It's nice to hear this camaraderie still exists somewhere. Most work places these days have lost that, at least in the production industry. When so many are casuals and the boss is always on their back reminding them how disposable they are, I guess it's hardly a surprise.
Our office is probably no different to many around the world; The same challenges. I work hard to promote some sort of positive culture hence my good morning tour each day and taking the time to have a conversation here and there, hold doors for people, ask the receptionist if she want's something from the shop...That sort of thing. I believe it is one of the reasons most people there respond well to me. I'm lucky to have a group of people who I really like and get along with and whilst I am often out of the office at meetings and with clients I try and make a point to come back for lunch as often as I can.
I worked in a production-based environment for 14 years, in management and as a a line worker initially, many many years ago. Those environments can be soul-sucking, or at least I found it that way.
A bit of respect for those you work with can go a long way. Hubby always gets much better results in his teams than other managers who just constantly yell and belittle everyone. Some people get into management roles and forget that their workers are still people with feelings.