Industrial expert Florin found his career path in data center projects
What happens when long industrial experience meets a rapidly evolving industry? For Florin Gingu, joining Granlund’s data center division marked the start of an exciting new chapter – one that has lived up to expectations.
When Florin Gingu joined Granlund in fall 2025 as a Commissioning Project Manager, he stepped into an entirely new industry. Data centers were unfamiliar territory but working in complex, high-stakes environments was anything but new.
Originally from Romania, now hailing from Pori, Finland, Florin has built a long career in demanding industrial projects. His background includes over a decade in the nuclear industry, most notably the Olkiluoto 3 nuclear power plant project.
“I’ve noticed my experience in the industrial sector is extremely valuable in the data center division,” Florin says.
“The technologies may differ, but the logic behind critical systems, reliability and safety is very familiar.”
The industrial expert jumped straight into action
Florin joined Granlund in September and started directly on ongoing data center projects – something he describes as a privilege.
“From the very beginning, I was trusted with real responsibility. I’ve been busy, but in a good way,” he says.
All expertise under one roof
One of Granlund’s strengths, especially in data center projects, is its broad (and growing) in-house expertise. Engineering, commissioning, project manangement, HVAC, electrical, and building monitoring systems are all part of the same organisation.
“Having everything under one roof makes collaboration easy,” Florin explains.
If we need support, we can bring in experts from other departments very flexibly.
Florin Gingu, Project Manager, Granlund
Feeling at home in a multicultural setting
Florin’s career originally began in international project environments, working with multicultural teams across borders and disciplines. That setting at Granlund felt natural to him from the very beginning.
“I was like a fish in water,” he says.
“I’ve always appreciated working with people from different countries and backgrounds, bringing everyone’s expertise to the table.”
There are over 17 nationalities among the 300 experts working in data center projects. “We learn something new from each other every day,” Florin says.
Teamwork at its best
Support from colleagues has made the transition into a new industry smooth for Florin.
“We truly work as a team here. Sometimes I don’t even need to ask for help – it’s automatically given,” Florin says.
Granlund’s culture of trust stood out for him right from the first days in the company. Expertise is respected, and trust is given, and not constantly questioned.
“That motivates me. When I feel comfortable and trusted, I want to do my best.”
Why experience from the industrial sector is a major advantage in data center projects?
1 Industrial skills translate directly into data center work
As data center projects scale to hundreds of megawatts, they increasingly resemble large industrial projects. Strong foundations in technology, safety, quality, scheduling and project management are essential, and these are areas where industrial professionals already excel.
“Experts from the industrial sector already have the experience needed and can quickly start contributing to data center projects,” Florin says.
2 Up to speed in no time
“Coming from a demanding industrial environment, I was fully up to speed in less than a month after joining the data center projects,” Florin says.
Florin explains that electrical, HVAC, automation, and monitoring systems operate largely on familiar principles. Granlund’s experienced data center team also actively supports newcomers through mentoring and close collaboration.
3 A natural next step for industrial experts
“Data centers are not isolated businesses. Professionals coming from industry can see the full picture and understand where this field is heading.”
The work is meaningful, and you get to work with the industry’s top professionals here.
Florin Gingu, Project Manager, Granlund
A growing industry with real impact
For Florin, data centers represent a new and exciting chapter, not just professionally, but societally.
“This is a rapidly growing industry, especially in Finland and the Nordics,” he says.
Data centers are becoming a critical part of our infrastructure, tightly connected to energy availability, stability, sustainability, and the services people use every day.
Despite being new to the field, Florin feels he is learning fastest where it matters most – in the middle of real projects, supported by mentoring and Granlund’s training opportunities.
“If someone is considering moving into data centers, I would say: do it,” Florin smiles.
“It’s a growing sector, the work is meaningful, and you get to work with the industry’s top professionals here.”