Front Line Supervisor Mechanical Maintenance,
Direct Strip Production Complex (DSPC)

I don’t just deal with mechanical maintenance.  I am involved with building maintenance, TSSA standards, operations, hydraulics, etc.  You get to apply all of your previous training; the growth curve is huge.

Why Algoma?

I was offered employment out of town.  I chose to stay here; its home.  I like everything to do with the outdoors – mountain biking, snow shoeing, boating, camping – and I have two young boys actively involved in sports.  I can do all of this here in the Soo.

What are the more challenging aspects of your job?

The job is never the same; it’s always challenging you. It’s very dynamic.

When you’re accountable for an area you get much broader exposure.  I don’t just deal with mechanical maintenance.  I am involved with building maintenance, TSSA standards, operations, hydraulics, etc.  You get to apply all of your previous training; the growth curve is huge.  You are learning not only about different types of equipment, but as a supervisor you are learning about people and leadership.

Can you recall a project you found particularly interesting / satisfying?

Yes.  When I was a Senior Planner in Plate Finishing I was tasked with shortening the Mesta Leveler Rebuild by two days.  I worked with engineering and we came up with a trolley system to raise and lower the backup roll assemblies. This was a much faster, safer way to accomplish the task and it helped shave two days off the schedule. It remains the established procedure even today.

More recently, this year the operator- side screw down failed on the 4 hi mill in the Plate Mill and I was brought back to the Plate Mill from the DSPC to work with a retired superintendent who was called in for his prior experience with the equipment. I was selected for this job because of my knowledge of the Plate Mill and this was a compliment as the last time this job was completed was in the early 1990’s. The job was a challenge because the Mill was in true breakdown status and there would be no production until this screw down was changed. It was a challenge to give the Mill back to Operations in a timely manner and the maintenance team was successful.

How would you describe the work culture?

Everyone is very goal oriented. Focused. When presented with a problem, they jump straight to solution mode.

We make a good living.  We live in a great place.  Life is good.