Eastern Canadian celebrates 50 years of service at AFT

Original article published in French at http://ow.ly/putb50Nf9TZ

Mr. Raymond Matheson started working at AFT - Advanced Fiber Technologies, in the borough of Lennoxville, Quebec on January 29, 1973.  A long and successful career has led him to hold several positions and to be an inspiration to his team.

Mr. Matheson began his career as a floor worker. Over the years, he has held numerous positions within the plant including shipper, machine operator and supervisor for 24 years.

He now works as a drafting technician and oversees this department.  Mr. Matheson still enjoys working at AFT. In fact, he is often the first to arrive at the plant:  "I always arrive early in the morning, around 7:50. I get my day ready before the other employees arrive."

What has changed the most in the last 50 years?

When he started his career, people stayed with the same company for a long time, as Raymond Matheson points out.  An employee could work 35 to 40 years in the same place. Now it's different," he adds.  "It's not like it used to be! In the last 10 years, people have been moving around a lot."

The work tools have also greatly evolved: "When I started, there were few machines. They arrived more in the 1980s. The way of working was much different before then."

Raymond Matheson adds that what he has enjoyed most in his long career is the challenge: "I like the challenge. I like to make things better and get involved," he concludes.

Julie Hébert, Human Resources Coordinator at AFT, has nothing but good things to say about Raymond Matheson: "Mr. Matheson is truly appreciated. He is an example for us. We are very proud of him!"

Of note, AFT, founded in 1903, is celebrating its 120th anniversary this year. AFT is a major supplier to the pulp and paper industry.