I never expected I would end up working in pulp and paper. I had a dim impression of what a mill was, fueled mostly by what I could glimpse from the highway and my dad’s stories from thirty years ago, and when I pictured a mill worker in my head, guys like my dad popped up. I didn’t see where I could fit in. It was only after seeing a condenser bigger than my house in a past Green Dream Intern’s video (Victoria Carlyle’s Resolute Highlights) that I was convinced I had to experience the mill for myself. Now, I’m sad to think that I could have missed out on working in such a cool industry.
So, upon starting my student position at the Thunder Bay Pulp and Paper Mill, I was surprised by the quantity of women contributing to its success, and I wondered what attracted them to the forest products industry. Luckily, four amazing women agreed to answer my questions. Meet them below!
Ashleigh Marchl, Resolute’s Health, Safety, and Environmental Manager, has contributed to the Thunder Bay mill’s safety and environment departments over the past 15 years. She has also contributed to several environmental-focused volunteer boards and committees in the city and teaches part-time at Confederation College. Ashleigh was selected for Pulp & Paper Canada’s Top 10 Under 40 list in 2022.
How did you end up working in the forest sector? How has your career progressed during your time at the mill?
I ended up working in the forestry sector as I had a passion for working in industry. I started at an insulation facility during some co-op placements and realized that industry was the place for me. I saw a job posting in 2008 for the environmental coordinator position at the mill, applied, and here I am 15 years later!
What do you like about working in industry? What made you think it was the place for you?
I like creating things and contributing to the GDP. I didn’t want to be confined to a black box, where what you do each day is set. I wanted to work in a setting that promoted creative thinking, and – no pun intended – thinking outside the box. No two days are ever the same, a new challenge comes up every day to address.
The other piece for me, if I look strictly at the environment side, you could be a person that’s putting in rules and regulations, which we need, or you could be a person who’s trying to make and drive improvements in a facility to comply with said rules and regulations and make it better from the inside, and that was the avenue I wanted to take. What’s stopping me from making it better and having a marked improvement in environmental performance or even safety performance? There’s nothing stopping you, so go for it, right?
Why the forest sector? What’s kept you here?
The work – I mean honestly, it’s a well-paying job, there’s a huge variety of tasks that need to be done every day, there’s always something new to learn, and frankly, I really like Northern Ontario. Forestry allows me to have the lifestyle I want.
What do you do in the health, safety and environmental departments? Describe a typical workday.
A typical workday includes touching base with all of my team members, following up on previous day issues, ensuring operations personnel have the support they need and acting as a technical resource to work through potential problems or upcoming work.
What is the biggest challenge you’ve faced over the course of your career?
Although not so much a challenge now, but when I first started out, being comfortable as a female in a male dominant workforce.
Who is someone you have looked up to at the mill, who has influenced you, or who has mentored you in your career?
Two people stick out for me, the original environmental superintendent that originally brought me on board, he was an excellent teacher and provided guidance on many topics – and continues to do so. The second person (when I was still in the environmental superintendent role) was my boss at the time, the manufacturing services manager. He supported me in career growth and furthering my education on a variety of things. He was one of my biggest supporters for things like attending graduate school and pursuing professional designations.
Speaking of graduate school, you went back to pursue your master’s degree in business and environment at the University of Waterloo. Did you ever see yourself taking that step right after graduation?
Going back to school while working full-time was one of the hardest things I’ve done, but I’m glad I did it after taking the time to work. My time in industry helped me appreciate the content more.
Do you see yourself going back to school or pursuing more designations?
It’s a good question – maybe. Right now, I’m trying to build up a lot of technical knowledge on the safety side, and address areas that I view as a weakness. Knowing that industrial hygiene wasn’t a strong suit of mine, last fall I went back to the University of Alberta for some industrial hygiene courses so I could start understanding more of the basics.
How could the mill or the forestry sector in general improve gender equality in the workplace?
Having a mentorship / coaching program for new hires to ensure they have access to supports where needed. In addition, continue to push to have a leadership team that is well-rounded and diverse which will ultimately help with ensuring decision making takes into consideration all viewpoints.
Where do you see the future of the mill and pulp and paper going?
It’s going to be a diversification of product streams for sure. We’re going to see a lot more by-product streams coming out of these facilities, and it’s going to be a key component of the green economy. If you look at some of the byproducts coming out of the kraft mill, for example, biodiesels and things like that can be generated out of tall oils and turpentine. Maybe we’ll be firing it here, as a fuel source. You’ll never know.
Some people will argue with you that you’re cutting down trees. You’re also planting trees – it’s renewable because you’re constantly backfilling and infilling.
There’s lots of different opportunities; you look at some of the engineers who come here and work in the engineering department – the exposure to the portfolios they receive is far different than if they were to go to an engineering firm. Here, they receive a bunch of projects and learn a variety of skills. It’s a good opportunity for folks.
What advice do you have for young women considering a career in the forest sector?
Just apply! Once you have a job in the sector seek out someone that you can trust, that can be your mentor and support your career growth.
Nikki Stein has spent 7 years at the Thunder Bay mill as an intern, process engineer, Newsmill Shift Superintendent, and most recently, the Paper Machine 5 Superintendent. She received FPAC’s Rising Star award in 2021 for her innovative work in forest bioproducts development.
How did you end up working in the forest sector?
The forestry sector is a big part of the community that we live in, and I love the sustainable aspect of the industry. Going to school here at Lakehead there was a bit of a focus on the forestry sector, and it intrigued me. I did my final degree project in coordination with the mill, and from there learned more about the industry. I applied for an intern position and haven't looked back since.
How has your career progressed during your time at the mill?
I started out as an Engineering Intern where I was able to work in multiple departments and really get a good base and understanding of the industry. I then moved into a Process Engineering role for the Newsmill which enabled me to focus in more on the paper side and dig into projects, like process improvements and R&D. From there I transitioned into a Newsmill Shift Superintendent role where I got a lot more hands on with the day-to-day operations of the plant. Leading me into my current position of the Paper Machine Superintendent.
What do you do in the PM5 department? Describe a typical workday.
I am currently the Superintendent of the Paper Machine. I am responsible for the health and safety of those in the department, and the production of the machine. My focus is both on the day to day, and yearly plan for the process (and up to 5 years out). Looking at key process indicators, production stats, budgets, and more. Making plans for how to keep and improve our efficiency and to implement and upgrade certain aspects of the process as technology advances. Which can include research and development projects. Every day can be different depending on what is going on and how the machine behaves that day.
What do you like about your work?
I like that every day is different. I enjoy the fast pace and challenging environment. The machine is a combination of mechanical, instrumentation, electrical, and process (fluid dynamics, chemistry, etc.); which means there's always something to learn. Because the machine has so many aspects to it, we have a wide range of professions in the plant which makes it an exciting place to be and learn. Not to mention the people are great on their own.
What is the biggest challenge you’ve faced over the course of your career?
My biggest challenge... There's been a few challenging moments, but I more think of them as the biggest learning experiences and growth periods instead, as there's always support around to help you crack the challenge. I always love a good challenge and enjoy pushing myself. I endeavoured to take my MBA while working full-time at the mill, it took extra dedication, but I'm happy that I did it as they both fueled one another and that helped me excel in both aspects.
Who is someone you have looked up to at the mill, who has influenced you, or who has mentored you in your career?
There are so many incredible people at the mill that have vast amounts of knowledge that I look up to and do my best to learn from. The only way our process works and we meet our goals is if we all work together and share our knowledge and skills as a team.
How could the mill or the forestry sector in general improve gender equality in the workplace?
Honestly, I think it's already set in motion. I've been at the mill for 7 years now, and when I first started, I think I could count the number of women on one hand and there was no women's locker room. Now, I think there's almost at least one woman in every department, and our women's locker room loses empty lockers more and more. I think there still is a bit of stigma against women in industrial settings (not just the forestry sector) but it's dying away. We have some incredible women in industrial fields that are knocking down those walls with the knowledge and expertise that they bring to the table. Articles like this I think are something that helps; it shows other women out there who might be hesitant to join that it's perfectly acceptable for women to be in the forestry sector and trades. We are working our way towards 'it's normal'.
What advice do you have for young women considering a career in the forest sector?
My advice, just jump in. We are always looking for more intelligent and driven individuals, no matter who you are. I won't lie, sometimes you may have to prove yourself more than you maybe should, being a woman, but use that to fuel your ambition and learn all that you can. The people who aren't accepting of it are only holding themselves back.
Lori Lee transitioned from a career in children’s mental health to a contract position at the mill in 2011, quickly joined the company full-time in 2012, and has since played a critical role in the organization and success of the facility as the administration assistant for the mill management.
How did you end up working in the forest sector?
I experienced a 180 coming in – I came from a career in children’s mental health at Children’s Centre and was nervous about the change. I knew nothing about pulp and paper, and I didn’t know if I was going to like it, but it worked out well. The people are great! I like to joke that they’re like big kids here anyway!
How was the transition? Do you think you would have pursued a career in the industry earlier in your career if you knew more about it?
I liked the timing of my transition – the industry was a lot more male-dominated when I first joined the workforce. It was the right time.
What do you do in the management office? Describe a typical workday.
I answer and respond to emails, phone calls, order supplies, organize catering, reports and assist employees with whatever they need help with. I report to the General Manager but I also work with the other managers in the senior management area. It’s busy in this area and I try my best to help everyone. Even though I work in the office, I am still required to attend safety meetings, fill out Near Misses and comply with PPE requirements when going out into the mill. It’s important to be a positive influence to others as well.
What do you like about your work?
I like that it’s a busy environment and makes the day go by fast. I enjoy helping and working with the people here. I like that the company gives back to the community through donations and volunteering – we try to keep the donations as local as possible. I like to think that my role has somewhat of an impact here. I’ve lived here all my life and never thought I would work here someday.
How have you noticed the mill change during your time here?
When I first started, I was pleasantly surprised with the amount of employees who have worked here for a long time – years of service. Over the last few years, with people retiring it’s nice to see the workforce changing. More women are entering this type of industry where it used to be male-dominated. In my department, when I first started, there were three managers and myself. Now every office is full.
How do you feel about working in the forest sector?
I’m constantly learning more about the industry. I didn’t realize there’s so much you can do with trees! I also wish people would have a better understanding of what forests provide and sustainability.
With the new change in ownership, where do you see the future of the mill going?
It’s natural to be a little afraid about transitions, but people who’ve been here the longest have seen the mill change through different companies before. There is so much potential for this pulp and paper mill. I’m sure the new owners see it and take this place to the next level.
Christine Taylor currently heads the thermomechanical pulping department as superintendent but has 22 years of mill experience under her belt as a bleach and chemical plant superintendent, pulping supervisor, and process engineer.
How did you end up working in the forest sector? How has your career progressed during your time at the mill?
I graduated from chemical engineering at Lakehead University. I am from Thunder Bay originally, and wanted a job where I could use my education close to home. My first exposure to the forest sector was working as a summer student at the pulp mill in Terrace Bay. After graduation, I started working in the technical services department at the Bowater mill in Thunder Bay (now Thunder Bay Pulp and Paper). I worked on projects, trials, product development, and eventually capital projects. After that, I took on a supervisor role in the Recycle and TMP department, and then a superintendent role for Bleach and Chemical Plant, before going back to TMP as department superintendent.
What do you do in the TMP department? Describe a typical workday.
As superintendent, I have overall responsibility for all aspects of TMP operation, including safety, training, quality, reliability, and costs. The day generally starts by reviewing safety aspects, production and quality trends, and maintenance needs. After that, activities vary from one day to the next. I might work on shutdown planning, safety audits, employee training updates, troubleshooting an operational problem, or long-term planning for capital or maintenance budgets. It really depends on the needs of the day.
What do you like about your work?
I like that it never gets boring. There is always a new problem to solve. I also work with a great team of people.
What is the biggest challenge you’ve faced over the course of your career?
It is hard to pick a single biggest challenge. Working on product development (making grades of paper we hadn’t produced on site before) was technically challenging. Managing a department while working remotely part time during the pandemic was very challenging in a different way.
Who is someone you have looked up to at the mill, who has influenced you, or who has mentored you in your career?
I have had so many positive role models, both male and female, that it would be impossible to name them all. Peter Giardetti provided guidance early in my career, and entrusted me with important projects that helped me gain experience. John Allen was the TMP Superintendent when I started in a supervisory role, and provided mentorship and a positive role model. Jackie Lorette was the Kraft Mill Production Manager when I started as Bleach and Chemical Plant Superintendent, and was my first female boss and the first woman that I knew personally that had risen to that level in Operations.
How could the mill or the forestry sector in general improve gender equality in the workplace?
I have witnesses so much positive change over the past 22 years. I really think the forestry sector is prepared to hire women and men equally, but we aren’t at the point of getting equal numbers of male and female applicants. I think we need to engage young women when they are still in middle school or high school to help them be able to picture themselves working in the forestry sector.
What advice do you have for young women considering a career in the forest sector?
Go for it! Talk to someone that can help you learn more about the different career opportunities within the forest sector and how to get started.
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