Does Challenge Manufacturing pay their employees well?

According to anonymously submitted Glassdoor reviews, Challenge Manufacturing employees rate their compensation and benefits as 2.9 out of 5. Find out more about salaries and benefits at Challenge Manufacturing. This rating has improved by 6% over the last 12 months.

How satisfied are employees working at Challenge Manufacturing?

31% of Challenge Manufacturing employees would recommend working there to a friend based on Glassdoor reviews . Employees also rated Challenge Manufacturing 2.1 out of 5 for work life balance, 2.0 for culture and values and 2.7 for career opportunities.

What are the top reviewed jobs at Challenge Manufacturing?

Machine Operator (14) , Controls Engineer (12) , Engineer (9) , Automation Technician (8) , Quality Engineer (7) , Welder (7) , Manufacturing Engineer (6) , Production (6) , Production Operator (6) , Quality Manager (6) , Talent Acquisition Specialist (5) , Manager (4) , Operations Manager (4) , Production Supervisor (4) , Production Worker (4)

What are the pros of working at Challenge Manufacturing according to real employee reviews?

"Some of the people are great and I was able to make long" ((in 29 reviews)); "The only pro is that the pay is decent." ((in 26 reviews)); "Most of the employees are friendly and fun to work with." ((in 6 reviews)); "The corporate EHS team is amazing" ((in 5 reviews)); "Growth opportunities and an ability to make an impact at a plant or corporate level" ((in 4 reviews))

What are the cons of working at Challenge Manufacturing according to real employee reviews?

"Hours are long and union is tough." ((in 12 reviews)); "Layoffs are common." ((in 9 reviews)); "Upper management offers little to no guidance and only expects results without investment." ((in 8 reviews)); "No training." ((in 5 reviews)); "Frequent long hours and always need to be available" ((in 5 reviews))

What are employees saying about Challenge Manufacturing layoffs in 2026?

Explore Glassdoor’s employee reviews to understand what current and former employees are saying about Challenge Manufacturing layoffs and their outlook for job security at Challenge Manufacturing in 2026.

What are the top reviewed Challenge Manufacturing locations?

Holland , Kansas City , Pontiac , Walker , Grand Rapids , Richmond , Saint Louis , Irving , Northlake , Cusseta , Bridgeton , Detroit , Dallas , Fort Worth , Spartanburg , North Kansas City , Auburn , Florissant , Howard City , Fremont , Newaygo , Arlington , Justin , Texas City , East Grand Ra , Brentwood , North Lakeshore Gardens Colonia , Plant

Challenge Manufacturing reviews

2.6

31% would recommend to a friend

(316 total reviews)

28% positive business outlook

Company ratings over time

Ratings trend for the last 6 months (316 reviews)

Ratings by demographic groups

Race / Ethnicity

Gender

Sexual orientation

Disability

Parent or family caregiver

Veteran status

Challenge Manufacturing has an employee rating of 2.6 out of 5 stars, based on 316 company reviews on Glassdoor which indicates that most employees have an average working experience there. The Challenge Manufacturing employee rating is 25% below average for employers within the Manufacturing industry (3.5 stars).

Reviews by job title

316 reviews

1.0

Apr 18, 2017

Working at Challenge is the worst!

Quality manager

Recommend

CEO approval

Business Outlook

Pros

There are no pros, this company sucks.

Cons

Upper management is so bad at what they do, I can't help but wonder, do they realize it? When your company has as much turnover as Challenge, which is 50% across the organization, shouldn't the company realize it's them? Are they so delusional that they think they just hired bad people and that's why they leave? Wake up people!! You are the reason they're leaving!! You are horrible at managing people, and you come across as soulless villains with no intelligence at all times.

Challenge Manufacturing Response

9y

We apologize that you did not have a positive experience at Challenge. If you have any specific concerns you would like to address please contact the HR Hotline at 616-735-6523.

4.0

Nov 20, 2015

Challenge - West Michigan Plants

Anonymous employee

Recommend

CEO approval

Business Outlook

Pros

The people I have worked with have been pleasant and knowledgeable. The company is growing, which provides significant opportunity for those who seek advancement inside, and outside their career fields. Challenge management works with their employees to create a successful working environment if the individual voices a need for change. Overall, Challenge provides a great work-to-life ratio, and many of it's employees are invested, and want to do their best to continue the forward momentum the company has gained.

Cons

Annual reviews for employees paid on salary are not standard practice. Although, if the employee requests a review, they will receive one. Challenge does not have a strong HR department. Communication throughout the company is lacking.

1.0

Feb 9, 2015

production supervisor

Anonymous employee

Recommend

CEO approval

Business Outlook

Pros

Stable company and benefits ok.

Cons

The upper management has many people that really do not know what is going on. Its like GM the good old boys club if some one doesn't like you watch out, there will bill a target on your back. When you have a problem with an employee they can whine to upper management and then you are the bad guy, rather then back your decisions on supervision. Avoid this place unless you are uneducated and cant find work elsewhere.

Viewing 1 - 3 of 316 Reviews

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