When equipment stops running at RYAM’s Témiscaming site, there’s a good chance Phillipe (Phil) Benoit is part of the team working to safely get operations back on track.
As an Industrial Electrician, no two shifts are ever quite the same. One day may involve planned maintenance, calibration work, or system inspections. The next could mean troubleshooting an unexpected breakdown, tracing signals, reviewing PLC logic, or collaborating with operations teams to restore equipment safely and efficiently.
“A typical shift can change quickly,” Phil says.
That constant variety is one of the things he enjoys most about the role.
“I like the troubleshooting and problem solving,” he explains. “I enjoy digging into problems, finding the root cause, and learning more about how the equipment and process work together.”
Since joining RYAM in 2018, Phil has worked on a wide range of equipment across the Témiscaming site — from legacy industrial systems to newer automation technologies. His work includes electrical maintenance, instrumentation, motors, drives, safety circuits, and process equipment that help keep the mill operating reliably and safely.
For Phil, the role is about much more than replacing parts or responding to alarms.
“People might be surprised by how much problem solving is involved,” he says. “A lot of the job is understanding why something happened and how the equipment, controls, operators, and process all connect together.”
That mindset reflects RYAM’s commitment to safety, accountability, and continuous improvement. In a large industrial environment where systems are highly interconnected, even a small issue can impact production, making teamwork, communication, and attention to detail critical.
“You have to think safely, understand the machine, and sometimes troubleshoot under pressure,” Phil says. “But when you find the issue and fix it properly, you can see the impact right away.”
Learning the Process
Phil’s interest in the trade started long before becoming an electrician. He has always been interested in technology, electronics, and understanding how things work.
Before moving into his current role, he worked as an operator at the mill and trained on the paper machine and finishing equipment — experience that continues to help him today.
“That gave me a big advantage because I was troubleshooting and repairing equipment that I had already learned to operate,” he says.
One recent project that stands out for Phil was the winder optimization initiative.
“It was rewarding to be involved in logic changes that helped modernize the process, improve efficiency, and make the winder more consistent for the crews,” he says.
For Phil, the project highlighted the strength of the knowledge and expertise built within the Témiscaming team.
“It really stood out because it showed how we can use the skills we’ve developed in-house to improve the process and better understand how our equipment runs.”
Working Together Toward the Same Goal
While the technical side of the job is important, Phil says one of the biggest strengths of the Témiscaming site is the people.
“We have a strong crew that supports each other, shares knowledge, and helps each other work through problems,” he says. “Good troubleshooting is not always one person having all the answers — it’s the team working together toward the same goal.”
That collaborative culture is a big part of employee engagement at RYAM. Employees are encouraged to share ideas, support one another, and continue learning throughout their careers. For Phil, that environment makes a difference.
Born and raised in Témiscaming, Phil is also second generation at the mill. Working at RYAM has allowed him to build a rewarding career while staying connected to his community and family.
“The work is steady, the pay is competitive, and the area is affordable,” he says. “You do not have to move to a big city to make a good living as an electrician.”
Life Outside the Mill
Outside of work, Phil enjoys spending time with his wife and children, boating, and taking advantage of the outdoor lifestyle the region offers.
“It’s a great place if you enjoy being outside, fishing, boating, or spending time on the water,” he says.
For Phil, that balance between meaningful work and quality of life is one of the advantages of living and working in Témiscaming. The ability to build a strong career while remaining close to family, community, and the outdoors is something he values deeply.
For him, the combination of technical challenges, teamwork, continuous learning, and work-life balance is what keeps him motivated every day.
“The variety, the troubleshooting, and always learning something new,” he says. “That’s the best part of the job.”
