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Pulp and paper’s future leaders: Meet Adam Sears

The future of the pulp and paper industry is in good hands!

Armed with a strong work ethic, initiative, curiosity, and a commitment to training and safety, the 2022 winners of our Top 10 Under 40 program are positioned to take the industry forward.

Whether they work in leadership, operations, maintenance, support or human resources, these pulp and paper employees are highly regarded by their colleagues and peers.

To highlight the achievements of each individual selected for the Top 10 Under 40 list, Pulp & Paper Canada will feature one of 2022’s winners every week for the next 10 weeks. Nominations for the 2023 contest open at the end of the year.

This week, we introduce Adam Sears, converting division manager at Kruger Products in Mississauga, Ontario.

Adam Sears has worked in the pulp and paper sector for nearly 20 years, primarily in the consumer tissue industry. 

Adam joined Kruger Products in 2020 and took on interesting challenges. He supported the commissioning of the converting line at the company’s Sherbrooke, Quebec, TAD Tissue facility. In 2021, he continued to make an impact as converting division manager at Kruger Products’ New Westminster, British Columbia, plant.

As a mentor of the Operational Excellence (OpEx) Training program, Adam is Six Sigma Black Belt certified and works to help others gain their certifications by providing tools, direction and coaching. He is proud to inspire and engage others to unleash their full potential through this training, especially as it relates to process improvement.

For example, OpEx training created the opportunity for Adam to coach his operators on a system which allowed them to promptly identify centre lines required during the manufacturing process. This training was then passed down to other team members and created a new standard process, language and system used for machine setup. This new process was not only more efficient, but it also enabled the team members to work together and take ownership of their work.

Achieving the Prosci Change Management Certification has transformed how Adam leads his team and projects to drive successful change initiatives. He has applied the teachings of this certification to the “Lockout, Tagout” procedure, which ensures workplace safety when handling manufacturing machinery. Through this training, he was able to assess the operators and workers that hold influence and determine their desire to make the changes and progress required to ensure proper procedures and systems were understood and followed to protect all workers.

Adam continues to steer his team members towards achieving their personal goals using an open-door policy based on trust and communication, including daily meetings and feedback. Having been involved with major capital and innovation projects throughout his career, he is passionate and committed to creating ground-breaking and sustainable change.