quality technician

machine operator

millwright

plant supervisor

merchandiser

APG Canada West

A typical day at work involves, lackluster safety sense and enforcement, a general sense of dread from plant to plant, and most of us counting the hours till we can go home. I learned that a production style career is that of a depressing choice of work. Especially here at Expocrete. Most of the machines here are in varying states of being broken, and require almost constant worker intervention to keep it doing its job. The most infuriating part of the job is seemingly non-existent preventative maintenance, if every piece of machinery did what it was supposed to without the constant stream of faults and alarms,production numbers would skyrocket, but it seems like shutting down for a few days is just too much to trade. Employees are almost untouchable depending on how much you are liked by your boss or supervisor. Workplace culture is basically passing the job onto someone else who is already dealing with others BS. Most of us feel like we were "A"and "B" players who have been mistreated and had our concerns shoved back into our faces so we became "C"and "D" players and all the while management claims to have no idea why. I wouldn't recommend anyone with any self-worth or dignity to work here, because you will be driven mad about how such a large company can ignore it's employees concerns. Until then put on your happy faces and don't raise your voice.

The spring season starts with a bang with spring bookings to the large dealers and start up orders for smaller dealers preparing for the summer landscape season.  Orders are either dropped into an EDI system or via phone, fax and email.  Many days fly by with steady calls and orders to process.  A lot of data entry, sending orders to the yard that require picking, and ensuring specialty items are on track to arrive on time.

Cross training insured all CSR's (Customer Service Reps) also could cover the shipping desk when required which I found a nice change from constant order entry. We all took turns on various shifts, accommodating anyone that needed a specific time for personal needs.  The comaraderie and helping each other was automatic and made for a relaxed work environment.

As a temp in a seasonal position, the fast paced environment and other staff made for a busy, enjoyable time.

The benefits are good, you get paid and rewarded for what you earn. Nothing is just handed to you, you have to work for it. Now owned by Oldcastle, a lot more attention is given to equipment upgrades and career advancement opportunities. Since the the company was sold I have seen a lot of people in the office, plant and yard change jobs and move up. The corporate office was moved to Acheson and every manager has an open door policy which is nice if you need to talk to HR or even the president. the company is still hanging on to some employees that resist change but because they are experienced with the production machines and Oldcastle values tenure, they are still here. They're good at what they do but are sometimes too controling and grumpy. Days are long and hot just like any other old plant. You must be physically fit. If you're expecting hand-outs, look elsewhere but if you're looking for honest hard work and opportunities to move up or change careers anywhere in the world, that's what it is.

A typical day at Expocrete is a very early morning, arriving at work and stacking bricks off a machine for 10-11 hours a day, 5 days a week. management was concerned more with productivity then well being of employees and were not very polite about issues they had to talk about. Co-workers were alright but also lacking in manners. The hardest part of this job was showing up everyday putting your best foot forward for a very labour intensive shift and not advancing in the company, and having sore elbows and hands after week 1 of work from poor rotation of workers and machines.

When I left my previous very secure job of 8 years to work at Expocrete, I was extremely nervous of the situation. 
Expocrete is a very large company, yet they do not make you feel like you are just a number to them. 
The president, Vice Presidents and management are always very supportive. I have never worked in a place where upper management is not afraid to get dirty and do whatever job needs to be done to support the company, including the president working in the plant!
After 4 years working with the company, it was the best choice I could of made and am very grateful to work with Expocrete.

Expocrete is a growing and thriving company under the Oldcastle family.

There are many opportunities here to advance your career. If you are hard-working, dedicated, and have a positive attitude you will be noticed for your efforts and rewarded.

The summer months are very busy for most departments but can be more low-key in the winter months. To be successful at Expocrete you have to adjust to the different paces of work. 

Safety is a top priority at Expocrete! People really matter here.

Expocrete is a part of a much larger organization called Oldcastle. This wasn't always the case. Since Oldcastle bought Expocrete - there seems to be lots of opportunities for advancement. One guy even got sent to the US for a promotion or something like that. The benefits at Expocrete are really good and there are no lay offs. If you work hard - you get noticed and get more. The most enjoyable part of the job is all the people. The worst part is sometimes days are long but not bad if you like overtime.

Oh and a girl from the yard got promoted to an office job. That's cool.

I really enjoy working here. The days fly by. There is never a dull moment and the customers are excellent to deal with. Everyone is treated as equals the Executive team really go the extra mile to show the appreciation they have for the sales team. the company focused on safety. This company has been one of the best so far in my career to work for

issues ...so as a temp great place to work as an apg employee it was not great plus no notice when they wanted you to work extra hrs and breaks were never at same time no advancement management hides issues does not pass it up higher to the point of ripping up safety cards.

One of the best jobs I ever had. People are great. Gaining alot of valuable experience. Early shift hours for R and M department. Easy 8 hr shift. Good benefits. Profit sharing, boot allowance, precription safety glasses, molded earplugs. 

Top Job Titles	Average salary
Quality technician 3 salaries reported	$70,000 per year
Machine operator 2 salaries reported	$36.43 per hour
Millwright 1 salary reported	$48.00 per hour
Plant supervisor 1 salary reported	$82,500 per year
Merchandiser 1 salary reported	$23.50 per hour

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