Production Operator - 1st Shift

Description Company Overview Valley Craft has been manufacturing professional-grade material handling and storage equipment in Lake City, Minnesota since 1953, beginning with our introduction of the first hand truck with a brake. Today, we produce one of the most complete lines of industrial steel cabinets in the world, along with the carts, hand trucks, dump systems, lifts, and drum handling equipment relied on by manufacturers, distributors, and job sites world wide. As part of the Ballymore Safety Products family, serving as their Midwest headquarters, we combine the resources of a national organization with the standards and culture of a company that has built its reputation one product at a time.

We offer steady, year-round work, a clean and well-organized production floor, and a genuine commitment to safety. Team members here develop skills that last a career - and put their name on equipment recognized for its quality wherever it's used.

If you take pride in precision work and want to build a long-term career with an established American manufacturer, apply today.

Position Summary As a Production Operator, you will play a key role in producing Valley Craft’s metal products by operating and monitoring manufacturing equipment such as turret presses and bending machines. This role is ideal for someone who enjoys hands-on work, takes pride in producing quality parts, and wants to work in a stable manufacturing environment with predictable hours.

What You’ll Do

• Operate turret, bending, and other metal fabrication equipment
• Set up and adjust machines to keep parts within quality standards
• Monitor production and make minor adjustments as needed
• Visually inspect parts and use measuring tools or fixtures
• Read work instructions, prints, and production paperwork
• Troubleshoot basic machine or quality issues
• Maintain a clean, safe, and organized work area
• Support production goals and assist teammates when needed

What We’re Looking For

• High school diploma or equivalent
• 1+ year of manufacturing or machine operation experience preferred
• Familiarity with metal fabrication equipment and processes
• Ability to read blueprints, job travelers, and work instructions
• Strong attention to detail and quality
• Dependable, team-oriented, and safety-focused
• Ability to pass a pre-employment drug screen and background check

Physical Requirements

• Continuous standing and movement throughout the shift
• Frequent bending, reaching, and handling of parts
• Ability to work in hot and cold manufacturing environments
• Ability to lift and carry up to 50 lbs

Hours 1st Shift: Monday-Thursday 5:00 am - 3:30 pm (OT as needed)

Benefits

• Competitive pay based on experience
• Paid Time Off (PTO)
• Nine (9) paid holidays
• Medical, Dental, and Vision insurance
• 401(k) with company match
• Enjoy a 4-day workweek with consistent hours and overtime opportunities when production is high.
• Clean, organized, and safety-focused shop
• Training and advancement opportunities

Valley Craft Industries is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status, or any other protected characteristic under applicable law.