Production Associate

Job Posting Title: Production Associate

Job Description Looking for hands-on work with purpose? Join our production team and help sew lifesaving firefighter gear! Some Highlights: Pay range: $17 per hour, plus production incentives Incentive pay in addition to base pay rate – monetary and extra time off Fully Paid Training Career advancement opportunities Requires standing throughout the entire shift Employed directly by Fire-Dex Full-Time Competitive benefits Produce firefighter gear Climate controlled facility with air conditioning and heating Did you know you can make a positive impact on firefighter health and safety from right here in McDowell County? Founded in 1983 and headquartered in Medina, Ohio, Fire-Dex is a global company that prides ourselves on being a family-owned and operated business with a mission “to serve those who serve.” We manufacture PPE (personal protective equipment) for first responders. Come join our Old Fort team! You could have very purposeful work being a Production Associate at Fire-Dex! We’re seeking self-motivated associates to train to work in a team setting and maintain quality and speed while performing stand-up sewing operations making safe and effective PPE for the first responders we serve. We’re looking for driven, detail-oriented individuals to join our team in producing high-quality protective gear for first responders. As a key member of our production team, you will be trained to operate industrial sewing machines while standing, working collaboratively to ensure both speed and precision. Your role will involve stitching together components of fire protection with care and accuracy, helping us deliver safe, effective gear to those who protect our communities. You do not need to know how to sew to join our production team. If you are hard working with a positive attitude, have good hand and eye coordination, the ability to multi-task, and are detail oriented, we can train you to operate our industrial sewing equipment and produce PPE! Work Hours: 1st Shift: Monday through Friday 7:00 am – 3:30 pm The shift includes two 10-minute breaks and a 30-minute meal break Location: 59 Commerce Street, Old Fort, NC 28762 (near Hillmans Beer Old Fort) Additional Qualifications Needed: High school diploma, GED or equivalent Willing to learn how to use industrial sewing machines Ability to stand for the duration of the shift on cushy and comfortable floor mats Basic math and measurement skills Ability to work positively in teams as well as possess self-accountability and have solutions focused mindset Open and effective communicator with all co-workers and leadership Collaborates effectively with team members to meet production goals Possess a high attention to detail and accuracy in a fast-paced environment Self-motivated with desire to work hard to meet goals Ability to work carefully and follow safety standards Possess a strong sense of urgency, follow-through and diligence, including meeting deadlines Demonstrate adaptability to learn new skills and follow company procedures Dependability with good attendance When joining the Fire-Dex team, you can: Work in a vibrant culture with great benefits, bonuses, monetary and extra time off incentives, & perks Have a set and consistent full-time schedule Have fulfillment about the purposeful work you do within an impactful industry Work in a modern and temperature-controlled facility operating safe industrial sewing equipment within a fun team-focused environment Additional Benefits and Perks Include: $17 per hour starting pay Attendance incentives – pay and extra PTO (paid time off) Weekly performance and production incentives (once trained) Profit sharing bonuses Weekly direct deposit pay Steady full-time hours and a set and consistent schedule to assist with a work-life balance (plus see below about paid time off) Comprehensive training Health, dental, and vision insurance for you and your family after 60 days PTO (Paid time off) starting after 90 days Paid parental leave 401(k) with employer matching Life insurance and short-term disability insurance Generous referral program, another way to earn extra monetary incentives EAP (employee assistance program) for entire household Local entertainment, event and shopping discounts Celebrations (usually involving free food), contests, theme days and parties! Gift for your birthday! Once trained, listen to your own personal devices while working... music, books, podcasts More About Us: Our values include fun, integrity, respect, and excellence = FIRE! Our dedicated team of associates have helped pave the path of innovation for new products and services that are focused on the health and safety of first responders Temperature-controlled production floor with nice break rooms, fresh food market, and outdoor patios 40+ years in business Multi award-winning organization – including multiple repeat recognition as a Top Workplace by NorthCoast 99, INC 5000, Family Business Achievement Awards, Smart Culture Awards, Cascade Business Growth Awards and Weatherhead 100! Be part of making the highest quality personal protective equipment in the USA and keeping first responders safe! Learn more about our culture and team! Find purposeful work making firefighter PPE: Find your work passion with the Fire-Dex family: How It's Made: Turnout Gear: Equal Opportunity Employer (EOE) Fire- Dex is an equal opportunity employer to all, regardless of age (40 and over), ancestry, color, disability (physical and mental, including HIV and AIDS), genetic information, gender identity and expression, marital status, medical condition, military or veteran status, national origin, race (includes traits historically associated with race, including, but not limited to, hair texture and protective hairstyles), religion (includes religious dress and grooming practices), sex (includes pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding, and related medical conditions), sexual orientation, or any other basis protected by law. We are committed to a diverse and inclusive workforce and actively seek to ensure that our hiring and employment practices reflect this commitment. Interview Process & Consent Fire‑Dex may use AI‑assisted tools to record and transcribe interviews for evaluation purposes, with candidate notice and consent. These tools support, but do not replace, human decision‑making. Interview data is handled in accordance with applicable privacy laws, including CCPA and GDPR.