Awful place to work with no appreciation - Assembly Operator Pella Employee Review

1.0
Jan 6, 2019
Recommend
CEO approval
Business outlook

Pros

They have a nice selection in their break room their bathrooms are nice they're pretty new and updated

Cons

The lack of brakes. You got two ten minute breaks and one 20 minute lunch. Typically at most companies you go to break when the bell rings when the bell rings again that tells you break break is over and it's time to go back in. Not here though when the bell rings you go to break but you have to be back at your station ready to go with all your PPE on before the Bell rings again 10 minutes later. It would take me four minutes to walk to my car or two minutes to go to the break room.. this doesn't include if I would have to go to my locker to get anyting which could take 1-3 minutes longer depending on where your assigned locker is. Break starts at 9:30, by time I get to my car it's now 9:34 I have 2 minutes to do whatever until I have to start heading back in to be back before the bell rings. If I just went to the break room I would have had maybe two minutes longer. If I had to go to the bathroom forget it because I don't have time for that. I work on an assembly line so it's not that easy to go to to the bathroom in between breaks so for your entire shift you are moving. The jobs aren't that easy, and they require fast repetitive motions the entire time and then on your brakes your Russian just to get to break and then rushing to get back to break so basically the entire day you're moving. By the time you get home you're exhausted. The company justifies this by saying that at least we get paid for them , they act like they are doing it for us,they're doing us a favor cause if we worked at a different company we wouldn't get paid for those and we would have had to make up the half an hour lunch at the end of the day. I've never worked at another company that didn't give at least 20 minutes for your break and 30-minute lunch ,so just the two breaks from another company equals both the breaks and the lunch at Pella.. Even if another company only gives 10 minutes , I've never worked at a company where you weren't allowed to be on break until that second bell rings 10 minutes later and at that point you would get up and go back in. This alone shows what kind of company this is and how much they value their employees. Even though they claim that they value their employees well being and health. Yeah right. The fact that they compare themselves to other companies also says a lot about this place. I think it's bad business to put down another company to make yourself look better and if you have to do it there's something's wrong with your company. They actually compare themselves to other companies a lot ,in different ways on how they are better than that company. Themanagers don't know how to manage, they don't know how to help ,they refuse to get their hands dirty, and half of them don't even know how to do all the jobs... they'll be quick to write you up if you can't keep up though. They may listen to you, but they don't hear you so don't bother making a suggestion, They talk down to you not to you, so you feel belittled and They show zero appreciation. .. there are few good managers so I don't want to down all of them but I'll say the majority really need to work on their management skills. If you need help and there's a real reason, like a medical condition that is interfering with you being able to do a job ,they don't care. They won't try to accommodate you,, even if there's easier job open or a position on a slower line. Basically they tell you to suck it up , try your hardest, and if that's not enough , sorry we have to suspend you. But hen they call you at home and tell you you're fired. They're cowards and can't fire someone face-to-face Basically you are a slave in place where you are not appreciated. You'll barely get to see your family and when you do you'll be so exhausted that you wouldn't be able to enjoy it.

avatar
Pella Response
7y
Hello, we’re sorry to hear about your experience and have shared your feedback with the Gettysburg team. Our break and lunch times are based on team member input – many team members prefer shorter breaks so they can have a shorter shift overall. We’re committed to making reasonable accommodations for team members and have a process in place to support this. Additionally, we comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act, the Americans with Disabilities Act Amendments Act of 2008 and all applicable state and local laws. We are disappointed to hear that you didn’t feel heard by your manager, as we expect all team members to treat each other with respect and care.

Explore other reviews about Pella

5.0
May 4, 2026
Recommend
CEO approval
Business outlook

Pros

Pella offers a strong culture with a genuine focus on people, quality and community. I appreciate the collaborative environment and the pride people take in the work we do. It’s a place where your contributions matter and you feel connected to the bigger picture.

Cons

No major downsides based on my experience.

4.0
Jun 10, 2026
Recommend
CEO approval
Business outlook

Pros

Great product, hours were good, and good culture overall. I worked there for well over 10 years and was very sad to leave.

Cons

The Birmingham branch went through several owners during my long tenure with the company. Each owner had its pros and cons. Eventually Birmingham was bought out by the corporate office. The company constantly changing owners gave alot of anxiety and employees were often left feeling a lack of stability. There is not alot of room for growth and the starting pay is not the best, unless you are in Trade sales.

See reviews by: Helpful|Rating|Date|All