finland, the company is responsible for rolling stock maintenance at six locations. During the visit, our students observed firsthand how 130 professionals work daily to ensure the safety and reliability of rail traffic.

The Oulu depot is also a key development site, currently hosting several international modernization projects. VR FleetCare has invested nearly ten million euros in expanding the project center and establishing a new paint shop. Currently underway is the modernization of SJ’s double-decker X40 trains from Sweden, extending their service life by 15–20 years. The project encompasses a total of 27 trains, including a full refurbishment of interiors and exterior painting.

The visit was part of the Occupations Health and Safety Management study module, included in the Master of Safety™ and EMBA in Safety Management programs, also available as an elective in the Executive MBA in Strategic Management. Field visits like this support learning, provide new perspectives on safety management, and give students the opportunity to engage directly with industry professionals.

Warm thanks to VR FleetCare’s Oulu depot Maintenance Manager Antti Makkonen for hosting an insightful visit, and to our Managing Safety Risks course instructor, Professor Jouni Kivistö-Rahnasto, for his expertise and collaboration.