When I started working here years ago there was a completely different group of managers and the place was run both pleasantly and efficiently, proving that you can have both. Then a private equity bought it and brought in different people aiming only to maximize profits, and now it is just unpleasant and cutthroat and deceptive. The current GM drastically changed the culture for the worse. Experienced department managers were replaced with lesser-degreed underlings who are paid less but good at playing follow the leader. Anyone with integrity who tried to stop them from shipping incomplete product was replaced.
Meeting the monthly ship $ is more important that making sure it is correct or complete or even actually shipped.
The company is surviving on replacement orders and aftermarket parts, as the industry reputation has been irrevocably damaged by all the talent that has left for competitors. The technical expertise went to better companies and customers are going elsewhere for new designs. Nothing modern or cutting edge is coming out of API. The last new design they tried to build was a financial nightmare. Cost almost 3 times more to build than they quoted it for. There is no longer a PE or CWI on staff to review the production work or drawings. The entire company is just an empty shell of what it once was. They are actually using culture index.com to find the personality profile they want to hire for different positions. Individuality is not encouraged.
I best liked working here during covid when most of the office personnel was remote and I didn't have to listen to the catty gossip over the cubicles. Cubicle walls are erected to give the illusion of privacy but people forget that sound travels. The information I hear sitting at my desk is disturbing. The toxic rumors that have nothing to do with work make it difficult for others in the office to concentrate and be productive. Most of us in my department have resorted to wearing headphones to block the drivel.
