Run away now - Downstream Associate Level III Lonza Employee Review

1.0
Nov 15, 2016
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

Good place to gain some experience, if you are new to field or just graduated from college. Some great people to work with in the manufacturing department.

Cons

Lots of favoritism going on. Too much politics. You will move up quick if you brown nose the supervisors. Lonza does not know how to utilize talent. Paper pushers gets all the credit, while good workers that are making the company money goes nowhere. So let's just say that it's okay not do any processing and it's okay to have Lots of deviations, as long as you do paper work that office people should be doing, you can move up the ladder quite quickly. Lots of experienced associates have left or are looking to leave. With all the experienced gone, newer associates are forced to fill shoes that are way too big for them. Production is not as smooth, more deviations. Pay is way too cheap for the amount of work and responsibility. Management no longer appreciate the workers, employee appreciation day is now a joke, they rather save money for a Holiday party that not everyone from manufacturing can attend. It's more of a party for office people, not the people making the product and rake in the money. If you work in manufacturing, there are three words to describe it: underpaid, overworked, and underappreciated.

Explore other reviews about Lonza

5.0
Jun 8, 2026
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

Diverse opportunities across departments as one wanted

Cons

Provide decent pay and benefits

4.0
May 14, 2026
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

Lots to learn about producing API's via fermentation in bioreactors. Lots of room for career growth towards other departments and positions, from the business to the research. Good pay and lots of benefits are offered, such as dental, vision, and medical insurance; they also have a weight-loss program that I'm taking advantage of. Quality is prioritized, so there is no pressure to learn quickly, work faster, or meet quotas to do a good job. Teams are reliable, especially when learning the ropes; they'd be a part of the job I'd miss most if I leave.

Cons

Take careful consideration and be transparent with the supervisors if you're still exploring, as it's not an entry-level job that can hire and train new people at a fast pace all the time (I'm comparing this to retail and fast-food places, though). I live an hour away and work night shift, 7 pm to 7 am, thus the total amount of hours away from home is 14 hours. Please consider your mental endurance as well as your physical endurance for the night shift, as this job requires you to be on your feet, think critically, and can challenge one's work-home life balance.

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