In honour of International Women's Day, ATCO Structures is proud to present a special series highlighting the remarkable journeys of women leaders within our organization.

Today, we kick off the series with the inspiring story of Simarjit Bains, Vice President of Manufacturing at Triple M Housing, a division of ATCO Structures.

A Journey of Determination

Simarjit Bains' journey to becoming the Vice President of Manufacturing at Triple M Housing is a testament to her determination, resilience, and unwavering commitment to excellence. Born and raised in Quesnel, a small sawmilling town in Northern British Columbia, Simarjit is the first Canadian-born member of her family, with her parents having immigrated from India. Her early experiences in Quesnel, witnessing the thriving forestry industry and the opportunities it provided to immigrant families, inspired her to pursue a career in this field.

Simarjit attended the University of British Columbia (UBC), where she earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Wood Products Processing with a minor in Commerce. This educational foundation set the stage for her remarkable career. After graduating, she joined Weyerhaeuser's Engineering Team in Grande Prairie and later transferred to the Canadian Head Office in Kamloops. Her transition to the modular industry marked the beginning of a series of progressive roles, including Bill of Materials, Quality Assurance, and Manufacturing Manager, where she oversaw three factories across two provinces.

Leading Triple M Housing to New Heights

In 2016, Simarjit moved her family to Lethbridge to take on the role of Vice President of Manufacturing at Triple M Housing. In this capacity, she oversees Design, Safety, Quality, Production, and Customer Service, playing a pivotal role in the company's growth and success. Her leadership was instrumental in the sale of Triple M Housing to ATCO Structures in January 2023, a significant milestone that has positively impacted the business.

Simarjit's dedication to her role extends beyond the workplace. She is a devoted mother to two teenagers, Amira and Jovin, and partner to Dwayne Bach. Her commitment to giving back to the community is evident through her volunteer work with Lethbridge Family Services, her service as a Board Director with the Chamber of Commerce, and her co-chair position with the Lethbridge Manufacturing Association. Nationally, she also sits on the Modular Construction Council with the Canadian Home Builders Association (CHBA).

Embracing Leadership with Confidence

Simarjit's journey into leadership was driven by her belief in her capabilities and the support of her family. Growing up with three sisters, her parents instilled in them the belief that they could achieve anything, regardless of societal expectations. This upbringing fueled her determination to prove herself in leadership roles. She began by volunteering to lead projects and building her credibility, supported by excellent managers who recognized her potential.

Her leadership style is characterized by clear communication, active listening, and fairness. Simarjit ensures that her team understands their goals and expectations, and she prioritizes listening to her team members to fully understand any issues that arise. While she is firm when necessary, she always strives to be fair and supportive, creating an environment where everyone feels valued and empowered to contribute their best.

Overcoming Challenges and Inspiring Others

As a leader, Simarjit has faced challenges, particularly related to gender biases. She has encountered comments suggesting that women should stay at home when they have young children and has been told that her pregnancy was a waste of training. Despite these challenges, she has remained focused on her work and has proven that women can excel in leadership roles, regardless of their personal circumstances.

Simarjit believes that effective leaders are accessible and present for their teams. She emphasizes the importance of regular one-on-one meetings to stay informed about team members' progress and alignment. When mistakes occur, she uses them as learning opportunities to help the team grow and celebrates successes together. Mentoring her team and nurturing the next generation of leaders is a key aspect of her leadership approach.

The Impact of Women Leaders

Throughout her career, Simarjit has been inspired by other women leaders. Seeing successful female executives and business leaders has shown her that there is a place for women in leadership roles. She advises young women who aspire to be leaders to think about what success looks like for them and not compare themselves to others. She emphasizes the importance of having allies, putting in the effort, and staying motivated. Simarjit encourages women to attend courses, conferences, and connect with people inside and outside of their workplace to stay motivated.

Simarjit's impact at Triple M has been significant, particularly in her role in the acquisition of Triple M Housing and the subsequent growth of the business. She is proud to be part of ATCO's initiative to support diversity and inclusion and loves seeing strong women help lead the company.

Looking Ahead: Goals and Aspirations

Simarjit is committed to continuing her professional growth with ATCO Structures and helping to expand Triple M Housing into other markets and jurisdictions. She believes that as more women enter fields traditionally dominated by men, we will see an increasing number of women rising into leadership roles. Simarjit is proud of ATCO's commitment to hiring based on merit and creating diverse teams. She feels that the company's initiatives, such as DEI training and conferences, are essential in promoting understanding and collaboration among employees.

Celebrating Diversity and Inclusion

Simarjit is incredibly proud to be part of ATCO's initiative to support diversity and inclusion. She believes that the women she has met at ATCO are smart, business-savvy, articulate, and truly incredible. Their resilience and ability to navigate through tough business issues are truly inspiring. Simarjit is excited to see more women entering leadership roles and is committed to supporting their journeys.

Simarjit Bains' journey from Quesnel to becoming the Vice President of Manufacturing at Triple M Housing is a story of resilience, determination, and a commitment to excellence. Her leadership has had a significant impact on the company and the industry, and she continues to inspire others with her dedication and achievements. As we celebrate International Women's Day, Simarjit's story serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of gender diversity in the workplace and the incredible contributions of women leaders at ATCO Structures.