welder

welder/fitter

trailer mechanic

saw operator

manual machinist

Aspen Custom Trailers

DO NOT WORK HERE! I was an employee at Aspen Custom Trailers from April 2022 to May 2023. My days at Aspen were pretty much all the same. I would operate hydmech saws during the first half of the day and then move over to the machine shop for the second half. I learned how to operate a radial arm drill press and lathe machine through the teaching of one of their journeyman. Management were abismal. I have never had a more humiliating demeaning working experience in my life. As a former US Marine (retired) I was hoping for a team environment. But to be fair I purposely mislead them about my service. The workplace culture was toxic at best. Certain individuals were far to concerned with my personal life and it created an untenable situation. Any concerns I had whether about safety, or coveralls, gloves etc, were brushed off. The rollers that lead into the saw vices were smashed out and broken for months.  And we're only fixed after I was moved off of it. It made the job very dangerous. I believe in personal responsibility, but in the end they blamed me and took no responsibility at all. Unfortunately the most enjoyable part of my day at Aspen Custom Trailers was going home. 


Aspen Trailers offers a solid learning experience and a very positive day-to-day work environment. The lower-level management and coworkers are great — friendly, helpful, and hardworking. You really feel like part of a team here, and the work culture is one of the best parts of the job.

However, the company falls short when it comes to growth, compensation, and job security. Upper management is inconsistent and often fails to follow through on promises. For example, you might be told you’re getting a raise or promotion, only to have it delayed indefinitely — and even bringing it up can put your job at risk.
In short, Aspen Trailers is a great place to gain experience and build skills, but don’t expect long-term growth or reliable advancement. If you value a supportive team over financial and career progression, this might be a good short-term opportunity.

This place really is no good.  I first started and tried to put in so much effort as much as I humanly could.  It looks and feels like a real shop atmosphere but under the hood is nothing but a nest for negativity and discontent.  They expect the world and miles more out of every employee for every minute of every day and in return pay far below industry standard wages, make empty promises, and effectively break down a persons morale and soul until they just become another number added to the high turnover statistic.  This place is fine if you can keep your head down, bite your tounge, and shuffle along like another broken spirit.  If you have any form of ambition, personal drive, great work ethic, or any positive quality a reasonable employer looks for, you would probably have a more fruitful attempt towards a career at your local mcdonalds.  Even on payday heads are hung low with dread.  Usually payday is a happy day but in this company it is a cold reminder of the fairy tale that is this company.

Worked for this company loyaly for over 7 years learned many things from a lot of good people that’s about all I have to say that’s good about it though after over 7 years with them they blindsided me with termination papers less than two months after I had my first born saying I missed 3 days of work which was because my fiancé went into labour which I think is a reasonable reason to miss a few days but anyways no severance pay or termination notice they told me I’m gonna have to take them to the labour board to get anything before you think about a career in this place I’d look around at the many other options in the area that have decent managers and owners that actually have a care about your home life  instead of just tossing you out the door like some dirty old that they used and are now done with STAY AWAY!!! This is coming from a long time employee that actually tried to make thing work with this company

Management is so poor here, leadhand makes you feel like you’re worthless even if you’re the hardest worker you can be. The foreman was a great guy, always listened to me and believed in me. Helped me advance in areas I needed it and gave me constructive criticism. On the other hand, the lead hand made my life very difficult. He is not very clear in explaining instructions and if he has a bad day he’ll take it out on you. They’re more interested in rushing through production than the welfare of their workers. Everybody has an issue with the lead but people are too scared to say anything. The safety lady is amazing and she does her best to make sure you feel heard and helped. As an apprentice you tend to have to fend for yourself and learn by yourself, as they’d rather you wash walls then learn hydraulic fundamentals. They can’t even give the mechanics a fridge. 


I would not recommend this welding shop to anyone who values professionalism or respect.

From day one, it was clear that employees are treated like numbers instead of skilled tradespeople. Management communication is poor, expectations constantly change, and there’s little to no appreciation for the work being done. Time is wasted regularly due to disorganization, yet the blame somehow falls on the workers.

Safety feels like an afterthought. Equipment maintenance is inconsistent, and concerns raised by employees are brushed aside instead of addressed properly. In a welding environment, that’s unacceptable.

Morale in the shop is low, turnover is high, and it’s obvious why. Skilled workers deserve leadership, organization, and respect — none of which seem to be priorities here.

If you’re looking for a long-term, supportive workplace, I would suggest looking elsewhere.


The role itself had potential, but unfortunately the work environment made it difficult to succeed. There was a consistent lack of support from upper management and HR. Rather than offering guidance or conflict resolution, interactions often felt intimidating or dismissive, which created a culture of fear rather than collaboration.

Concerns raised were either downplayed or met with passive aggressive responses, and it was clear that speaking up wasn’t encouraged. Morale was low, and many talented people didn’t stay long. It’s unfortunate, because with the right leadership approach, it could have been a much more positive place to work.


I have been with Aspen for over 20 years. I have had the opportunity to move through the company in different roles into my sales position and I am very pleased with it. I know there are challenges with this new position but I have lots of support behind me pushing me to succeed. We have had our ups and downs like so many companies but with Aspen being family owned you see the desire to not only continue to improve but to ensure our longevity as a company. I have had some issues with management along the way but those days are behind me. There have been times when I have thought about leaving but I am very happy that I have weathered storms and come out the other side better for it. 

What is the best part of working at the company?
4:30 when you get to go home .  It’s a very toxic environment and extremely massoganistic. 

What is the most stressful part about working at the company?
Management doesn’t care about the employees. They are only concerned about the bottom line. They want the employees to suck it up and shut up. They don’t care about how toxic the environment is they just want you to shut up and don’t bother them with petty details. 

What is the work environment and culture like at the company?
I’ve never experienced a more toxic, toxic environment. Extremely detrimental for your mental health 

What is a typical day like for you at the company?
Suck it up, shut up and hurry and get to 4:30 so I can get out of there.

- true classical design work for a mechanical engineer, 
- Aspen is a leader in the industry, and many of it's innovations have  driven the sector forward,
- because the manufacturing shop is right there you will see your design's come to fruition 
- good combination of senior engineers with a wealth of experience and juniors with ambition and ideas 
- fun and team-orientated work culture, good senses of humor

Top Job Titles	Average salary
Welder 18 salaries reported	$35.28 per hour
Welder/fitter 59 salaries reported	$32.43 per hour
Trailer mechanic 18 salaries reported	$35.81 per hour
Saw operator 7 salaries reported	$26.64 per hour
Manual machinist 28 salaries reported	$34.25 per hour

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