Best Places to Work 2024: No. 8 Supplier: ePlastics

Based in San Diego, ePlastics calls itself a "one-of-a-kind complete plastic manufacturing and supply store for businesses of any size," from the United States government and university researchers to Fortune 100 companies, shipbuilders, do-it-yourself hobbyists, homeowners, contractors and international business customers.

"We make it easy for you to complete your next project, regardless of location," the company said in its Best Places to Work questionnaire.

"We have a wide base of suppliers, a very large inventory and key distribution centers across the USA. Our production center is filled with CNC [computer numerically controlled] sawing, drilling, laser cutting and routing of large-volume orders.

"We stock sheets, rods, tubes and shapes of plexiglass and Lucite acrylic, as well as a wide variety of engineering plastics including PEEK [polyetheretherketone], Ultem, PTFE [polytetrafluoroethylene], nylon, Delrin acetal, ABS, Lexan or Hygard polycarbonate in bullet-resistant panels, and Micarta phenolic," it added.

The company believes it is a top workplace in the plastics industry because it values its employees and everyone "works together as a team to provide excellent service to our wide range of customers."

"Employees are given autonomy in decision-making and the freedom to do their jobs with minimal interference," ePlastics said. "We provide incentives in the form of commissions, profit-sharing bonuses and fun events for employees to participate."

Such fun events include holiday contests for Halloween costumes and ugly Christmas sweaters as well as food truck lunches.

Displayed at its San Diego facility is a Wall of Fame where ePlastics highlights employees' names and years of service with the company. When staff members reach important work milestone anniversaries, they are presented with a custom plaque.

Cash bonuses, floating holidays and days of service are also offered.

Job shadowing, cross-training and mentoring are available to help prepare employees for leadership roles.

Employees are required to complete workplace-related training on a regular basis for cybersecurity and job safety.

To support wellness and work-life balance, ePlastics offers flexible work hours; telecommuting options; furniture that is ergonomically correct and encourages movement; and occasional snacks, meals and beverages. Other benefits include employees' family members being invited to workplace celebrations and holiday events, meetings and staff-only events not scheduled after work hours, no mandatory overtime or kept to a strict pre-approved minimum, schedule flexibility to attend children's school events, and time off to take family members to medical appointments.

Employees of ePlastics can enroll in the company's health care plan on the first day of the next month following their hire. Available benefits for both employees and their dependents include medical coverage, supplemental medical coverage, dental coverage, vision coverage, long-term care insurance and life insurance. Short-term and long-term disability benefits are also available.

Employees are encouraged to limit the checking of emails and voicemails outside of work hours, and they are required to take time off work.

Team members are also allowed to participate in community service initiatives and programs during normal business hours without losing pay or using their vacation time.

Founded in 1914, ePlastics has made Plastics News' Best Places to Work list every year since 2016.

"At ePlastics, we believe that great customer service starts with taking care of your employees," the company said, "so we are once again honored to be named one of the Best Places to Work by Plastics News."