Dymotek Corp. is an injection and silicone molding company based in Ellington, Conn., founded in 1990 by brothers Steve and Tom Trueb when they developed a plumbing cover under sinks to protect people in wheelchairs from hot water pipe burns. It takes the No. 6 spot for processors on Plastics News' Best Places to Work list for 2021.
Dymotek has made PN's Best Places to Work list several times before, ranking every year since 2016. It was named Processor of the Year 2016 by PN as well as the Top Workplaces list 2014-19 by the Hartford Courant. The Processor of the Year profile, published April 2017, noted that the company's "secret weapon" is its employees. Its achievements in employee communication and efforts to foster the next generation of industry leaders helped Dymotek take the top spot, according to the profile.
"Dymotek wouldn't be a best place to work without our engaged associates and the culture they create in our business," the company said in its Best Places to Work questionnaire.
Employee leadership training and development opportunities are available, including mentoring, job shadowing/cross-training and attending leadership workshops. With 79 employees, Dymotek conducts employee performance reviews once per year.
Dymotek employees can enroll in health coverage on the first of the month after completing their first full month of employment. It pays a significant portion of premiums for medical and vision coverage for employees and their dependents, as well as 100 percent of premiums for dental coverage for both the employee and dependents, life insurance and short-term and long-term disability benefits.
There are fun wellness challenges with prizes for both groups and individuals. An on-site garden provides employees with fresh produce.
After one year of employment, Dymotek employees are eligible for 14 days of paid time off. The company also offers 10 paid holidays per year. Flexible hours are available to accommodate for school events or taking family members to the doctor, immediate family members are invited to company events and tickets are available to local entertainment or sporting events.
Fun activities at Dymotek include a costume contest for Halloween, themed dress-up days on Fridays, surprise breakfasts, giveaways and contests, potluck lunches, annual barbecues — where CEO Norm Forest cooks the food — during work hours.
There's also fun to be had outside of work. Dymotek hosts an annual company picnic and occasional get-togethers. The senior team members previously held an event where each employee car was washed. Employees receive personalized birthday, anniversary, Thanksgiving and Christmas cards as well.
"Dymotek has a family environment that is rare in most companies," the company said. "Our employees genuinely care about each other and want to help in any way possible. Dymotek strives to maintain a fun workplace."
With estimated injection molding sales of $20 million, Dymotek ranks No. 241 among injection molders by PN.