ESAB Reviews

Former Employee – worked at ESAB

Pros – Given the freedom to work on projects without someone else trying to micromanage your every move. The hard work paid off in new technologies and recognition of the people who contributed. Obtained the my Six Sigma Black Belt, the opportunity to increase your knowledge is available. Chance to travel occasionally, it is not all office work and sitting at a desk.

Cons – Not enough structured procedures in project management following the guidelines of the Project Management Institute-- projects are late too often.. Too many projects to create what marketing wants instead of planning and following a strategy and mission from upper management. Decisions of projects made by one person instead of based on an analysis of merits. Very little risk analysis of projects and accountability.

Advice to Senior Management – Management needs to implement a matrix type of organization to get maximization from projects, instead of being reactive they should be proactive. Project leaders are out on an island with an occassional message from Senior Management. The PMO needs restructuring.

Current Employee – been working at ESAB

Pros – Competitive wages and benefits. Plenty of opportunity to pursue improvement activities and prove oneself (a lot of low hanging fruit). Generally a great group of people, both hourly & salaried.

Cons – The only constant is change and very few plans are actually pursued to completion, therefore the benefits/gains originally intended to achieve are never realized (a tremendous amount of wasted energy). In one year’s time the mfg plant has changed its schedule from 5/8 to 24/7, back to a 5/8 schedule (creates job transfers, loss of production, re-training of large groups of people, etc). ESAB was purchased by an investment firm approximately 14 months ago and the restructuring has left significant voids and increased the work load of those who remain. Some of the salaried positions turn over in less than a year, usually voluntary resignations. Other more long term employees continue to hang in there, but moral is fairly low.

Advice to Senior Management – Instill values, give clear & concise direction (sustainable plans), respect your employees and stop treating them like their no more than “head count”.

No, I would not recommend this company to a friend

Current Employee – been working at ESAB

Pros – This company may turn out ok. We have recently been bought out by Colfax and the hope is that they will come in and clean upper management at the florence plant.

Cons – If you work in the fish bowl everything is great for you. You come in when you want, go get your hair done when you want. Your not held accountable for any mistakes you make. If you get paid by the hour and actually make a product that makes the company money, your nothing to them. You can be replaced by the end of the day and you have no idea on what your doing. Its the upper managements way are the high way.

Advice to Senior Management – Find another job because you do not have any idea on how to do the the one your doing.

No, I would not recommend this company to a friend

Current Employee – been working at ESAB

Pros – Good products and lots of possibilities in the future

Cons – Senior management got involved with key accounts without including regional and local managers. Accounts were lost and blame quickly shifted to local manager. Too many people involved with key accounts and information was not shared. Very difficult to manage these accounts and region.

Advice to Senior Management – Keep local managers involved with large key accounts. Be loyal to employees when times are tough.

No, I would not recommend this company to a friend

Current Employee – been working at ESAB full-time for less than a year

Pros – core company,, will get to learn a lot

Cons – human resource department needs an uplift

Advice to Senior Management – should form employee associations

Yes, I would recommend this company to a friend – I'm optimistic about the outlook for this company

Current Employee – been working at ESAB as a contractor for more than a year

Pros – this is my hometown and I am interested .

Cons – Maintenance and part of administrative and Training sector .

Advice to Senior Management – Some other persons are for this .

Yes, I would recommend this company to a friend – I'm optimistic about the outlook for this company

Former Employee – worked at ESAB full-time

Pros – market leadership in the industry

Cons – Hrdly any HR existent, Heavily personalised work culture where individual biases take precedence

Advice to Senior Management – Proper governance mechanism

No, I would not recommend this company to a friend

Current Employee – been working at ESAB full-time for more than 10 years

Pros – Healthy relations with my superiors.

Cons – Narrow pyramid structure have thwarted professional growth.

Advice to Senior Management – They are my superiors ,hence it can be assumed that they know more than me.

No, I would not recommend this company to a friend – I'm optimistic about the outlook for this company

Current Employee – been working at ESAB

Pros – A lot of great people that work there. A lot of opportunity to grow

Cons – Managers are not great, not much teamwork

Advice to Senior Management – Use experience to advantage

Yes, I would recommend this company to a friend

Former Employee – worked at ESAB

Pros – The leadership track has great exposure to senior management. Good growth opportunities!

Cons – Not too much I can think of. Could offer a better pay package.

Yes, I would recommend this company to a friend