Exova

A typical day at Exova began with preforming safety inspections in my area to ensure a safe environment for myself and my co-workers. I was able to use time management and versatile skills by taking on many tasks each day. I also was given a position in shipping and receiving.  

I studied and was tested on safety precautions and procedures in great detail that were required in order to work safely with chemicals and other materials. I was able to learn how to test the flash point of a variety of materials, test for plasticity and water retention in soils, and I would record the data correctly for the clients to receive. I was given the opportunity to learn how to use a variety of instruments in order to preform each step of my analysis'.  

Both management and co-workers were great to be around and made the Exova team strong. The time that I was able to spend there (as a temporary seasonal position) was made memorable by all of the smiling faces, welcoming hands, and planned social events where everyone was included. 

The most challenging part of the job was when I would test for plasticity and water retention in soil because as part of the procedure  I would have to dry the samples in order to weigh the results. This made meeting deadlines difficult since I was unable to control when I would receive the sample from the client as well as how long the sample would take to dry. However I was able to make ends meet through putting in extra hours on weekends and working longer hours on weekdays. 

The most enjoyable part of the job was that I had the opportunity to learn analysis on how to test soils and work with some great people. I enjoyed observing my mentors and learning the ins and outs of other types of analysis. I was even able to explore other departments of the lab (water, oil, and gas), and ask questions to acquire more knowledge. I was happy to leave with the thought of a potential return.

When Exova used to Body cote, it was a great place to work.Customers are valued and employees were well appreciated but after the Exova take over things started to go downhill.

To make the company look profitable high salary employees were terminated not considering that these employees had the talent and expertise. 
The last 2 years turned out for the worse.Budget pinching was applied to everything from freezing employee salary, not paying employee overtime or delaying approval of project related purchases.

Exova is a great place to work ...if you are a bully.It is somewhat disheartening that employees who are annoying and proud are tolerated and commended while the quiet ones and true "back bone" are never noticed and yet they dump more work to these people just because of their work ethic.

So if you are either a bully or liked to be pushed around this place is paradise.

Before take over by an investment company in 2008, Bodycote Testing Group (back then) was a very nice place to work. However, after take over all things changed to the worst. Ironically, the middle level management did not changed that much (people-wise), but their attitude did - most of them started caring only about their own skin without taking a slightest care about the employees. Company laid off about 40% of the work force to make it "more profitable" in a flash. I would work there again only if I would have no other choice.

Check all instruments if they ran ok the previous night. Check gas cylinders for level of gas pressure. If there is no issues, head to my computer. Log in into my account, check what samples are due, which ones are rush and normal. Organize and prioritize accordingly.
Most of my co-workers come in 30 minutes to one hour later. Get the informed of what needs to be done and which instruments were calibrated.
The hardest part of the job is when clients bring in a new sample and they are not quite sure what to look for.
When all instruments are running and there were no hitches.

In typical day we did 150-200 days but I can see that the customers were going else where. We started to loose customers by the car load. I learn that the more customers we had the better we had was. I learn to go fast and do the job right. I really didn't like some of my co-works because they thought they were better then me when they had very little time to learn about my job. The hardest thing about my job is watching out for the cars coming and going. I just did not like that when I got a raise it was that the minimum wage up. I like to learn about all the new cars out there.

Flexible work hours depending on the department and manager
Typical day is never the same but key functions must be completed
\lots of follow up as others shirk responsibilities
most difficult is dealing with management who does not like change, lack of information sharing
\most enjoyable part of the day is early before everything goes nuts

Management fails this company. I think that really sells it. The people that work there were great. But management was very toxic. Management had questionable relationships with other "managers" and they had a rat mentality. Not a good place to be. Covid killed the lab, but not the company. So... buyer beware.

About Exova. Exova provides technically demanding laboratory-based testing, calibration and related services across 11 key customer sectors. ... Exova is committed to conducting its business in a socially responsible manner, respecting the needs of its customers, employees, investors, and other stakeholders.

unfortunately very behind the times with respect to technology, culture, management, employee development, salary and benefits...style of communication is not as transparent as more successful businesses. It is not for those starting out in their careers or for those seeking to advance professionally.

Everyone who works there is looking for a new job. The staff are nice but management can be very unprofessional and unrealistic. Its stressful, low pay and generally an unpleasant place to work.

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