machine operator

account manager

customer service representative

automation technician

sales manager

UPM makes a technically sound product and is a key player in its industry. There are a lot of good people in the company and the pay/benefits are above average for the area. They promote sustainability throughout the company, and it is an important part of their strategy and identity. There is a lot of Finnish influence in the company. Growth and development are limited in general, in part because many leadership positions are in Europe, but sales and product management departments offer the best opportunities.

Ongoing layoffs have been occurring at UPM since Sept/Oct of 2024, and appear to have affected many employees over the age of 40. These layoffs often seem to lack transparency and a way to bypass normal performance mgmt. processes, leading to a sense of uncertainty and instability. HR has been criticized for making decisions based on limited data, which sometimes results in leadership appointments that don't align with company values or employee performance.

UPM promotes a hybrid culture but seems to place more emphasis on physical office presence rather than actual results or outcomes. There is also a lack of clear metrics and internal alignment with the company’s broader business strategy, which makes it hard to track progress or hold teams accountable.

For those who are politically savvy and able to navigate internal dynamics, UPM may offer opportunities for advancement, but for those who value transparency, fairness, and results-driven culture, it might be a challenging environment.

UPM Raflatac is not for the professional wishing to advance unless he/she has a desire to ride the coattails of others. Job selection is on the basis of 'who you know' rather than merit and skills. Highly skilled employees are passed over in favor of the 'manager's pet.' Depending on who you are, it is very possible to show up for work at 9:00, take a two-hour lunch and then leave at 4:30. The phrase 'I was telecommuting from home' is thrown around a lot by managers, which is simply a euphemism for 'I don't have to adhere to the office policy when it is not convenient, so I won't.'

However, should you land within the inner circle, the job is a breeze -- no accountability, no objectives and no possible way to be downsized. There is always some other scapegoat available who created the crisis you find yourself in and the seagull managers are quick to misdirect blame to anyone but themselves.

Typical day at work was usually fast paced to meet production timelines. I would work in with a production team of 4 (2 machine operators, 1 packer and a Supervisor). The individuals i worked along side with were great people with great attitudes and personalities. We bonded well, joked a lot (but only when it was appropriate) and it helped us to stay bonded; That bond helped us to work exceptionally well together. 
The hardest part of my job was the heavy lifting we would do on a daily basis, often times material we pulled out of inventory could reach 100 lbs. Anything more than that, and we were required to use a forklift to put the pallet on an Upender. The most enjoyable part of my job was the fast paced environment. That may sound weird to some, but i really enjoyed it because the 8 hour, and even 12 hour, days would fly by.

Great Company with wonder employees that all have the Raflatouch! Inside joke but they do hire people with the right skills and work ethics. Nobody joins our team if they have bad personalities.
Wonderful Boss and co-workers.
Worst day, when I have to remind myself it's just sticky paper when I have tried my best to meet the Customers demands but they are still complaining about our wonderful company. We do take pride in our work and do everything possible to meet the Customers needs.

It is a good place to work as far as pay and benefits. There is a lot of stress that comes with this job. It is very demanding and does not leave much room for a personal life. The enviornment is friendly most of the time. there are times when the stress level gets to the people working and some people tend to get some what irritable. Once you get the routine down the job itself is pretty easy and can be fun. The workplace culture is good for the most part people are always joking around and trying to make each other laugh. It is a good way to brighten the mood when things start to get stressful

Excellent job, but finishing management created hostile environments with an arrogant attitude toward production floor employees and was encouraged and condoned by the HR department. I quote the director of Mills River HR department " UPM Raflatac can and will do whatever we want to who ever we want whenever we want." Promotion opportunities only apply to "buddies" and not work merit. UPM Raflatac has a very demanding work environment with an even more taxing 12hr swing shift work schedule.

I love working here. I couldn’t ask for better hours. HR have always met my needs in a reasonable amount of time. Management sets realistic goals which reflects our yearly bonuses and raises. Management has no problem getting down and dirty if we are short handed or whenever needed. I feel like part of a team rather than just an employee with a number. Their safety standards are set very high. Which I personally appreciate. 

What is the best part of working at the company?
Does not care about your life. Its by their good grace you can have the day off to witness your child being born etc.

What is the most stressful part about working at the company?
The crazy schedule where you work 1st, 2nd, and 3rd shift in one week.

What is the work environment and culture like at the company?
Most of the people are friendly but supervisors are hostile.

What is a typical day like for you at the company?
Clock in, say hi to your team, and go to your position for 12 hours.

they change your scheduled work hours frequently with little notice. they changed from working 12 hr shifts to a crazy 8 schedule. the 12 hr shifts were for example week 1 work day hours mon-thurs 6-6..week 2 7 days off straight..week 3 fri-mon night hours 6 pm-6 am..week 4 go back to days..now they changed it to mon & tues 7am-7 pm..wed & thurs 11 pm-7 am..yes, you get the weekend off but they also make mandatory OT all the time..no life

Poor management, bad communication skills within head management (Bosses &  HR) department  along with favoritism. Certain rules only apply to certain people,  also certain peers can choose where, when  & what work station they’re going to work  that day / week. This company is definitely in needs of an union Good luck to anyone looking to start a career here !

Top Job Titles	Average Salary
Machine operator 1 salary reported	$21.30 per hour
Account manager 4 salaries reported	$84,990 per year
Customer service representative 3 salaries reported	$55,667 per year
Automation technician 3 salaries reported	$53,894 per year
Sales manager 2 salaries reported	$144,800 per year

Working at UPM: Company Overview and Reviews

UPM

UPM Ratings

Popular jobs at UPM

Salary Satisfaction

Job Seeker Tools

Employer Tools

Browse

Stay Connected