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Equipment World

Formed in 1973 by founder Peter Knudsen in Thunder Bay, Equipment World specializes in material handling, storage, and packaging systems for industrial, commercial and institutional customers. It has since expanded to include locations in Sault Ste.
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Formed in 1973 by founder Peter Knudsen in Thunder Bay, Equipment World specializes in material handling, storage, and packaging systems for industrial, commercial and institutional customers.

Formed in 1973 by founder Peter Knudsen in Thunder Bay, Equipment World specializes in material handling, storage, and packaging systems for industrial, commercial and institutional customers. It has since expanded to include locations in Sault Ste. Marie, Sudbury and now Timmins. Now headed by son Peter Knudsen, the 88-employee company celebrated its 40th anniversary last year.

Workplace Environment 

Beginning with founder Peter Knudsen, the company has always fostered a family mentality and team atmosphere that is heavily woven into the corporate fabric.

“He pushed that philosophy and made everyone feel like you’re part of a family,” said comptroller Lucy Belanger, a 26-year employee. “He’s like my second father, but it’s not a joke because he was also a mentor. He persuades a lot of us to improve and do something new every year. He really believes in a life of fulfillment.”

Belanger said many former employees who’ve left for supposedly greener pastures have often returned because of the company environment.

“We’re not really laid back, we’re very focussed on achieving. But there is a social atmosphere, one of camaraderie, friendship and family. Everybody works and plays together, and feels welcome. When people feel appreciated, I think your results are ten-fold.”

Flex hours/vacation 

Flexible work hours are available to employees who need time away for personal appointments, family matters and illness. Employees also have the option of banking extra time worked to use as additional time off. First-year employees get two weeks of vacation which increases with years of employment up to five weeks.

Financial compensation/health benefits 

The company often consults with its equipment dealers and researches on job websites to ensure salaries are highly competitive and comparable with industry standards,

“We usually are on the high end for what is advertised for the positions,” said Belanger, “and there’s always room to grow with performance.”

There are annual evaluations through a discussion between the employee and a senior manager based in branch, departmental and individual goals and targets. “Almost every year we see (pay) increases for everybody.”

There’s also an annual bonus program, a percentage given back to the employee based on the financial performance of the company.

“We have an incentive program even with our mechanics based on their productivity levels,” said Belanger. “If they are 90 per cent-plus productive, they get two to three per cent of the revenues that they generate back as a perk.

A defined savings program allows employees to contribute into a RRSP where the company matches the contribution.

A comprehensive benefits package includes out-of-province coverage and travel assistance, prescription drugs, dental, long-term disability, life insurance and extended health coverage with hospital benefits providing access to practitioners such as massage therapists, physiotherapists, chiropractic caregivers, and naturopaths.

An employee and family assistance program is available to employees free of charge and assists in areas of mental, physical, emotional and financial stress.

The company will subsidize annual gym memberships ($100/year). The Sudbury location is outfitted with a gym featuring weight equipment, treadmills and steppers.

A joint health and safety committee conducts monthly walk-throughs to address any deficiencies or issues. Ergonomic assessment surveys and employee discussions are done on a quarterly basis to ensure they have the proper tooling. Work stations are assessed on a quarterly basis.

Education/professional development 

In following the “Kaizen” approach, continuing education and individual professional growth is encouraged. For work-related courses, degrees, designations, or certifications, the company provides time away from work to complete a program and offers a 50 per cent reimbursement for all successfully completed programs, plus full reimbursement for any exam or annual licence fee.

Social environment/community involvement 

An annual summer social for employees and their families is held at each location to spend an afternoon playing games, golfing, swimming and barbequing. A Christmas party is held at each location along with a pre-Christmas pot luck and gift exchange at each location. The health and wellness committee organizes fun nights out, which can be bowling, curling, golfing, boating, hiking and fishing. The committee organizes monthly lunch and learns with guest speakers, mini-curling bonspiels and Fresh Fruit Fridays in the workplace.

The company supports a number of charities, fundraising events, and not-for-profits like Big Bike, Relay for Life, and Shelter House in Thunder Bay.

www.equipworld.com