automotive technician

Tower Automotive

A typical day at the finger factory goes a little like clock in, go to the lunch room cork board get told where to go and fo the same monotonous task for 6-7 hours before you're told you've got mandated overtime then stay for an extra 2 hours then go home just to do it again or be told you have to come in 2 early tomorrow. I learned practically nothing there and had to fight for any better than a part pusher workplace culture is the only thing that's okay as everyone agrees that everything sucks even supervisors know it sucks, they just cant be moved to fix it the hardest part of the job is watching OSHA violations go on and know exactly how everyone else could get hurt and the most enjoyable part is going home with almost enough money to buy whatever poison you partake in and bills if you sacrifice food that day

Being 100% honest, the company had incredible benefits, and advancement opportunity. They do however seem to take some advantage of pay when hiring internally. The people at the plant level were all really good people. 

The biggest issue I had with the company was lack of training when being promoted to a new position. It was more of a "here you go, figure it out" scenario for every promotion I received in the company. Also there is very little balance when it comes to work/home. The expectation is don't make plans and be available 7 days a week. Even when you're on vacation expect interruptions and phone calls. They will not advertise this, and they will commit to work / home balance, however the actions are different than what they promise in that aspect.

Tier 1 Supplier to Ford in the automotive industry is challenging! Key is to hit DAILY production targets in ALL areas to sustain delivery and production levels for customer. Challenge = staffing, equipment improvements, developing / training colleagues - peers and hourly workers throughout the facility; Continuous improvement necessary in all areas. Great management team very competent overall. Easy to find hourly colleagues due to status of position & pay rates / job satisfaction for all. I truly enjoy the daily challenge and looking back at accomplishments throughout each day / week / month / year. This includes reviewing improvements in key metrics.

You didn't have to sign up for overtime, because you were FORCED to work O/T (12 hours a day) if you worked afternoons, and were in the line to punch out, management could come up to you and force you over 4 hours, and if you refused it was a point against you in the attendance policy. And after so many points you would get time off or eventually fired.

They could also force you to come in early the next day as well, after being forced over.There is absolutely no work / home life balance here. Management did not care about your home life.

Tower is ok I worked there almost two years. Pay is good overtime is plentiful when sales are up and vehicles are selling. The Madison location is where I worked. They supply Nissan’s truck frames. You will work fast paced but some days or not as hard. You’ll be making small parts that the robot welds for you. It’s mostly easy tack welding as far as manual welding goes. Some critical welds. Everything is MIG welded. Sometimes times they show females favoritism but all and all it’s an ok place to works. Like most plants that hire women watch out for some of those supervisors. If they trying to get a woman they’ll shoot you through the cross if they she her getting too friendly with you. 

Horribly run facility. HR will tell you that there is lots of overtime if you volunteer.  Turns out she lied...AGAIN! You do 3 Saturdays a month, 1 just 8 hours of cleaning. You do 2 hours over everyday. Leads get in your face and yell, cuss and bully. Your opinions are overlooked and your voice is stopped before you finish a sentence. HR DOES NOT CARE, unless you are a favorite. If you flirt with your lead and become her favorite you get off line everyday but if you just want to be left alone, prepare for the wrath and embarrassment.  Top dog, warehouse super, could care less about any one and if you are a material handler or below, you are pond scum and they make sure you know it. 15.oo is not worth your soul and they are the devil.

A typical day a Tower consisted of welding and assembling automotive frame components and assemblies. I would load and unload component parts from robotic weld cells, weld parts together using MIG linear and tack welding.
I learned quite a bit during my tenure at Tower. I believe the most important thing I learned was how to be a professional in whatever it is you do, take pride and be accountable in everything you do. The hardest part of the job would be the long 12hr shifts with no days off for weeks at a time. The most enjoyable part would have to be the friendships I made with my co-workers over the years.

I loved my job at Tower Automotive it supplied me with the funds I needed to have a life of my own. I had a home and a new car in the drive way. I made enough money where my bills were paid and I had a little extra to put in a savings account. Life was good! I sure do miss my job and all the wonderful people I worked with I called friends. To be honest they were more like family to me than just friends. It was heart breaking when the plant closed. Life as I knew it was over. This was the most secure job I've ever had in my life. I haven't had one like this since either.

A typical day consisted of continuous welding and inspecting frames. Loading, unloading, and inspecting sub-assembly parts. One thing Tower taught me was to be a professional in whatever it is you do. For the most part managements main focus was to ensure high quality products were produced in a safe atmosphere. Tower is a team atmoshere so co-workers had to be dependent of each other. The hardest part of the job was the extremely long hours and continuously being on your feet. The most enjoyable part of the job would have to be the financial compensation.

Although they pay fair, they treat you raw. The union tries to protect you if you get the right representative. The drama in this place makes you think your in high school. If you're not one of the ones on the "in side" your life is miserable. They want their production numbers at any cost and it becomes a back stabbing, finger pointing shark fest if they don't get it. Maintenance supervisors treat the crews poorly and the upper management above them support it. Might have someone work there as a start job, get experience and move onto something better but not a good career choice.

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