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 32 reviews)); "Good pay and lot of hourd" ((in 28 reviews)); "Most of the employees are friendly and fun to work with." ((in 6 reviews)); "Growth opportunities and an ability to make an impact at a plant or corporate level" ((in 5 reviews)); "The Money and hours are good" ((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 14 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)); "Bias management, drugs infestation, supervisor getting high on lunch breaks." ((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

Dec 30, 2015

Kansas City Plant not Employee Owned

Salaried professional

Recommend

CEO approval

Business Outlook

Pros

Good base pay. Many hours of experience doing lots of different jobs for those new to the work force.

Cons

The Kansas City location is not employee owned. Most of the workers at this plant are temps. This is a non-union shop making parts for General Motors. Unbelievable working conditions. During the hiring process they will promise you will not work overtime but once you are hired on you will work very long hours for no extra pay. Prospective salaried employees beware.

Challenge Manufacturing Response

10y

Thank you for your feedback, and we apologize that your experience with our company was not ideal. For clarification, the Kansas City facility is employee-owned, as are all of Challenge’s facilities. Additionally, the Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP) is available for all employees at all Challenge facilities including Kansas City. Challenge prides itself on providing an industry-leading work environment. Please contact us with your specific concerns or additional questions at hotline@challenge-mfg.com or 616-735-6525 and an employee hotline investigator will look into those matters. Thank you.

5.0

Dec 20, 2015

Young Innovative Employee Owned Company

Anonymous employee

Recommend

CEO approval

Business Outlook

Pros

-Great Benefits -Great Team Environment -Encourages thinking outside of the box -Employee Owned -Promotes from within -Exciting Future -Lots of Growth

Cons

Poor communication and growing pains are the only two things that come to mind. Both are a result of the recent growth.

1.0

Dec 16, 2015

hostile work environment

Controls engineer

Recommend

CEO approval

Business Outlook

Pros

The pay is decent, not much else

Cons

The company is very socially conservative and does not tolerate those who do not fit social norms. People were routinely fired suddenly without any idea of cause

Challenge Manufacturing Response

10y

Thank you for your post. We’re sorry you feel your experience with our company was not a good one. Please know that the company believes strongly in equal employment opportunities for all people. We would be very grateful if you would provide additional email feedback at hotline@challenge-mfg.com so we can address any concerns in this area. Sincerely, Challenge Human Resources

Viewing 304 - 306 of 316 Reviews

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