extrusion operator

maintenance mechanic

operator

production operator

compounder

Teknor Apex Company

Upon joining the company, I came in with high expectations and enthusiasm. Unfortunately, I have faced challenges due to a lack of appropriate training and resources needed to excel in my role. The training system, if it even exists, has proven to be non-effective, making it challenging to grasp the intricacies of the job.

Moreover, I have encountered difficulties in reaching out to Human Resources for assistance. The unavailability and unresponsiveness of HR have added to the frustration, hindering the resolution of issues and impeding my ability to navigate the work environment effectively.

The plant's management appears to be running the facility incompetently, with qualified replacements seemingly prevented from advancing due to politics. This not only creates a demoralizing work atmosphere but also hampers the company's potential for success.

One of the most pressing concerns is the high level of discontent among employees. While many genuine concerns have been raised, there seems to be a lack of proactive efforts to address these issues. The absence of open communication channels and a platform for employees to voice their concerns has contributed to a pervasive sense of dissatisfaction.

From my perspective, it appears that the management has accepted a high turnover rate and is unwilling to invest in the development and satisfaction of both new and current employees. This mindset can create a self-fulfilling prophecy, as employees may feel undervalued and unappreciated, further perpetuating the cycle of turnover.

The workplace culture, unfortunately, mirrors what one might expect from a typical wage-based position. While I understand that challenges are inherent in any workplace, addressing the legitimate concerns raised by the majority of employees could contribute to a more positive and productive environment.

Assembly is typically  an 8-hr day, Monday through Friday. No weekends. Easy work but management is bad. Bad and unfair policies in place. 

Attendance is measured in points. Late/early departure is half a point and call-ins are a full point (if no vacation is used.) At 9 points, you’re terminated. They require 90 consecutive days of perfect attendance for a point to fall off your balance. If you have another infraction, the 90 days reset to your most recent infraction.   

Management also doesn’t inform Utilities (the folks who pack the finished product onto pallets) of any product change-overs. Utility workers won’t have the proper supplies ready for the new products coming down the line and will have to scramble to prepare.   

LOTS of mandatory overtime, up to 12 hours a day every work day, in some departments, this goes on for months. If you work a 12-hour shift, you get only a 10-minute break for your 4 hours while the shift-workers have a 25-minute break.  Vacation can NOT be used in lieu of overtime. 

No matter the reason you call out, you have to use vacation or accrue a point, even in extreme circumstances. Absolutely no grace or humanity. 

Management doesn’t allow for employees to use proper tools. No box cutters allowed but we must use scissors, which are practically nonexistent. Automatic taping machines malfunction with frustrating regularity and maintenance do all they can, which, isn’t much since the equipment needs replaced. Zero G has a taping and packing line which almost always does not have property working tape dispensers.  Machines, conveyors, and other equipment are always breaking down. 

Vacation must be used for any plant shutdowns (planned or unplanned) and for sick leave. There is no paid sick leave. 

Assembly is typically  an 8-hr day, Monday through Friday. No weekends. Easy work but management is bad. Bad and unfair policies in place. 

Attendance is measured in points. Late/early departure is half a point and call-ins are a full point (if no vacation is used.) At 9 points, you’re terminated. They require 90 consecutive days of perfect attendance for a point to fall off your balance. If you have another infraction, the 90 days reset to your most recent infraction.   

Management also doesn’t inform Utilities (the folks who pack the finished product onto pallets) of any product change-overs. Utility workers won’t have the proper supplies ready for the new products coming down the line and will have to scramble to prepare.   

LOTS of mandatory overtime, up to 12 hours a day every work day, in some departments, this goes on for months. If you work a 12-hour shift, you get only a 10-minute break for your 4 hours while the shift-workers have a 25-minute break. 

Management doesn’t allow for employees to use proper tools. No box cutters allowed but we must use scissors, which are practically nonexistent. Automatic taping machines malfunction with frustrating regularity and maintenance do all they can, which, isn’t much since the equipment needs replaced. Zero G has a taping and packing line which almost always does not have property working tape dispensers.  Machines, conveyors, and other equipment are always breaking down. 

Vacation is earned and must be used for any plant shutdowns (planned or unplanned) and for sick leave. There is no paid sick leave. 

Let me start by telling you I have worked for Teknor apex for over twenty five years in the maintenance department. I have not looked for another job. I have always had job security with steady employment, challenging projects and training. When the financial markets crashed in 2008 they found ways re-invest and keep us working just like during this terrible pandemic. You can truly start with an entry level job and make it to a senior management position because they promote from within, encourage advancement and have tuition reimbursement, it’s what you put into it. I have seen first hand that the company leaders and its owners  are  sincere about its core values with safety first. The benefits are great with nice traditions, employee celebrate program, 401k, vacation, health coverage, wellness program,  10 year service award banquet, holiday turkey basket with all the fixins for a great dinner with dessert , barbeques and much more. They have a diversified work force and from my experience I have not seen any age, race, religion, or any kind of discrimination. Teknor apex respects your personal lifestyle choices and decisions and I would recommend working here to anyone including my friends and family . 

Like all company's where you work and what you do forms your overall employee experience. In my years at Teknor Apex, I find them to be customer centric and focused on creating a place where people want to work.   It is a materials manufacturing company, so productivity and quality are constant goals.  The opportunities to learn and advance are generally posted.   They offer OTJ learning, on line learning systems, or even tuition reimbursement plans for anyone who want to go to college.  As it is manufacturing, there are some hard days where materials don't arrive on time, trucks may be waiting for express shipments, and in the summer overtime is generally needed, but they always thank folks for the efforts either personally or in some group format or meeting.   I believe the managers care about the people and concentrate on how they communicate.    The people we work with here make the company great. 

Im a current operator in production, and im as honest as it gets. The overtime was great, that is when we did make great money, not so much lately. Everyone from our Vice president to our current production and hr manager are really great! All three shift supervisors are stand up guys, 2nd and 3rd shift supervisors are old school so be prepared to earn your money with either shift. However they are the best supervisors you could ask for. Benefits are great and your pay is medium considering the fact that we are rhode islanders. The building is older, dirty, and extremely dusty it has no ventilation. With that being said this job is for real men, no discrimination to the the male race. We view ourselves as a brotherhood we work as a team, move as one and strive for the best . Im going on my 6th year and so far it has been a roller coaster but overall worth it. I did not give our culture a 5 star rating simply because we are no longer one in many ways, and our new plant manager makes most of us want to look for new jobs, he just isn't for us. Hopefully our production manager takes the role some day, if not i will be the youngest one to go for it.

I've worked at Teknor over 30 years, and yes there have been changes, but the company is one that is solid and respected.  They look to expand; and offer opportunities to expand along with them.  Benefits are great; safety is the number 1 concern every day; $5/day paid shower time every day so that the chemicals don't get carried out of the building; paid uniforms so no need to worry about contaminating home environment; a workboot allowance; we even get paid 15 minutes OT to STRETCH!    Over the 30 years, I've witnessed the workforce attitude and habits change overall, not just at Teknor.  Yes, the pay could be better, but with so few people being willing to go above and beyond these days, it limits things.  Attendance is critical; if you have great attendance and plan your PTO, you gain Celebrate points that can be turned in for prizes of your choice.  We were just notified that our paid holidays are increasing from 11 to 13 per year, and we're getting 9/23 as a paid day off to celebrate the 100 year anniversary.  

•	Review requisitions to verify accuracy, terminology, and specifications
•	Locate suppliers, using sources such as catalogs and the internet, and interview them to gather information about products to be ordered
•	Prepare request-for-quotes and e-mail or fax to suppliers
•	Prepare, maintain, and review purchasing files, supplier information records, and price lists
•	Compare price quotes, item specifications, and delivery dates to determine the best bid among potential suppliers
•	Prepare purchase orders and send them to suppliers via fax, email or internet
•	Contact suppliers to schedule or expedite deliveries and to resolve shortages, missed or late deliveries, and other problems
•	Track the status of requisitions and orders
•	Respond to customer and supplier inquiries about order status, changes, or cancellations
•	Confer with customers by telephone or in person to provide information about products or services, take and enter orders, obtain detailed information
•	Check to ensure that appropriate changes were made to resolve customers' problems

What is the best part of working at the company?
I enjoyed the people I worked with. Everyone was very friendly and helpful. Employees are rewarded with food, cook outs, ice cream in the summer also, weekly gas cards when the price of  gas jumped. Full benefits, uniforms, showers on site. Safety 1st driven work. I enjoyed it.

What is the most stressful part about working at the company?
The heat in the summer can be ruff but the company provides an abundance of water and cooling areas to cool off in.

What is the work environment and culture like at the company?
It's a reasonable work pace. The culture is safety driven, friendly and helpful.

What is a typical day like for you at the company?
Start the day with a brief meeting to cover the shift work orders to fulfill and any changes to machining. Then a walk through to check fluid levels of machines, check for any unusual noises or leaks of any kind. Followed by PM's and work orders/repairs. Handling trouble calls as they arise.

At Teknor there is room for growth and development, they promote within. I have seen many people move from production to other positions such as maintenance or corporate positions. If you are willing to work and put your best effort in everyday management sees it. Time management and being detail oriented is key to successes  in a majority of the production positions. PPE is worn throughout the whole production shift, safety glasses, ear plugs, steel toe boots. Safety is the #1 concern for Teknor and they have been doing their best efforts to make sure we have what we need to do our jobs correctly and safely. The management is very friendly and welcoming willing to answer any questions or concerns that arise. Teamwork is pushed across all three shifts to make the job easier on everyone. 


Top Job Titles	Average Salary
Extrusion operator 26 salaries reported	$18.02 per hour
Maintenance mechanic 37 salaries reported	$28.28 per hour
Operator 41 salaries reported	$18.39 per hour
Production operator 30 salaries reported	$21.07 per hour
Compounder 7 salaries reported	$18.42 per hour

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