Vehcom Manufacturing

******** Wages & Work *******

CNC Machine Operators start with $15 an hour. They have several production lines, my review is based on my experience at lines ATX-1, and ATX-2. However, other lines should be similar.

I started by running one machine (loading and unloading parts; taking measurements every hour and make adjustments if needed); very simple repetitive work that could be mastered in couple of days.
If you stay at the same level (running 1 machine), your wage would increase about $1 after a year as far as I heard.

If you have the potential, you might become responsible for running multiple machines (job title remains the same). In this case your base wage will become $18 per hour, and they offer a quality bonus based on production such that you could make up to $22 an hour. 
But the thing is that there will always be technical issues on the line or changeovers (changing machines set-up to move production from one part to another). Changeovers happens frequently (depending of orders, about 2-3 times a week), which usually takes 2-3 hours and sometimes more. Hence, on average there is no way to make $22! According to operators on average they make $19 - $20 an hour.



******* Work Schedules *******

Working shifts varies as well, mainly based on production pace. Some production lines work 5 days a week (three shifts; 8 hours; rotating every 2 weeks), while others work continental rotating (12 hours; 2 weeks days and 2 weeks nights. The good thing is that operators can agree on any another arrangement (e.g. one operator want to have all night shifts and others are ok with it). Few people work straight days, afternoons and nights (mostly those who run one machine).

As pre-mentioned, based on production requirements, the work schedule can change where any line could move from running 5 days a week to continental rotating or vice versa.

In some occasions, a line might be down and you will be moved either to run another machines at Vehcom, or they might send you to work at another Linamar company (in this case you have the choice of not agreeing and stay home until they need you to run the line again).


******* Work Environment *******

Work environment is dirty. Coolants are used for machining parts, which not only smell bad and you will carry that smell to home, your skin will be exposed to it and you might even breath oil vapours! 

As the place is full of machines, the work area can be very hot especially in summer. Not mentioning the dust accumulations.



******* Job Security & Overtimes *******

Job security is excellent at Vehcom, simply they don't lay-off people! You are secure as long as you come on time, have good attendance, and make good parts. Even if they are slow they give their operators the option to temporary work at another Linamar Company. Some operators have been working in Vehcom for more than 20 years.

Overtime is another plus at Vehcom. It is voluntary, and most of the time if you ask the supervisor for overtime he will approve it.



******* People *******

Supervisor is very respectful. All team leads that I met were good too. Few operators were good, several ones smile in front of each others while saying bad stuff on their backs, others are rude (especially most of the material handlers).



******* Conclusion *******

The mentioned above is my unbiased opinion, personally I don't recommend working at Vechom as I didn't like the work environment (dirt, people, inconsistent schedule). For the same wage I believe its very easy to find a better job (e.g. at other Linamar companies especially those who do the assembly). Guess many people reached similar conclusion and that's why they have a high turnover rate.

That being said, if you are fine with coolants and dust; don't mind working with some rude people and others who stab you in the back; flexible with schedule and work changes; and looking for a stable job, this might be a perfect place for you. After all, some people are there for more than two decades!

While at Vehcom Mfg. I was exposed to the greater majority of the QA side fo the Engineering Design process and learned a lot about how it's easier to make a product one way or another and how to interact with the linesmen who are actually operating the machines and doing the in-line part checks. I also got to deal with 5S, re-work companies, lots of problem-solving, and I expanded my knowledge on how I would make certain design changes to the product and the corresponding prints.

the place is essentially a meat grinder. Safety is not a real thing there (even though they tell you it is). Some of the management is quite sketchy and they will throw you under the bus in a heartbeat to make themselves look good. It is unfortunate because that place has the potential to be a very good place to work. My experience there put a really dark shadow over the whole parent company (Linimar).

The Supervisors/managers in this company are either amazing or complete morons. The amount of ego and sarcastic comments blend well for a culture based on NO training whatsoever, and a "let's nail them" disciplinary approach. Many times serious issues were brought up to HR and completely ignored or laughed off. If you a complete jerk with no intentions of treating others who work for you or with you, this is your kind of place!

Working for them for 5 years and counting. Everyone is friendly and helpful. Management is great, the benefits, fun activities regarding health & safety, events like bbq during summer months are nice, and workplace safety is prioritized. Supervisors are hands on with the lines and are always there to help. Same with team leaders and  maintenance. I learned a lot working with them. 

I have always been taught that if I don't have anything nice to say then say nothing at all.The hardest part of the job was dealing with my supervisor. He centered out people in a crowd and gave them trouble and belittle them. The company knew what was going on because they had many complainants yet they did nothing. I am still an employee and desperately trying to get a new job.

They will tell you that you will be getting a better position, then hope you forget about it as they were lying to you. I was told by my supervisor that the plant manager had to make the decision for my promotion, when I spoke to him he said it wasn't his job and that it was actually my supervisors job. When I asked him what his problem was, I was ignored

As a co-op student, there was not a lot of responsibilities on a regular basis, and I was helping for the day to day departmental activities. still got chance to learn a lot of new things in the field of inventory and materials management by the end of the term.

Be at work on time
Hard work was needed, if something messes up ask a team leader or supervisor for help.
Great co-workers always lending a hand.
hardest part was that i didn't know much about the machines and was trying to get taught so i could understand, so i had to ask team leader constantly for help when i didn't understand what to do

Even if you work they won't give you support for any employment papers for your future, the promotion is not given based on your profile, even if you have a good profile they wont allow any internal transfer or promotions.
Hard work and overtime is not appreciated well.

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