millwright

framer

finisher

junior cnc operator

cnc operator

Western Archrib

As someone who had a background primarily in residential construction, I genuinely didn't know what to expect when I started here.  But after I had started working here in the framing department, it became clear that hard work gets recognized.  Also, this is a very unique place to work, and the day goes by quickly since no two jobs are the same... But with That said, if you  get moved up to a position where you're in charge of people, a few  things can become uncertain.  With the opening of a new plant, theres been a ton of "cart before the horse" growth decisions made on a whim.  As a result, working at this satellite plant can make your requests feel like they're falling on deaf ears since management prioritizes the well established Edmonton plants  production.  But with that also said, the job itself is relatively stress free when compared with similar companies, and the work life balance is great.  The coworkers are also pretty good people to work with.  If you have carpentry aspirations, the company is very supportive, but don't be surprised if your work ethic  gets you pigeonholed into less carpentry savvy positions related to management of other employees.   All I can say is, the job is really good, but be careful what you volunteer yourself for. 

POOR PRODUCTION MANAGMENT
      - consistent mismanagement of lead times, resulting in pushed delivery dates
      - ancient production managers who seem at a loss in knowing how to fix the 
        problem
      - workers who habitually disappear on bathroom breaks for 20-30 min, several times 
        a day, leaving the rest to make up the work not being done
UNSAFE WORK CONDITIONS
      - company has lost its COR safety designation as a result, leaving them unable to 
        bid on many jobs
      - poor air quality and nonexistent safety equipment on their outdated machines
      - cranes that have been inspected by a certfied third party and had their capacity 
        lowered, in some cases to 1000lbs, still being used for 12t work
      - working with tools not meant for the job being done and an unwillingness to buy 
        the proper ones to do the job
POOR QUALITY OF WORK
      - the constant scrambling to try to ship product on agreed delivery dates results in 
        both the laminating and framing departments being pushed to hurry up and get the 
        job done regardless of quality of work
      - QC tests on lamination strengths regularly fail and are not always recorded as 
        such
      - block laminating regularly done on large structural members
         *building code no no*

      (Remember blame rolls down hill, think of who gets in trouble when these quality issues get brought to light!)

I learned a TONNE working here. Unfortunately, a lot was not learned safely or properly. Safety was a huge issue in almost every corner of this plant. Poor management coordination, and within being trained and working multiple departments, there was nothing rewarding to show within salary. Hours were good, coworkers were nice but almost no English was spoken. Very difficult and frustrating company overall, but it got my foot in the door for a better construction company to take me on.

The management at Western Archrib is top notch. This is reflective in the lack of job turnover. Workers enjoy what they do and are supported along the way. Open door policy allows for plenty of communication to ensure projects run smoothly. The staff works together when problems arise and quickly find solutions. Western Archrib is flexible when it comes to family matters and appointments as long as it is not abused. Over 67 years of successful business has bred strong leaders that have continued to provide excellent products and service.

What is the best part of working at the company?
Great group of people to work with. You can learn a lot from listening to different foreman. Generally speaking, it was stress free and the day went fast. I did not despise going to work in the morning. 

What is the most stressful part about working at the company?
There was very little stress, coming from a person that was let go before the probation period. It was very nice not to be stressed. 

What is the work environment and culture like at the company?
Great group to work with, no drama at all. Until I was let go. But during, work life was fantastic.

- Poor leadership. (toxic; pressuring, blaming, no support or being empowered by leaders etc.)
- Unsafe work environment. (in plant; electrical hazards, lot's of water leaks and often the shops flood and you work in water.)
- Promises without follow through
- Little appreciation, (lot's of employees are unhappy, at the time I left I knew of 12 others who considered leaving)

This place has lots of potential, but it might take years to come before they change their old unsafe toxic ways and become more PEOPLE focussed. 







Worked there for a little while, hated it and left. Easy work with no room to advance. They dont want hard working qualified employees just slave labourers who can do the most they can. The worst management I've seen in years and I've worked in construction, warehouses, and sales. If you really need a check and can take a ear full apply. Just know old employees get seniority, and will do anything to get you fired if you dont work well with them.

It's a stressful job, and then you get blamed for stuff that other people do. I got fired without any warning and without any reason whatsoever. They had a yard person there on a forklift and she would constantly hit things and then I get blamed for. I was trying to do my job the best I could but I can't do my job the best I can when they have inadequate operators for their machinery inadequate operators for their machinery.

worked as maintenance welder, learnt how to fix welds on machines and how to fabricate tools and items used for day to day work in industrial work places. i worked alone in a room making blueprints and items for workers who came and gave me ideas on what they needed for work

This is the worst place to work in Edmonton. 99 percent of employees here are mainly new immigrants. Turnover rate is high, and management has no idea what they are doing. There is absolutely no HR department at this company and their safety record is abysmal

Top Job Titles	Average salary
Millwright 1 salary reported	$42.50 per hour
Framer 2 salaries reported	$24.50 per hour
Finisher 2 salaries reported	$22.00 per hour
Junior cnc operator 3 salaries reported	$20.00 per hour
Cnc operator 2 salaries reported	$25.00 per hour

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