mechanic

machine operator

pressman

industrial mechanic

press operator

Independent Can Company

I was hired as a machine operator, with which I have had numerous years experience, at the Ft Madison, Ia facility. I got hired at $2/hr more than the other 3 operators in my class because of that experience and they begged me to keep that under wraps. Once hired on I was ridiculed for voicing my opinions on numerous issues such as safety, procedures and goals. At the time of hire my wife was 9 months pregnant, which they knew of in the interview process, and they told me that it was no problem and that they would work with me to get me as much time off as needed. Needless to say that wasn't the case as they were calling me the day we delivered asking me when I was coming back to work. I just thought that was highly unprofessional. Three (3) months into my employment I had learned numerous lines as well as the forklift supply position. I was told by management that not only was I the only full time employee, that was hired off of the street, that had stayed this long but I was also the only one to learn so much so quickly with little training. I figured that was a compliment. A few weeks later I was doing a job that required very repetitive motion packing boxes with cans. I experienced numbness and pain from my right wrist to elbow. I reported it and went to hospital for exam and also took and passed a drug screen. They had me stay off of that job for a couple days while taking anti-inflammatory medication. A few days later I returned to the same job with the same issues happening within ten minutes of starting. I reported it again to no prevail. Stayed on job for the rest of the day with numbness and pain. A week later a member of management asked me if I felt comfortable doing that job to which I replied no. I was put on the job the very next day dispite my concerns. The Ssme scenario happened again but this time I reported it to my immediate supervisor and informed him that I was and needed to go to the ER. He said ok and got someone to replace me. I left and went to the local ER and got a phone call from HR as I was pulling into the parking lot. She asked me where I was and what I was doing. When I told her she acted like she had no idea what was going on and that I walked out and abandoned my job. I returned after my exam with a doctor's note stating that I needed an EMG performed. When I presented HR and the GM with this note they suspended me for 2 days. On the day of my return they decided to call and terminate my employment. When I asked how this decision had been reached they stated that it was because of production goals and that I wasn't reaching them. I would like to point out that I was not once talked to, warned, or written up for not making rate.They wrongfully terminated me to avoid dealing with a workmans comp claim. They will never admit to this but they have no documentation or proof that I had been warned our reprimanded for not making goal. I have went back and forth trying to decide if I need to pursue a lawsuit with this company and it is still a possibility. Independent Can in Ft Madison is the most unprofessional, uncaring, and down right worst place that I have ever experienced and I feel horrible knowing that there are people still there that are undergoing the stress and degrading behavior that they put out. I highly recommended that everyone search elsewhere before considering employment with this company. I hope that this helps numerous of people see what they are about and that you stay away. I don't see them getting any better any time soon so please beware.

A typical day focused on aligning training with operational priorities across the plants, working with leaders, supporting employee development, and ensuring programs were consistent and effective.

I was fortunate enough to have the opportunity to build a firmwide learning strategy, standardize development across multiple locations, and create training that strengthened capability and performance.

Management emphasized clarity, accountability, and continuous improvement, and the role required strong collaboration with leaders across functions.

The culture valued teamwork, craftsmanship, and a commitment to doing quality work.

The hardest part was driving consistency across sites with long‑standing practices and different levels of readiness for change.

The most enjoyable part was seeing employees grow, especially through apprenticeships, and knowing the training strategy made a meaningful impact on capability and confidence.

Financially strong company that invests back into the business. Each year I have seen the ownership order and install new machines and update the plants. 

Management has spent a lot of time In 2018 creating training programs, adding safety equipment, reducing accidents. And more. 

There are a large number of people close to retirement and they are looking for  apprentices  And posting job opportunities. If you are looking for a career this is a great place. 

The work is seasonal and this company is customer driven which can mean last min overtime and last min changes. Sometimes this feels like disorder however the company is willing to change on a dime to meet a customer demand and This leads to customer loyalty (job security) 

They offer tuition reimbursement programs and have supported people I know getting degrees and being cross trained into new jobs.

It's not a hard job there for any position really. There are some good people there, and there are some really bad ones that really give the place a bad rap in the community. However corporate doesn't support the good ones that can really make a difference there, and well the bad apples seem to be protected by corporate even with them dragging down moral, production, and quality. Corporate in Belcamp Maryland is so disconnected, unsupportive, and hasn't made any real progressive investment in the plant since they bought it, they just throw the plant a bone every now/then to keep employees/customers from getting to disgruntled. It's a real shame the place could do so much better especially since it is the most profitable plant out of the 5 production plants. Way to much micromanagement holding back quality growth. 

As individuals, the managers for the most part are cool.  The problem is they don't like each other.  I've never heard managers talk so bad about each other.  Senior management is aloof to be nice about it.  It's run like a union shop without the union benefits. The healthcare plan is not good.  I found a better plan through the Obamacare website that cost less than what I pay.  Safety is a joke.  They have rules on paper, but no one is penalized when they are not followed. Unless someone is hurt, of course.  Then, it's the manager's mission to make sure the company doesn't seem at fault. They could use a few more guards on machines too.  Lastly, there response to Maryland passing a law that companies are to give 5 days of sick time to employees was to strip everyone of a week of vacation.  If you're hard up, you can make some money here. There is a couple of months where the overtime is plentiful.

The thing I like most about this company is that they hold people accountable.  Employees who are hired have a probationary period where they are evaluated and coached.  I have seen this company give people a chance where no other company would hire them due to issues in their background.  If your bring in the same problems you had with other employers you can expect to be coached for improvement.  If you fail to improve, this company will dismiss you so that you do not disrupt the remaining workforce.  As a result the morale in the work team remains high because the troublemakers are dealt with.  Everyone is given a chance, if you fail, you fail, and you are held accountable.  I for one appreciate an employer that works hard to assist their employees and has the backbone to deal with problem employees so that they either improve or are removed.  This makes the work environment much more enjoyable.

Starting out the pay may not seem top of the line as compared to some other companies in the area but the hours are better and during most of the year you have the full weekend off. During busy season there is overtime and they try to keep it to voluntary but sometimes have to mandatory.

The work is easy, although fast paced - you need to be ready to move quickly and keep up with the machines. It's easy to learn how to operate if you put in the honest effort, and most of the people who train are wonderful trainers.

The majority of the workers are great people - just like anywhere you work you can't get along with everyone. 

Owner is a little out of touch with the general work force/employees but he tries even though many of his experiments fail.

If your in the click you have it made. If not your the problem. Company does a lot of shady things. I had coworkers threaten me several times. Management did nothing about it. When i did something to gain proof management questioned why. When i said to get the truth i was told the truth doesn't matter. so when the coworker started harassing me again i told him off. He threatened me again directly to a supervisor. The company terminated me for it. When i sent police to get statement they wouldn't let the other employees make a statement hindering law enforcement. They kept the wannabe thug and promoted him. Doesn't matter he's a punk just like i told him he was. But if they ever do drop he know where i live when they do but i doubt he has the ability to back it up either.  This company is sad.

The plant is in the process of becoming a corporate cogg. The transition is not going well. There is no effective communication between the locations and corporate HQ. Projects are implemented prior to any successful trials. Product is routinely shipped , out of tolerance, per prints Known failing product is shipped in order to prevent high scrap count. Machinery is not maintained Workers are not valued they are simply bodies in production. Quality procedures are routinely not followed. It was very frustrating trying to get management to make an acceptable product.

This company hires arrogant managers who have no idea how the machines or lines work, have little or no regard for the safety of their employees, or quality standards.  

Their hiring practices involve using dozens of temp workers, most of which speak no English whatsoever (many of their full-time employees also struggle with it), refusing to hire any operators or mechanics that have any relevant work experience, and boasting about a bunch of promotion/pay schedules they have that never materialize.

Ignore the 4 day work week - expect to work mandatory Friday, Saturdays, and the occasional Sunday, regardless of whether or not your line is on schedule.

Very bad culture, with a lot of gossiping behind people's backs and the worst kinds of favoritism.

Top Job Titles	Average Salary
Mechanic 9 salaries reported	$33.89 per hour
Machine operator 10 salaries reported	$19.79 per hour
Pressman 12 salaries reported	$34.98 per hour
Industrial mechanic 6 salaries reported	$32.11 per hour
Press operator 2 salaries reported	$31.79 per hour

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