Best Places to Work 2024: No. 1 Processor: Advanced Pedestals Inc.

Gainesville, Ill.-based custom rotational and injection molder Advanced Pedestals Inc. was given the top spot for PN's Best Places to Work's processor category.

API describes its primary objective as "producing superior products while also championing sustainable practices."

"We firmly hold that our products' quality is contingent upon the morale and performance of our team. While customer satisfaction is essential, we prioritize the welfare of our community members. They are and have always been the heart and soul of the company," API said in its Best Places to Work submission questionnaire.

Four API employees have been with the company for more than 20 years, and many more have been there between five to 10 years. "This longevity is a testament to the close-knit community that exists within the organization," the company said.

API's core values — integrity, second chances, achievement, quality, family, fun and honesty — were selected by members of its management team and peers.

"We strive to produce a product and an experience that sets the standard everyone will follow," the company said.

API added: "Do the right thing even if everyone else is not. Do the right thing even when no one is watching."

The management team comprises seven members who began their careers on the plant floor.

"As leaders, it's our responsibility to develop potential talent and prepare them for opportunities for advancement. We accomplish this by involving employees in special projects, attentively considering and implementing their ideas and feedback, and sharing our collective knowledge at every opportunity," API said. "We aim to act as mentors to all our employees. We recognize that untapped potential can often exist within individuals, and it's imperative that each team member has an equal opportunity to achieve their maximum capacity."

Managers are trained to recognize and alleviate employee burnout; training is mandatory and occurs annually. The company plans to conduct an inaugural workshop this year dedicated to addressing this issue.

Interested employees who want to learn a new language can take advantage of free access to Rosetta Stone.

"One employee is on the verge of completing the program, having dedicated several months toward mastering the English language," API said.

Employees are required to complete annual inclusion and diversity training, too.

API hosts its annual company picnic, which it describes as an "extravaganza" and "the ultimate community bonding experience."

"From free zoo visits to a delicious catered lunch, there's something for everyone. The little ones have a blast with the bounce houses and face painting, while the prize and giveaway options will make employees feel like a winner," the company said.

Employee Appreciation Week includes an annual cornhole tournament, and the holiday season is marked with caroling in the plant. Monthly birthday celebrations incorporate baked treats, birthday cards and a paid day off.

API acknowledges its employees' contributions with awards and certificates of completion. It promotes a culture of safety — "The Safe and the Serious" program — with employees practicing safety measures and the chance to win a prize valued at $300 every month.

"Our organization has implemented a Safe Buddy Program, enabling employees to nominate peers who have demonstrated exemplary safety practices. Such nominees stand a chance to receive a paid day off as a reward," the company added.

API also focuses on its community outreach. In April 2023, team members volunteered their services in landscaping a nearby walking trail and raised more than $6,000 for the United Way. The API Asphalt Warriors managed to complete its walk-on, covering 100-plus miles in six weeks in May. Its Real Men Wear Pink competition raised more than $1,000 in support of Breast Cancer Awareness Month in October.

"The API community deserves a place on the 'Best' list for its collaborative approach, the potential for growth, customer-centric mindset and vision for the future. 2023 has been a year of growth and success for our team, marked by noteworthy achievements such as being recognized as one of the recipients of Plastics News' Best Places to Work and obtaining AS9100 certification, an uncommon accomplishment for a rotational molding company," API said. "These accolades are a direct result of our employees' dedication and hard work, who share a common goal of excellence in all endeavors."

Founded in 1996, API also appeared on the Best Places to Work list in 2023. The company was No. 29 on PN's 2023 rotational molding ranking with $19 million in rotomolding sales.

"It is such an honor to be named one of the best places to work in the plastics industry. This award is evidence of the progress we have made over the last few years," the company said. "The Plastics News survey gives us the feedback we need to evaluate our performance as an employer, and it comes directly from our employees. They are the reason we strive to continuously improve our processes and work environments."