Interviewing the People of West Fraser!
May 15, 2014 4:27 pm Leave your thoughts
A lot of students, including myself at one point, don’t want to move too far from the city, and are hesitant to try new industries that they don’t know much about. The intention of this blog post is to given an insight on what those working in the pulp and paper industry believe it is about.
Could you give an overview of what you do at SLP?
“I work as a Sr. Project Engineer managing a major capital project called the Biomethanation with Power Generation Project.”
Shannon Fehr, Chemical Engineer
“I’m a training resource operator in the Production department. I train people that are new to any operation job and set them on the right path.”
Les Brisebois, Day Lead Operator
“I’m an engineering technologist; I mostly work on infrastructure repairs and maintenance and general mill maintenance. I also do quality control inspections for pressure piping.”
Gary Romelus, Engineering Technologist
Gary Romelus, Engineering Technologist
“I’m a process engineer and so my job is mostly based around optimization – taking what we have and making it better. I’m also one of the advanced first aiders at the mill. Also, I do pulp quality marketing.”
Allison Moeller, Process Engineer
“As General Manager I am responsible for every aspect of safety, environmental compliance, production, quality and costs. Thankfully, we have a great team here.”
Tony McWhannel, General Manager
“It will be a really short overview: Screening and Cleaning Upgrade Project lead. I am fully involved in this 3.2 million dollar project, doing the mechanical engineering design and managing it.”
Gabriel Angelescu, Mechanical Engineer
What do you like about your job?
“The variety of work, the fast-paced environment, opportunity to work on challenging projects, and the great people I have worked with since I started at SLP 7 years ago.”
Shannon Fehr, Chemical Engineer
“I like the most the final result. It is great to see an idea getting life and turning into profit due to a huge team effort and work.”
Gabriel Angelescu, Mechanical Engineer
Gabriel Angelescu, Mechanical Engineer
“Everything. Working with great people makes me look forward to coming to work every day.”
Tony McWhannel, General Manager
“I like interacting with all of the different departments in the mill. You get to learn so much more. I’ve been working here since the mill started and I’ve met lots of amazing people and shared a lot of experiences with them.”
Les Brisebois, Day Lead Operator
“Everything! I’m involved with a lot of things in all of the different departments. I also have my own projects that I really enjoy.”
Gary Romelus, Engineering Technologist
“I really like the variety of work that I get to do. Recently, I did shift work for 6 weeks as a refiner operator and I learned a lot. At SLP, if you show interest in something you’ll get the opportunity to try it.”
Allison Moeller, Process Engineer
What is your favorite thing to do outside of work?
“I like being outdoors – pretty much anything that you can do outside: camping, fishing, and gardening in the summer.”
Allison Moeller, Process Engineer
Allison Moeller, Process Engineer
“I like to spend time with friends, family and getting out for a run through forested trails.”
Tony McWhannel, General Manager
“I just like to spend time with the family – and of course all the outdoor stuff like camping in the summer.”
Gary Romelus, Engineering Technologist
“To go to the beach in the summer time and play with my son.”
Gabriel Angelescu, Mechanical Engineer
“In the summer; run in the wide open spaces of northern Alberta. In the winter; cross country ski.”
Shannon Fehr, Chemical Engineer
Do you have any advice for students that are hesitant about the pulp and paper industry?
“Pulp and paper is always growing and is always finding new ways of doing things and you can really feel your contribution to the mill. It’s a great feeling.”
Allison Moeller, Process Engineer
“We have everything an engineering student would want to see in a safe, modern industrial facility. Students find great support and mentoring. Expectations are exceeded!”
Tony McWhannel, General Manager
“It’s fun here. I believe the Pulp & Paper industry has lot of learning opportunities for future engineers. They could learn about a mechanical system (pumps, refiners, paper machines, boilers), a chemical process, controls, etc. and still make money. How does this sound? “…to gain experience and to be paid at the same time” I could tell you: IT SOUNDS GREAT!
Gabriel Angelescu, Mechanical Engineer
“Definitely apply for a co-op or summer student position in a pulp mill to find out if the work environment and location is for you!”
Shannon Fehr, Chemical Engineer
“This is actually my first job at a pulp mill so I can’t really speak for all pulp mills but SLP is one of the best places you can work. They really care about their employees and safety is their top priority.”
Gary Romelus, Engineering Technologist
“I wouldn’t say that pulp and paper is good or bad or that any other industry is good or bad. You need to try everything to know what you’re really good at and what you really like. And if you really like what you do the money will follow. Don’t rush into things that you think you need to be in for whatever reason. A lot of wealthy people in pulp and paper are wealthy because they do what they enjoy and that makes them better at it. Money should not be the driving factor in deciding what industry to work for.”
Les Brisebois, Day Lead Operator