Tim
Carson
…dedicated to his plant from its very beginning.
As Agropur commemorates a major anniversary, Tim Carson is drawing close to a significant milestone of his own.
The production supervisor at Agropur’s Sussex, New Brunswick plant will reach his 40th anniversary next year. Carson finished high school in 1984 and started work at the milk powder and butter facility right as it began production. He’s one of just a few members of his team who have been at the plant from its inception.
The facility has become more than just a workplace to Carson through the course of nearly four decades.
“You take ownership,” he said. “I feel like it’s ours, and you always want to do the best job that you can.”
Agropur is using its 85th anniversary this year as a cause to celebrate its 7,350 employees and about 3,000 dairy farmer members. It’s only fitting as each of them contribute an important piece to the Cooperative’s overall success. In Sussex, employees know where to turn when they need some expertise. Carson has done just about everything over his lengthy tenure.
Today, he oversees powdered milk production at the plant. It’s a hands-on role that requires a great deal of engagement.
“We’re not just office staff,” he said. “We’re on the floor working with our employees.”
‘Truly a subject matter expert’
The plant runs 24/7. It requires supervisors to stay ready and be prepared to solve problems whenever they might arise. Sometimes, its as simple as a quick phone call. Occasionally, it means heading back to work – even in the middle of the night – to get production back on track.
Carson said he still encounters plenty of challenges in his role. To be successful, it’s important to recognize when you don’t have the answers.
“You know the basics of everything, but there are still some things that fool you now and again,” he said. “You have to know when to reach out for help.”
The Sussex plant at a glance:
- 48 employees
- 56 000 square feet of production and office
- 74 million litres of milk processed per year
- Preparation of butter and various dairy ingredients (Skim milk powder, WPC, buttermilk powder)
Outside of work, Carson is a hockey fan and avid follower of the Toronto Maple Leafs. His favorite team has made him the target of some light-hearted jeers around the plant.
Plant Manager Mathieu Levesque couldn’t resist when he was asked to describe his colleague’s importance to the Sussex operations.
“Even though Tim is a big fan of the Toronto Maple Leaf hockey club, he’s a valued team member in Sussex,” he joked.
On a more serious note, Levesque said Carson works well with his team and is deeply focused on keeping his department operating efficiently.
“Tim is truly a subject matter expert when it comes to the powder system in Sussex and takes pride in his work,” Levesque said. “With his long tenure, Tim has seen and been through numerous changes, including a recent technological implementation at the plant.”
Among the big changes encountered by Carson was the arrival of Agropur.
The plant became part of the Agropur family following a 2014 merger with Dairytown Products Ltd. Carson said Agropur was a great fit in terms of culture and brought some peace of mind. When something went wrong in the plant prior to Agropur’s arrival, it often caused greater difficulties due to their limited resources.
“The transition was about as smooth as could be,” he said.
In an era in which few people work their entire careers for same employer, Carson remains engaged and satisfied with his duties. He admits its sometimes difficult to “shut the company off” when the workday comes to a close.
He cares about what he does and he’s proud to be part of the Agropur team.
“We have a really good group,” Carson said.
