General Production Worker

General Production Worker – Rotary PrepThis role focuses on preparing rotary dies used to cut corrugated cardboard, functioning much like large cookie cutters for packaging products. You will work in a hands-on manufacturing environment, using hand and power tools to prep dies after they are etched by laser or water jet, ensuring they are ready for further processing. The position is highly team-oriented, involves physical work including lifting and standing, and offers opportunities to learn multiple departments and grow within the organization.ResponsibilitiesPrepare rotary dies after they have been etched by laser or water jet, creating inserts and ensuring they are ready for the next production steps.Use hand and power tools to prep dies so they can be securely bolted onto fixtures, keeping them steady for others to add rules (blades) and rubber components.Assist other departments as needed, including areas such as laser operating, fixture building, CAD, and other production support tasks.Follow written and visual instructions accurately to complete work orders and maintain quality standards for custom dies.Handle materials and dies safely, including performing team lifts when moving heavier dies and routinely lifting 50–80 lbs.Work at a designated workstation, maintaining organization, cleanliness, and proper use of tools and equipment.Use basic math skills to measure, verify, and confirm dimensions and specifications during the prep process.Operate manufacturing machinery and tools as trained, adhering to all safety guidelines and procedures.Collaborate with team members in a friendly and professional manner, contributing to a positive, family-oriented work culture.Stand for the majority of the shift on anti-fatigue mats while performing production tasks, maintaining focus and attention to detail.Remain aware of sharp rules (razor blades) and other potential hazards in the work area, using caution to minimize risk of cuts or injuries.Use computers comfortably to review work orders, instructions, and any production-related documentation.Communicate clearly in English, both verbally and in writing, to ensure accuracy in custom die production and coordination with coworkers.Be open to occasional overtime at the end of the shift for 1–2 hours as needed, typically once or twice per week.Essential SkillsAt least 6 months of manufacturing experience, preferably in a hands-on production or assembly environment.Ability to lift up to 70 lbs regularly and perform team lifts for heavier dies in the 50–80 lb range.Demonstrated experience using hand and power tools safely and effectively in a work setting.Ability to follow written and visual instructions, with 1 year of experience doing so preferred.Good hand dexterity for detailed prep work on dies and handling small components.Basic math skills to support measurements, counts, and work order verification.Comfort working at a workstation and managing work orders and tasks in a structured environment.Ability to operate manufacturing machines as trained and follow standard operating procedures.Comfort working on computers to access instructions, work orders, and production information.Ability to read, write, and speak English to support accurate custom die production and effective communication.Reliability and willingness to stand for an entire shift while working on anti-fatigue mats in a production environment.Additional Skills & QualificationsHigh school diploma or GED preferred.Previous experience in construction, woodworking, or assembly is a plus.Prior experience working as part of a team and contributing to a collaborative environment is beneficial.Friendliness, strong work ethic, and a genuine willingness to learn new tasks and cross-train in other departments.Interest in developing skills in related areas such as laser operating, fixture building, CAD, or sales over time.Attention to safety and comfort working around solvents, glue, and occasional strong smells in a manufacturing setting.Why Work Here?You join a mid-sized, family-oriented company that values long-term relationships and invests in employee growth. There is a clear path to being hired on permanently after a defined contract period, with opportunities to move into other departments such as laser operating, fixture building, CAD, or sales. The organization offers regular raises once permanent, with annual and potentially quarterly reviews as they enhance their pay increase structure. You receive holiday pay while on contract, along with medical, dental, life insurance, and a 401(k) offering once eligible. Performance reviews at 6 months and 1 year provide structured feedback and potential pay increases, and the culture emphasizes a friendly, supportive environment where people know and help each other.Work EnvironmentThe role is based in a mid-sized, family-owned manufacturing facility with a strong team-oriented culture and frequent employee appreciation events, such as annual ice fishing tournaments with provided supplies, food, and prizes, as well as occasional catered food and special coffee days. The production floor can sometimes smell like glue, sawdust, and solvents such as WD-40, and employees should be comfortable with these occasional odors; masks are available for those who choose to wear them. You may get glue on your hands and will work near sharp rules (razor blades), though this position focuses on applying rubber after blades are in place, and cuts are uncommon with proper attention and care. The job requires standing all day, supported by anti-fatigue mats, and working with manufacturing tools and equipment in a typical production setting. The schedule is first shift, Monday through Friday, from 6:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., with the expectation of being open to 1–2 hours of additional time at the end of the shift as needed, usually once or twice a week. The dress code is standard manufacturing attire: jeans or pants, t-shirts or sweatshirts without derogatory words or images and without large noticeable holes, along with tennis shoes or other closed-toe footwear.Job Type & LocationThis is a Contract to Hire position based out of Blaine, MN.Pay and BenefitsThe pay range for this position is $18.00 - $18.00/hr.Individual compensation offered for this position within this range will depend on many factors, including qualifications, skills, relevant experience, job knowledge, geographic location, internal equity, and other pertinent job-related factors.Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following: • Medical, dental & vision • Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital • 401(k) Retirement Plan – Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available • Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents) • Short and long-term disability • Health Spending Account (HSA) • Transportation benefits • Employee Assistance Program • Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)