GMC Finland has taken care of everything

John is next to Jenny on the right.

”GMC Finland has taken care of everything”, says project manager John Anastassiou.

🇦🇺 Australian John Anastassiou moved to Finland in August 2021, so his work assigment has lasted almost four years. John works as TT-Lines technical project manager at Rauma shipyard, where the shipowner ordered two large passenger car ferries.

- TT-Line had no experience in relocation. Our only contact in Finland was Rauma Marine Constructions. We asked them how to get housing and so on. They advised us to contact GMCFinland. Jenny Rajahalme has been a great help and relief for us. Jenny's company focuses specifically on relocation, says John.

TT-Line's team in Rauma has employed more than ten people permanently, most of whom have lived in Finland for more than two years. Spouses and eight children have moved with them. In addition to this core team, GMCFinland has helped TT-Line people who have been in Rauma on shorter assignments, as well as employees of subcontractors.

- This has been a great job in a great country. Finland has not disappointed in any way. Our families have nothing but good things to say about your country. And especially GMCFinland, which has taken care of the bureaucracy, insurance, taxes and banking, housing, cars, school and daycare places and much more. In fact, everything! We've been able to concentrate on our work, working with the RMC team to ensure that the shipowner gets excellent ships, says John.

🇫🇮 He acknowledges GMCFinland, which has helped families in many ways. They have always been able to call if they needed to see a doctor or find activities for their children. 

- It has been a wonderful experience to live in a safe and functional country like Finland. Everyone speaks English. Spouses and children have made good friends. The nature and urban environment are beautiful, services are excellent, education is of a high standard. We've enjoyed it all the way, absolutely, assures John.

He adds, with a smile, that the Finnish taxation does seem quite heavy. John immediately asks that this would not be mentioned. He understands that wellfare comes at a price.

John reckons TT-Line has benefited from the Spirit of Tasmania ferries being built in Rauma. For TT-Line, the new ships represent a 25-year technical and operational leap forward. 

- These ships are a showcase for the Finnish maritime industry, with RMC and several other top Finnish companies involved. For example, the cabins come from a company that manufactures them for the world's finest cruise liners, says John.

🛩  The most popular sport in Tasmania is Australian football. In Rauma, John got hooked on ice hockey. He has been going to Lukko Rauma home games whenever possible.

In his free time, John has travelled with his wife not only in Finland but also in the Baltic, Poland and the Mediterranean countries.

- We knew almost nothing about Europe. It's been interesting to learn about history and culture. It was really beautiful in Lapland with the snow and ice.

One more surprising compliment about Finland. John says our roads are in good condition and the drivers are much more polite than in Australia.

GMCFinland also manages the Exit Finland project for the Anastassiou family.