After graduating from Louisiana State University with a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering, I interviewed with West Fraser at the Opelika, AL mill. After seeing the operations and all the incredible equipment involved with making lumber, I was immediately sold on joining the company.

Every day is a new and exciting challenge. My role allows me to get my hands in a little of everything around the mill and always learn something new. I have already been a part of a start-up of a new sawmill, lead a team for a small capital project in the planer mill, and focused on solving the root causes for machinery downtime across the site.

Working for West Fraser at the Opelika mill is an amazing opportunity. The site is being upgraded with a brand-new sawmill and planer mill and has great people to make it a best in class facility.

The lumber industry in the United States is seeing significant investment in building new mills or replacing sections of an older production line. All this new technology requires talented individuals to join the industry with an unlimited possibility for growth in their career.  

The Auburn-Opelika community is a great place to live. The area has so much to do to maintain work life balance from the traditions of college football on Saturdays, hiking in National Parks, five golf courses, and several family events each weekend. 

Outside of work I am usually out playing golf or tennis, eating at a restaurant in downtown Auburn, or traveling to explore new cities. I appreciate that I work for a company that allows me the time to balance work and all these activities that I enjoy.

- Ryan Reliability Engineer