Quantservice

November 3, 2025

A new trend in industrial maintenance: Interim change management brings transformation into practice

Käytännön muutosjohtamista tuotannon kehittämiseksi

The industrial world is under constant pressure to perform: production must run without interruption, systems need to stay up to date, and employees are expected to adapt to continuous change.

In many plants, maintenance takes a back seat even though it’s what keeps production running. Now, a new trend is emerging in the field: interim change management. It’s a practical approach to accelerating development when an organization needs hands-on support to implement change.

“The interim model for maintenance expertise is gaining ground, and its role is growing rapidly here in Finland as well,” says Lauri Kaiharju, Sales Director at Quant Finland.

Taking maintenance to the next level

While interim leadership is well known in corporate management, the same model is now entering maintenance. Unlike traditional consulting, interim experts don’t just advise, they work side by side with the production team, driving change directly where the work happens.

“The real strength of interim services lies in their ability to create quick and lasting impact. Within a few months, resources, processes, and systems can be aligned to fully support production. The goals don’t stay on PowerPoint slides, they turn into concrete actions and measurable results,” Kaiharju explains.

When the interim model fits and when it doesn’t

The interim model is particularly effective when maintenance needs a fast turnaround or temporary reinforcement for example, managing production stoppages, removing capacity bottlenecks, or implementing new systems.

“We live and breathe maintenance every day at dozens of industrial sites around the world. That means the best practices and proven processes can be applied quickly to local plants,” says Kaiharju.

If the direction forward isn’t yet clear, it’s wise to start with a lighter assessment or pilot project before launching a broader transformation.

Global experience, local solutions

Quant approaches maintenance as a whole, offering a wide range of solutions from modernization projects to long-term maintenance partnerships and targeted development services that bring operations up to 21st-century standards.

“Every plant is unique, but the goals are always the same: safe, efficient, and predictable production. Our job is to help you find the best path to get there whether that means a partnership, a project, or temporary expert support,” Kaiharju adds.

Specialist services like the interim model complement Quant’s offering as an agile and powerful tool in times of change.

A strong tool for new plant projects

Interim services aren’t just for existing sites they also play a vital role in new plant projects. When maintenance is designed correctly from day one, it builds a foundation for reliability and cost efficiency throughout the asset’s lifecycle.

“The decisions that determine a plant’s equipment lifespan and lifecycle costs are made well before production begins. With the right expert support, maintenance can start adding value from the very first day,” summarizes Lauri Kaiharju, Sales Director at Quant Finland.