Plastech to take over management of Holland JCI plant

[American in the D]

I have worked at Plastech for over two years. Plastech is not a solid company, it is not financially sound, and the management team is poor. The only way Plastech stays out of bankruptcy is to continually buy other companies. It is a company which is constantly trying to find itself. I could go on and on, but I am getting depressed.

[Former employee]

Plastech was the worst company I ever worked for. I was a Program Manager and trust me, this was not a company that stood up for its employees or ever did the right thing. A really crappy place to work and no sense of ethical behavior on the part of the owners. They have "executive offsites" in faraway places, but yet never have money for raises or reimbursement of mileage expenses as the IRS publishes. Jim Brown (owner's husband) is a real gem. He treats people with arrogance and complete disdain. Too many VP's and Executive Directors and not enough staff level people to handle the ridiculous workloads. I'm so happy that I am no longer there!

[Randall Scotti]

After reading this entire string within this post, I felt compelled to respond.

Each post (save a few) starts with the presumption that Plastech is in business for the benefit of its employees, and when the employees perceive that Plastech is in fact NOT IN BUSINESS FOR ITS EMPLOYEES, the witch hunt begins!

I am a current employee, I make $11.00/ hour, not a great wage, but the equal to the industry for the job I do. Enter market forces!

Market forces determine decisions of every company. Our economic system is capitalism, not socialism. Get a clue! Plastech is in business to make a profit, that is why you see decisions designed to benefit the company's bottom line and not neccesarily the whinny as* employees. It is a fallacy of logic to insist that if Plastech is profit driven, it is against its employees. NO! It could easily be a win-win situation, which on par with our current economic enviornment is completely reasonable. In case anyone hasn't noticed, employees in the third world are more than willing to do our job for half the wage. That any company exists in this hemisphere speaks to an owner's determination to try to be win-win.

I once owned my own company, for twenty years. The economy drove me to bankruptcy. Perhaps, as a former business owner, I can identify readily with my current owner's decisions, which sometimes include- job cuts, wage cuts, or any other cost saving measure. If there is no profit for the company, who is funding the debt load and paying the expenses? This is basic business 101. Come on! How can you all be so short sited? Easily, you measure from your belief that you have some claim of entitlement.

The last time I read the law, we here in Michigan are not a "Right to work state", rather we are "Employement at will". It is as much your choice to be employed by Plastech as it is management's choice to employee you. If you don't like it, find a new job. If you find better, good for you, if not try starting your own business. Additionally, in your search for a new and 'better job' do you feel beholden to back compensate Plastech for your now improved resume, given your accrued experience while at Plastech, that benefits you to acquire a higher wage or a greater position? Why not! Because your agreement while at Plastech was to work for X amount of dollars doing a particular job. You worked and they paid you. It wasn't as though Plastech failed to pay you, was it?

As far as Plastech's future, other posts and the lead headline speak volumes. In today's ultra-tight automotive market competing within a world economy, Plastech is the only growing company, buying-out and purchasing plants otherwise destined for bankruptcy. No alleged 'ignorant' ownership could possibly continue to lose money, and avoid bankruptcy by purchasing more plants. Think about that! It's completely illogical.

I went through bankruptcy. I avoided it for several years, I did not do that by spending more on capital investments. I deferred bankruptcy, rather by spending less, while trying to increase revenue. Lesson #2 Revenue must exceed expenses for a company to have a profit and remain in business.

The final point is not about Plastech's ownership, but about employees' work habits. If you desire to earn more, how about justifying that by working more productively, with more care and concern for your performance? A good company always recognizes, rewards, and finds ways to keep its good employees. Only the bad ones seem to complain, and only the bad ones seem to feel trapped. Take responsibility for your job performance and virtually every company will take responsibility to compensate their good employees. Otherwise, it isn't a good company and its days are numbered. Plastech, by virtue of the facts, cannot be argued as a failing company, while it is provable it is a growing company.
Just The Facts!

[unemployed]

Randall Scotti wrote:

After reading this entire string within this post, I felt compelled to respond.
Each post (save a few) starts with the presumption that Plastech is in business for the benefit of its employees, and when the employees perceive that Plastech is in fact NOT IN BUSINESS FOR ITS EMPLOYEES, the witch hunt begins!
I am a current employee, I make $11.00/ hour, not a great wage, but the equal to the industry for the job I do. Enter market forces!
Market forces determine decisions of every company. Our economic system is capitalism, not socialism. Get a clue! Plastech is in business to make a profit, that is why you see decisions designed to benefit the company's bottom line and not neccesarily the whinny as* employees. It is a fallacy of logic to insist that if Plastech is profit driven, it is against its employees. NO! It could easily be a win-win situation, which on par with our current economic enviornment is completely reasonable. In case anyone hasn't noticed, employees in the third world are more than willing to do our job for half the wage. That any company exists in this hemisphere speaks to an owner's determination to try to be win-win.
I once owned my own company, for twenty years. The economy drove me to bankruptcy. Perhaps, as a former business owner, I can identify readily with my current owner's decisions, which sometimes include- job cuts, wage cuts, or any other cost saving measure. If there is no profit for the company, who is funding the debt load and paying the expenses? This is basic business 101. Come on! How can you all be so short sited? Easily, you measure from your belief that you have some claim of entitlement.
The last time I read the law, we here in Michigan are not a "Right to work state", rather we are "Employement at will". It is as much your choice to be employed by Plastech as it is management's choice to employee you. If you don't like it, find a new job. If you find better, good for you, if not try starting your own business. Additionally, in your search for a new and 'better job' do you feel beholden to back compensate Plastech for your now improved resume, given your accrued experience while at Plastech, that benefits you to acquire a higher wage or a greater position? Why not! Because your agreement while at Plastech was to work for X amount of dollars doing a particular job. You worked and they paid you. It wasn't as though Plastech failed to pay you, was it?
As far as Plastech's future, other posts and the lead headline speak volumes. In today's ultra-tight automotive market competing within a world economy, Plastech is the only growing company, buying-out and purchasing plants otherwise destined for bankruptcy. No alleged 'ignorant' ownership could possibly continue to lose money, and avoid bankruptcy by purchasing more plants. Think about that! It's completely illogical.
I went through bankruptcy. I avoided it for several years, I did not do that by spending more on capital investments. I deferred bankruptcy, rather by spending less, while trying to increase revenue. Lesson #2 Revenue must exceed expenses for a company to have a profit and remain in business.
The final point is not about Plastech's ownership, but about employees' work habits. If you desire to earn more, how about justifying that by working more productively, with more care and concern for your performance? A good company always recognizes, rewards, and finds ways to keep its good employees. Only the bad ones seem to complain, and only the bad ones seem to feel trapped. Take responsibility for your job performance and virtually every company will take responsibility to compensate their good employees. Otherwise, it isn't a good company and its days are numbered. Plastech, by virtue of the facts, cannot be argued as a failing company, while it is provable it is a growing company.
Just The Facts!

Plastech sucks.

[Kelly]

"If you desire to earn more, how about justifying that by working more productively, with more care and concern for your performance? A good company always recognizes, rewards, and finds ways to keep its good employees." R. Scotti

I do care about the work I do! It is important to me to do good work at whatever job I am doing, no matter the pay or the name on the building. It is just a matter of common decency to come to work and do my best while I am there.

I believe I WAS fairly rewarded! I have been fortunate and had no need to call in sick at JCI-soon to be Plastech-I am not tardy-ever. Mt team does care about how efficiently our line runs. We have gone up from the low 80s to the high 80s, sometimes 90s-we keep improving.
We have not gotten a cost of living in several years, nor any other type of raise. I am certainly not asking for more.
I fail to see how you encourage good employees by insisting that the answer is they need to take a 20% pay cut. I am willing to give all leadership involved a chance to show how this is a good plan long term.
Obviously they have the knowledge and training I lack. I can't see their vision right now-not from where I am at.
I will just have to trust that the best choices are being made for the greater good of ALL parties involved-management, floor workers, customers, suppliers, stockholders.

[unemployed]

Kelly wrote:

"If you desire to earn more, how about justifying that by working more productively, with more care and concern for your performance? A good company always recognizes, rewards, and finds ways to keep its good employees." R. Scotti
I do care about the work I do! It is important to me to do good work at whatever job I am doing, no matter the pay or the name on the building. It is just a matter of common decency to come to work and do my best while I am there.
I believe I WAS fairly rewarded! I have been fortunate and had no need to call in sick at JCI-soon to be Plastech-I am not tardy-ever. Mt team does care about how efficiently our line runs. We have gone up from the low 80s to the high 80s, sometimes 90s-we keep improving.
We have not gotten a cost of living in several years, nor any other type of raise. I am certainly not asking for more.
I fail to see how you encourage good employees by insisting that the answer is they need to take a 20% pay cut. I am willing to give all leadership involved a chance to show how this is a good plan long term.
Obviously they have the knowledge and training I lack. I can't see their vision right now-not from where I am at.
I will just have to trust that the best choices are being made for the greater good of ALL parties involved-management, floor workers, customers, suppliers, stockholders.

Your last sentence is quite possibly one of the funniest I have ever read. Thanx for that.

[tim]

I live 4 blocks from the plant in Lexington TN....so wat r u telling me....I need not apply?????

[unemployed]

tim wrote:

I live 4 blocks from the plant in Lexington TN....so wat r u telling me....I need not apply?????

Exactly. Lear in Morristown is hiring though.

[Kelly]

"Your last sentence is quite possibly one of the funniest I have ever read. Thanx for that." Unemployed

Well, I have practically turned my tongue bloody-from biting it...I have decided to go with tongue in cheek humor instead!

First I was stunned when I learned of the fateful merger between JCI/Plastech-then I was enraged-then I decided to embrace the concept that change is good(the denial stage of grieving)-then I went and filled out a ton of applications on line, polished my resume, and have decided to go with the idea that real change is real good!

I have been called for several interviews already...

One lady I work with got so fed up with the transition stuff going on-she stuck a post-it note on her badge that said-"I quit" and left it on her supervisor's desk. She was a 19 year employee with perfect attendance and always willing to work whatever hours were required-whatever shift...

In less then three days-she has become a legend!

[Kelly]

Well, it is interesting how many people have found other jobs in the last couple of weeks. Tomorrow is our last day as JCI employees.

Tomorrow is our Focus Factory manager's last day. Half of the team members of one of our International teams already found work else where. I think the next few weeks of the transition to Plastech will be very difficult.

[Unemployed]

Kelly wrote:

Well, it is interesting how many people have found other jobs in the last couple of weeks. Tomorrow is our last day as JCI employees.
Tomorrow is our Focus Factory manager's last day. Half of the team members of one of our International teams already found work else where. I think the next few weeks of the transition to Plastech will be very difficult.

GOOD LUCK !!!

[DOUBLE D]

yes plastech sucks, yes we wanted to stay jci, but tough shit we can't we have no say so in it, why is jci around, to make money, were operators over paid for what they did YES. 16.70 an hour to stand there and look at parts is damn good money, yes i understand that taking the pay cut is hard for anyone but bitching about it isn't going to help if you don't like it quit, everyone is replaceiable. people keep bitching about the benefits when in fact they are better, yes they cost a little more, 48.06 bucks a month at the most that is only about 12 dollars a week not to bad for lower co-pays and better coverage. the timing of the changes sucks but it is better in the end. if plastech didn't come in do you really think that we would be working for jci in another year or two, pretty sure that they would have shipped it out to mexico.

[Kelly]

What is better about the benefits? My spouse can no longer be on my coverage because he has the option to buy benefits at a huge expense at his job...even worse for a family plan...so we each have to buy our own policy-so in essence-I have a twenty percent cut to my pay-he now has a twenty five percent cut to his pay...did I think as JCI we would be here another two years-no. Do I think as Plastech we will be here another 5 years? Maybe...it's great to have a job-and you are right=there is no point in complaining. Funny thing about JCI-they sold off plants in Mexico and Canada to Plastech-not just USA.

I know over a dozen people who have used this as their opportunity to look for work else where. I started filling out applications myself when I found out about the insurance...I am glad Double D, that yours is cheaper-mine went up considerably, but I buy the maximum plan due to my parents health history. At least a third of the people I know of who quit, it was over the insurance coverage issue. I wish them and every one else the best.
I don't know of too many people who stand there and look at parts...sounds like a good job to me...my line assembles parts that take a hundred screws and weigh over twenty pounds...it's a decent daily work out...

[DOUBLE D]

what do you mean you don't know to many people who stand there and look at parts, 85% of the plant does that look at molding. there is only a handful of assembley lines left. And i also got the maximum family plan and like i said it went up 46.06 a month(i mis printed in the last thread) Salary went up about 150 bucks a month, i am not saying that it is going to be great working for plastech but i can't be worse than JCI. but back to the insurence you have lower copays, coverages of 90% and free emergency room.

[Kelly]

So far I have had to use my new insurance once and the co pays were not lower...maybe that will change...since I used it last week...
I have to pay for two separate insurance policies-since my husband can no longer be on my insurance...so my plans have gone up more than 300%...I had a family plan that was a certain amount-I now pay more for my individual plan than I did for our family plan-plus my husband has to buy his own policy through his work...that is what I refer to...it is not a fault of Plastech in particular-but a breakdown in insurance coverage as a benefit of employment...things are changing...this is how it will be for almost all employers...I fully understand this is the wave of the future...and I do know of at least 4 people who quit and took work else where strictly because they could still carry their spouse on their insurance...two even took pay cuts from the Plastech wages just to start over and be free. Personally, I am thrilled with finally being able to cash in my 401k and turn it into the type of IRA account that I want...as far as I am concerned-aside of the my distaste for the insurance policy...everything is coming up roses...I know one guy who is taking some of his 401k and going to Hawaii...the rest into an IRA and mutual funds...I am not that brave...gonna roll it all over...

bottom line: It is just a job-it is not my real life...my identity does not come from my job...I enjoy my real life outside of work...and the people I work directly with on line are all enjoyable to be around.

It is just a job. They are just car parts. It is only money. Que sera sera.(sp?)

[DOUBLE D]

your co-pays are supposed to be $20 now..

[Kelly]

It wasn't. Small consolation when my monthly bill for two people for insurance went from $108 to over $350...that is if my husband actually signs up for insurance...he says he is young and healthy. That is true for now. So, rather then dwell on the loss of income and increased bills...better to practice deep breathing. That is supposed to help maintain low blood pressure.
And it is true...$20 for a co-pay would be marvelous...so-two check ups a year at $20=$40.$1296 a year versus $4200 a year-oh, wait-better not think about those numbers...win some, loose some. I am glad that it has worked out nicely for you, D.D. In the end, it is what it is-a sound business choice for the company-and that is what it is about-the greater good-the majority-as Randall said-you want it individualized-try owning your own business. That would be pure folly, at least I have that much sense.

[DOUBLE D]

so if you only go to the doctor twice a year why even get the max get the minimium wouldn't that be cheaper??

[Kelly]

My family has a less than stellar health history. That is why for me I get the max. My husband will have to pay even more for his policy and that will cover hardly a thing. If he got the family plan...it would be even more than each of us buying single policies. His insurance is even more expensive-working for a small company. So there you go. His policy has no max and min-
It is what it is. We have weighed all the options-sadly the great expense of two separate policies is still cheaper than switching to his family plan. He has decided to not buy any health insurance for now. That will save a lot for now. Am I good with that choice? No. It is what it is.

[short timer]

DOUBLE D wrote:

what do you mean you don't know to many people who stand there and look at parts, 85% of the plant does that look at molding. there is only a handful of assembley lines left. And i also got the maximum family plan and like i said it went up 46.06 a month(i mis printed in the last thread) Salary went up about 150 bucks a month, i am not saying that it is going to be great working for plastech but i can't be worse than JCI. but back to the insurence you have lower copays, coverages of 90% and free emergency room.

I'm trying hard to figure out how you managed to get a salary increase; mainly because I had heard all counter offers had been rejected. Still, you need to look at the big picture on overall compensation. Plastech sucks because of all the extras they took away. 4.5% for 401k match, 2% for pension, 3.5% for increase in insurance coverage and an average loss of 3% in bonuses. That's at least 13% and that's why a lot of people are looking elsewhere. I'm glad I still have a job there, but only because it's paying the bills while I look for someplace I don't feel dirty working at. You've heard the Plastech stories right?

In general, most people want out. Turnover is at 16.5%

That cornhole Plastech HR lady said they were anticipating a 10-15% turnover. It brightens my day whenever I hear of someone quitting. I'm sure the percentage will continue to rise.