Equipment world.

• Position: Company overview

Farmed 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...