welder/fitter

cnc machinist

mechanical assembler

manufacturing engineer

laser operator

AWC Manufacturing LP

I was a welder who was transferred to AWC after my company was bought and split between Welding and Fabrications (AWC) and Tool & Die sets and while initially it was a harmless transfer - things quickly snowballed into a dire situation under the presently presiding management team. 

But, for starters all my co-workers were skilled individuals who - for the most part - would be available to help share their knowledge in accomplishing tasks. There was never a question or problem that could not be solved with the help of an individual in one of the adjacent welding cells.

The job was... well it's welding. It's hot in the fall and winter and even hotter in the spring and summer. But being a part of a team who were known for their high quality fitting, welding and fabbing - far outweighed any negative aspect of the work life - except... the management.

For whatever reason, there seems to be a lot of people with lots of power and no idea what to do with it except to try and keep it - which wouldn't be so bad if they had experience in manufacturing and not... sales. Already you can read how much of an issue that could cause - especially when welders have to suddenly conform and complete projects set by a... salesman? Suddenly we have to contend with HUGE projects with minuscule timelines and the bare-minimum equipment.

So management was/is scattered and disorganized after the company division and had several empty gaps in the chain of command. Co-worker started to turn on co-worker, others were promoted into leader-esq positions and caused numerous problems on the shop floor. Suddenly, all cohesion of a once tight team became turbulent - co-workers started to be pit against each other, favorites began to rise and fall and right before our very eyes - the company folded in on itself which ultimately lead to the closure and moving of AWC Windsor to AWC Tilbury and terminating/laying off all but four welders who are now currently forced with the decision to "Drive to Tilbury or find a new job."

For those uninitiated - that's a 45 minute drive from Windsor.

My contract with AWC was terminated out of the blue in January under the vague reasoning of "Quality, attendance and some other stuff.", (I'm sorry, but if you're firing someone "some other stuff" shouldn't be a part of the reasons you're being terminated,) Even though I was welding (without issue) one of the higher quality welding contracts (without issue). I know I'm not a perfect employee and I can be a bit of a naive individual at times, but I'm not stupid and clearly there was some sort of "behind-the-curtain".

I loved working here, but I'm equally jaded at the misappropriation of company resources that led to me being parted with one of my favorite places to work and then shutting and moving the doors to an inaccessible location.

Owner is constantly on the floor micromanage the managers that are paid to do a job that the owner just changes anyway. The other employees are pretty good to work with and the job keeps you thinking and you need to pay attention at all times, lots of tricky things that need to be done to accomplish what is required which makes the job somewhat fun and challenging. Days usually go by pretty quick, not much room to move up within so I didn't feel it was a very good long term place to work. Pay, benifits really need to move up with the times and some type of pension really need to be offered somehow with the way the world is now. Pay is low for what you are asked to do and low as per the industry standard as well the benefits are garbage and the pension doesn't exist unless the employees do it all on their own.

What is the best part of working at the company?
It first it was great and seemed like lots of opportunity to move up in the company and then they lied lied lied

What is the most stressful part about working at the company?
No communication and people make stuff up and blame other people for there work

What is the work environment and culture like at the company?
At first it was great I thought with lots of promises and then I saw all the untrained workers using cranes and other machines they ha e no training and very dangerous working environment 

What is a typical day like for you at the company?
I kept to myself and did my job the best to my ability mostly fixing other people's work

I have been welding for AWC for just over 3 years now. I plan on staying a lot longer. It’s a great shop full of great people. Management staff, HR and supervisors are all caring and actually listen and help if needed, offer room to grow your skills, offer apprenticeships to become red seal welder/fitters. co-workers are experienced welders and fitters and are always willing to help out the new guy. I have been welding in shops around the Windsor/Essex area for over 10 years now. And this shop is where i plan to stay. I would strongly Recommend it to anyone looking for a career in welding/fitting.

I have been with AWC for over a year all together . I had to change jobs due to family issues. I was told when I left that if any time I wanted to return, the door was open . 6 months later things changed and I wanted to return. They kept their word and hired me back at the same wage I was making when I left . New upper management is doing big things to improve work atmosphere and organize the shop . Overall a great place to work . 

I was dismissed without cause becyi was told I was unhappy. They also tried to pin a bunch of stuff on me (like mistakes on fabs) that weren't my fault. The management team and HR are always in cohoots with eachother, which leaves the employees without an HR voice they can depend on. The workers were pretty cool, and the work was awesome, too bad it's ran by a bunch of idiots with teeny wienie syndrome.

You are a dollar sign with legs. They will promise reviews and raises, you'll receive neither. Just get in here, do your job. Most guys are great, but, one or two toxic individuals ruin it. Lead hands will punish you for coming forward. If you want a good paying job that gives you want they promise, DO NOT COME HERE!

Employees always willing to help out others if needed, room to improve, I have been working in shops for over 12 years and have been here for 4 years now. Best place I have worked. Communication could use some inprovment but that is something that everyone could always work on.

The two reviews done in March are clearly management staff. No one feels that way about management or HR. The constructive criticism is “well there’s other jobs out there if you don’t like it here”.
But if you enjoy doing pointless surveys, this is the place for you. 

Steady place to work, always something to do and learn. 
Great co-workers, it has a family feel 
Management is doing a good job at improving the work culture and environment 
Competitive pay and benefits, plus company pension

Top Job Titles	Average salary
Welder/fitter 4 salaries reported	$28.94 per hour
Cnc machinist 2 salaries reported	$33.29 per hour
Mechanical assembler 3 salaries reported	$25.00 per hour
Manufacturing engineer 1 salary reported	$90,000 per year
Laser operator 1 salary reported	$26.00 per hour

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