Chemical Plant Operative (Resin/Formalin)

Kronospan; Chirk; On-site; GBP 28,000 - 36,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Shift allowance

Full training provided

Permanent contract

Progression opportunities

Learn from experienced professionals

Job summary

Kronospan is recruiting a Chemical Plant Operative (Resin/Formalin) for its Chirk site. This hands-on production role suits candidates with an interest in chemistry, willing to work shifts, including nights and weekends, and to undergo full training.

The position offers a full-time, permanent contract with competitive salary plus shift allowance, ongoing development into technician and supervisory roles, and the opportunity to learn from experienced plant professionals at a world-leading site.

Qualifications

• GCSEs (or equivalent) in English, Maths and Science at Grade C/4 or above.
• Background or interest in chemistry is an advantage.
• Strong numerical and English language skills with attention to detail.

Responsibilities

• Operate plant and control systems to manufacture Resin or Formalin to required quality.
• Monitor critical process parameters and adjust to maintain quality and output.
• Record batch and shift data; hand over information between shifts.
• Carry out start-up/shutdown and emergency procedures safely.
• Coordinate discharge, loading, and despatch of materials.
• Maintain housekeeping, environmental compliance and waste disposal.
• Support training of colleagues and cover holidays as required.

Skills

Chemistry knowledge

Attention to detail

Shift work

Microsoft Office

Education

GCSEs English Maths Science

Tools

Plant control systems

Job description

Chemical Plant Operative (Resin/Formalin)

• Full-time

Kronospan is the world's leading manufacturer of wood panel boards. At Kronospan we pride ourselves on delivering “Wood Perfected” and have invested in innovation since 1897 — and no more so than now.

We are looking for reliable, safety-conscious Chemical Plant Operatives to join our Resin and Formalin department at our Chirk site. This is a hands‑on production role suited to candidates interested in either Resin Operator or Formalin Plant Technician positions — previous chemical experience is preferred but full training is provided.

• Operate plant and control systems to manufacture Resin or Formalin to the required quality standard.
• Monitor critical process parameters during production and make adjustments to maintain quality and output.
• Carry out routine sampling, testing and analysis of product and process streams.
• Accurately record batch and shift data, and hand over information clearly between shifts.
• Carry out controlled start-up, shutdown and emergency procedures, following safe systems of work.
• Carry out routine plant inspections and basic maintenance tasks, reporting any defects promptly.
• Coordinate the safe discharge, loading and despatch of materials, including tanker loading where required.
• Maintain high standards of housekeeping, environmental compliance and waste disposal.
• Support colleagues and new starters through on-the-job training and knowledge sharing.
• Provide cover for holidays, sickness and other absence as required.

• Previous experience in chemical processing or a manufacturing environment is preferred — full training given.
• GCSEs (or equivalent) in English, Maths and Science at Grade C/4 or above.
• A background or interest in chemistry is an advantage.
• Good understanding of science, maths and English, with strong attention to detail.
• Working knowledge of Microsoft Office, with the ability to learn plant-specific control systems.
• A can-do attitude, with the ability to maintain accuracy under production demands.
• Willingness to work shifts, including nights and weekends as part of a rota.
• FLT licence an advantage (but not essential — training available).

Just some of what we are able to offer includes:

• Competitive salary plus shift allowance
• Full training provided, whatever your chemical experience
• Full-time, permanent contract
• Ongoing development with clear progression into Technician, Coordinator and Supervisory roles
• The opportunity to work with, and learn from, experienced plant professionals
• Be part of a world-leading manufacturing site with long-term career opportunities