Best Places to Work 2024: No. 1 Supplier: ALPS Inspection

Harrison, Ohio-based ALPS Inspection has created a company focused on inclusion and continuous improvement. The company has been named the top supplier on Plastics News' Best Places to Work list for 2024.

"ALPS Inspection's workplace culture is defined by trust, teamwork, innovation and a continuous pursuit of knowledge, ensuring both employees and customers thrive," the company said in its questionnaire.

The company conducts an employee survey every year regarding individual values and the overall culture.

"Our team considers our workplace cooperative, appreciative, passionate, honest and fair with teamwork and integrity as the top workplace values. Our positioning in the market has allowed us to continue to push the boundaries with the increased technology that our customers need to better support the plastics industry," ALPS Inspection said.

At the beginning of 2024, it introduced a structured annual assessment that encompasses "personal development goals, professional achievements and enhanced support strategies for each team member's successful journey with ALPS." The evaluation includes a performance review that outlines goals and actions for role effectiveness.

"In response to the team's request for more internal training, a dedicated expert conducted a training session named Probe Sizing 101. Our annual company meeting is evolving to place more emphasis on the voice of each team member," the company said.

ALPS Inspection implemented a DISC assessment and started fostering more breakout sessions to cultivate camaraderie, transparent discussions about business processes and solution-oriented discussions centered around team members. "This approach aligns with our commitment to continuous improvement and employee development," it added.

Founded in 1974, ALPS Inspection is an in-line leak testing equipment maker in industries including food and beverage, automotive, nutraceutical, health care and personal care. To date, it has delivered more than 3,000 machines responsible for testing more than 50 billion containers annually.

"Our container inspection solutions range from manual leak testing equipment for lab and sampling applications to high-speed total bottle inspection systems," it said.

ALPS Inspection emphasizes a customer-first and close family-style mentality, "which has allowed its team members to create a successful culture and positioned ALPS as a market leader in its segment for 50 years."

Employees believe in the products and the value they bring to customers, the company said. Team members lean on one another and go above and beyond for customers.

ALPS Inspection is "actively working" on a company strategy that supports a commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion. Part of TASI Group, ALPS is committed to an "inclusive workforce that fully represents our many different cultures, backgrounds and viewpoints."

"Together, we want a workplace where all our employees feel valued and appreciated, and an environment where nothing limits our creativity, innovation or success," it added.

ALPS Inspection provides anti-harassment training, a DEI survey and a 24-hour anonymous hotline for employees to report any harassment or discrimination.

Employees are acknowledged at the annual company meeting for their years of service. Other achievements are highlighted by the general manager during team meetings and in the quarterly internal newsletter.

The shop floor features safety clothing and goggles as well as a sign recognizing the duration of zero incidents.

Fun team-bonding activities include dinners, ax-throwing, lawn bowling and a fantasy football league.

"ALPS continues to show up for its team members and customers," the company said. "Team members stay because ALPS Inspection fosters growth and embraces our core values. Not to mention our vision, mission and values were created based on our team members' insight. This instills a sense of purpose and belonging."

This is ALPS Inspection's fourth honor as a Best Place to Work.

"At ALPS, we show up for each other and our customers with a spirit of integrity, diligence and respect," said General Manager Jill Shearer. "It's the dedication of each team member that truly makes us the best place to work in the plastics industry."