extrusion operator

quality technician

operator

machine operator

forklift operator

Chroma Color Corporation

I worked here as an Extrusion Operator for roughly 2 years before being hired as a Lead Operator at the Americhem plant in Liberty. I enjoyed working for this company overall. I read some of the reviews and it seemed like some were pretty negative. I read one review left by another former operator in the Extrusion Department and they were absolutely right when they said some of what they said, but I think it came across negatively and it may scare some people away. So, I wanted to clarify and add on to their review and give an in-depth review to this company because I personally really enjoyed it. 

TL;DR the point I wanted to really drive home is that it is a nice company to work for, but it is really dirty and hot and they don't do night shifts. It isn't clearly stated anywhere really. They don't do second shifts or third shifts. It's 10-hour day shifts from morning to afternoon, 7 AM to 4 PM. So, if it's 90 degrees at 12 PM on a Tuesday in July, it's hitting the hundreds within the plant. It isn't climate -controlled and the ventilation is pretty rough. Hard hats and uniforms are required as well along with your standard PPE and occasionally respirators. 

Firstly, when the former operator said there isn't much room for growth within the company, they were right. Once you're hired as an operator, it does kind of stay that way. But I don't think it's a bad thing. Most of Chroma's leads when I was there have been there for a relatively long time. There were two leads when I was there, and no supervisor and the operation went smoothly. If you've ever worked in like a smaller shop where the manager or supervisor has just been there for so long, it's kind of hard to move him, it's similar to that. The vibe is nice so it makes it worth it. 

The company is really inclusive and will hire the right candidates based on their technical skills and their experience. There is compromise as well though, and they will train the right candidates even if they have a limited amount of experience operating extruders. And it usually works out fairly well. New hires are usually respectful and willing to learn. The environment isn't very toxic, and it is helpful. Most of the more seasoned operators will show you everything they know as long as you're willing to learn. They pay is pretty competitive. They started me out at $17 an hour which is just fine in my opinion. I wasn't expecting anything too crazy, so it worked out well there. They will hire anyone whether or not they're white, Hispanic, woman, or man. They don't mind as long as you're a right fit for their company. Which I think is good. The extruders are really old, but they run pretty well for what it's worth so I can't complain there. There had been only a few times that something would break down on the extruder and maintenance had to fix it. But usually, they get them back up and running within a few hours max, and even if they don't, it only takes a few days to service them and that's rare. Most operators can fix basic problems themselves. 

There are some things I feel as though people should know about the company before applying. Firstly, it is very dirty. Even for extrusion company standards. Here, they process paint resins. They do have showers in the plant, and you can shower towards the end of your shift, and you get paid for taking them. They are private showers as well. You're not sharing a shower with multiple people either in case anyone is worried. It is also very hot. It isn't a climate-controlled facility, and there really isn't much ventilation. Chroma doesn't do night shifts as well. They also don't do second shifts either. It's 10-hour day shifts from the morning to the afternoon, which I feel like should be clearly stated. So, if it's 90 degrees outside at 12 PM on a Tuesday in July, it's hitting in the hundreds in the plant. It's brutal in that regard. I was hired during the start of the pandemic as well. We were required to wear company uniforms, hard hats, safety glasses and earplugs, and a mask to prevent the spread of COVID-19. You were also required to wear a respirator in some instances, and the Mixing Department had to wear Tyvek suites when they were working over their uniforms. So, it does get hot man. That should be known. 

Another thing I feel is important to mention is that when I was hired, they were extremely understaffed. I was trained by someone who spoke only Spanish, and I only speak English so that was pretty difficult. The leads were understanding of this as well, so it did work out. They didn't have an English speaker qualified enough to train me, so it was pretty hard at first. They did make up for it when they were understaffed with bagged lunches though and did try to give people overtime if they wanted it. 

What is the best part of working at the company?
Great crew to work with here, This place is great for growth and advancement, The pay is good, and you'll love the job if you like to stay active and work with your hands. The job will also improve your mind making it more sharp, based on the different duties and responsibilities required here.

What is the most stressful part about working at the company?
The only thing that I could think of that can be a downside is the fact that you can get really messy as in covered with colored plastic powders and materials that could be challenging to get off in the shower. This is no big deal though, it is worth the experience, and just like any other job, there are strategies to make anything easier. And they have shower's at the facility. All in all this job is well rounded and quite fun as well. 

What is the work environment and culture like at the company?
Be prepared to wear proper clothing in the winter as well as the summer. There is no A/C in the summer and no Heat in the winter because it could prove issues to the material. Still worth it though. No big problem, you're a big boy/girl.
And the staff here are excellent. Great group of people here.

What is a typical day like for you at the company?
Meet in the day room first thing at beginning of the shift to here the manager hand out assignments and duties as well as what platform/area each individual will be working on for the day, afterwards, masked on, go to your assigned platform, and begin following you safety procedures and duties as followed. You take your break when necessary and when the time is right and safe. At the end of the day you clean up, organize and prepare the platform/work area for the next shift that follows, and you must wait for them to arrive so that you give them a clear scoop of anything that they need to know concerning the platform at that time. After they understand, you then make your way to clock out, head to locker room, throw outfit in bin, shower, change back into regular clothes, and make your leave.

What is the best part of working at the company?
This company went downhill when the previous owners sold it. They don’t care about the people who work there just about making dollars.

What is the most stressful part about working at the company?
They don’t pay you what you are worth and don’t care that you have a life outside of the job.

What is the work environment and culture like at the company?
Hot and dirty! The people in higher up authorities don’t no how to run the place properly. They just care about telling you what to do abusing their authority. They don’t know what it takes to get the job done because they’re not hands on and they’ve never done it before.

A typical day is very monotonous as is most production work. It is a very dusty, dirty environment working with colored pigment, no heat or ac. Pay is better than average for manufacturing, benefits day one, and OT potential. They currently offer a $1000 sign on bonus paid over your first year. There is very little room for advancement, but if you are OK doing the same thing day in, day out in you could scrape by a living. Location management recently changed for the better, they are actively working on company culture and are making much needed facilities improvements.
If there was more room for advancement and better pay potential the dedicated employees would probably have a much better attitude. 

I have enjoyed working at this place and have never really felt as if my job were in jeopardy. Unfortunately I haven’t been offered many opportunities to advance and I have done everything I can to. There are a mixture of personalities that are both good and bad, including my own at times. The job is filthy and the weather is hot in the summer, very cold in the winter. The pay is decent, but you will not survive on the pay without a second income. There are many pros to the job and also these cons.

The new management is ok at best. In the beginning they made some well needed improvements. But now in there 5th year of complete ownership they’re trying to sell. And rightfully so; but now they are cutting corners anyway possible. Hopefully when new ownership does take over they can right the ship. The direct managers are petty; upper management is clueless; but most of the workers are good, hardworking people. I’m hopeful for the workers. But it doesn’t look good. This is a job for a paycheck not a career! Very few long timers. Turn around is very high. That alone should help you make your decision. 

well, the training is non-existent.... they expect you on day 1 to be able to perform the job just by being given a paper and told to do it. the raises (or lack there of) are horrible, the way the review works is what the supervisors do not give out in raises, they get as a raise. Expect to be constantly covered with carbon black, or other dye colors. Incredibly hot in the summer, normally 100+ degrees without air circulation. They expect you to work 8 hrs without breaks and be thankful for a job.

Dirty, hot and cold.  Make promises they don't keep. A good first job but not a career.  They tell you what you want to hear and not the truth. Second chance company which is good but hard work is not rewarded.  It's who you $/(% up too in order to get ahead.  Integrity is nonexistent.  

Every day is busy, but not overwhelming. The people are the absolute best part of the job. Everyone is amazing and truly cares about the rest of the team. I've never worked anywhere that truly feels like family (but not in that creepy, "we're all family here" way). If you're driven to learn more, there's always the opportunity to expand your knowledge and skills. 

HR and management do not do anything about a problem except talk about how they will write you up if you don’t say hi to them. Management is not fit for the job and they do not know how to run the department. This is a very dysfunctional company to work for. They don’t care about their employees and their needs.

Top Job Titles	Average Salary
Extrusion operator 1 salary reported	$18.00 per hour
Quality technician 1 salary reported	$21.50 per hour
Operator 1 salary reported	$20.50 per hour
Machine operator 2 salaries reported	$18.75 per hour
Forklift operator 8 salaries reported	$21.38 per hour

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