Production engineer

After I received my diploma from the Arts & Métiers engineering school, I started looking for a job. During my search, I visited several different plants and met the director of the Gérardmer paper-making training centre, and he convinced me to study a new discipline–paper making.  I then entered a technical college with a work-study programme, while also earning an engineering diploma from PAGORA. I applied for a job at Clairefontaine and have been working here since 2016.

In 2020, I became Machine 5 Manager. One of my duties is to monitor paper production schedules. I manage the sequencing and ensure product quality. I also work on technical shut-downs, on replacements of the coverings and rollers on the size-press machines, and on maintenance periods. Another one of my roles is to be attentive to innovations or technological developments that may be useful for our current or future needs.

In my day-to-day work, I study the performances of the machine and analyse any blocking points. I also work with a team to resolve these problems. I manage the layout for new investments in the pulp lines, and any breaks in the paper, to improve machine productivity. The biggest challenges for me are when we launch new paper runs, because we have to introduce several changes in the lines (paper ingredients, mixtures, colours) and it is very challenging to ensure a successful transition between the papers.

What I like best about my job is working on the machine. I try to make the staff members more independent in their work while maintaining the same teams so we can further develop automation and make it more robust. What am I most proud of, as part of my work, was when we were able to ensure the total reliability of the machine after a major overhaul on the dryer. In a job like mine, you need to be curious and carefully analyse each problem. Sometimes, when you take a step back to reflect, the whole thing comes into clearer focus!