Pros
The pay was competitive, the schedule worked well if you like 12-hour rotating shifts, and I gained valuable manufacturing experience operating production equipment, working with automation systems, and learning different processes. I also worked with some good coworkers who were willing to help when needed, and the experience strengthened my technical skills.
Cons
My experience at Suniva was extremely stressful. I was regularly expected to operate up to eight machines by myself with little assistance, even when multiple issues occurred at the same time. Instead of receiving support, I often felt like I was left to figure everything out on my own.
Whenever there was a problem with production or the equipment, it often felt like the situation was addressed publicly in front of the production floor instead of privately, which added unnecessary pressure and embarrassment. I felt singled out rather than coached.
The workplace culture also concerned me. One coworker called me a “bitch” simply because I followed my supervisor’s instructions. I did not feel that management adequately addressed situations like this. I also experienced what I considered unprofessional behavior from leadership. One supervisor pulled out a knife during an interaction that occurred in an area covered by security cameras, which made me uncomfortable. I was also told by a member of management that I “didn’t deserve to have a job” and that I “should have been fired.” Comments like that destroyed morale instead of encouraging employees to improve.
The physical demands of the job were intense. There were days when my feet and legs hurt so badly that I could barely walk. Rather than asking if I was okay or offering support, I received disciplinary action after sitting down for an extra 15 minutes because I was physically struggling. In my experience, attendance and discipline seemed to receive more attention than employee well-being.
By the time I was terminated, I personally felt that management had already decided they wanted me gone. I accept responsibility for my own mistakes, but I never felt like I was given a fair opportunity to improve through coaching. The disciplinary process felt focused on building a case for termination instead of helping an employee succeed.