Best Places to Work 2024: No. 4 Processor: Redline Plastics

Not many companies use the term "outrageous" when describing their company culture or atmosphere. But Redline Plastics isn't like other companies.

"When people hear 'Redline Plastics,' they might think about our outrageous cultural behaviors that depict 'how we Redline.' What phrases like 'Get amped,' 'Be a ninja,' 'Don't be a jackass' or 'Respond like a GT' should tell you is that we are upfront, honest and say it like we mean it.

"But that's not the whole story: What you experience when you walk inside our doors is a company led by servant leaders who focus on our customers, employees and vendors to ensure we are delivering world-class customer service each and every day," the Manitowoc, Wis.-based organization said in its Best Places to Work survey.

"Redline Plastics is a rapidly growing manufacturer of rotationally molded and vacuum-formed plastic products as well as fiberglass-reinforced and industrial sewing products," the company added.

Half of its team members are millennials.

A key differentiator for Redline Plastics has been the recruitment and development of high-quality leaders such as its process technicians and shift supervisors.

"The quality of personnel filling these positions determine how our production crew feels coming to work every day. Knowing that it is safe to get help, ask questions and learn at Redline Plastics is a key to retaining our workforce," it said.

Redline has utilized a leadership trainee program in the past to hire college graduates and train them to take leadership roles when available.

Its recruitment team also works with local staffing agencies to make employment opportunities available to refugee and Spanish-speaking populations in the area.

"We also recruit through various businesses and nonprofits with ties the local Hmong and Hispanic communities," Redline Plastics said. "To ensure inclusivity, we publish all companywide announcements in both English and Spanish."

Redline Plastics' community involvement helped it stand out as a repeat Processor of the Year finalist for 2023. It took home the Plastics News Excellence Award for Industry and Public Service.

Two words appeared often in Redline's Best Places to Work questionnaire: food and fun.

Team-building activities include basketball and bean bag and virtual golf contests. Its company summer picnic involves music, games, food and raffle drawings.

Company lunch options are available once per month, with additional periodic treat days with items such as doughnuts or cookies, all free to employees. Quarterly meetings honor team achievements and celebrate with a catered lunch. Food trucks are also hosted in the parking lot.

Employees have the chance to receive monthly perfect attendance awards and quarterly bonuses based on production and revenue goals.

Another valuable benefit is an on-site nurse at the facility three days per week to treat minor workers' compensation injuries and to provide referrals and preventative care measures such as flu shots and blood pressure checks. In the event that an employee may need a higher level of care, there is a doctor available for on-site visits as well. Redline Plastics also covers 100 percent of costs for employees who visit a local urgent care clinic.

"Everything we do is centered on our customers, but we are acutely aware that the team that makes our products are the ones that truly serve our customers," the company said. "Empowering our employees through our culture and communication allows them to be successful, which is the most powerful retention tool of all."

Founded in 2018, Redline Plastics ranks No. 19 in PN's 2023 listing of North American rotational molders, with $33 million in rotomolding sales. It has been named to the Best Places to Work list every year since 2021.