Production Operative, Crate Maker

MacFarlane Group; Grantham; On-site; GBP 27,000 - 32,000; Full time

Job summary

A manufacturing company in Grantham is looking for a Production Operative (Crate/Case Maker) to join its Timber Department. This hands-on role involves producing bespoke timber crates and cases while adhering to customer specifications and quality standards. Candidates should have prior experience in a production setting, strong attention to detail, and the ability to work with woodworking machinery. The role offers competitive compensation and a supportive working environment.

Benefits

23 days annual leave plus bank holidays

Contributory pension scheme

Employee assistance programme

Qualifications

• At least 12 months' experience working within a production or manufacturing environment.
• Confident and safe use of hand tools including nail guns, drills and measuring equipment.
• Reliable team player with a flexible approach and strong work ethic.

Responsibilities

• Manufacture bespoke timber crates and cases using machinery and hand tools.
• Maintain high standards of quality, accuracy and workmanship to meet customer requirements.
• Support production output and documentation in line with site targets.

Skills

Experience in production or manufacturing

Ability to interpret technical drawings

Operating woodworking machinery

Strong attention to detail

Strong communication skills

Education

Basic Maths and English skills (GCSE A-C or equivalent preferred)

Tools

CNC routers

Saws

Hand tools (nail guns, drills)

Job description

Production Operative (Crate/Case Maker)

Location: Alma Park Industrial Estate, Grantham, Lincolnshire

Package: Basic annual salary up to £32,000 + overtime opportunities, bonus & company benefits

Hours: Monday‑Friday 7:00am‑3:30pm

Sector: Bespoke Packaging Manufacturing

Protecting what matters, together

At Macfarlane Packaging, we protect what matters most - our people, our customers, our communities and the environment. With over 75 years' heritage, we combine the stability of a long‑established UK manufacturer with a forward‑thinking, continuous improvement culture.

Our Design & Manufacturing division in Grantham, Lincolnshire specialises in the production of bespoke protective packaging solutions, including timber crates and cases, for customers across a range of regulated and industrial sectors. We offer a safe, supportive working environment where quality, teamwork and pride in workmanship really matter.

Production Operative Role

We are looking to recruit a Production Operative (Crate/Case Maker) to join our Timber Department at our Grantham manufacturing site. This is a hands‑on manufacturing role, focused on the accurate and safe production of bespoke timber crates and cases in line with customer specifications, quality standards and production targets.

You’ll work closely with colleagues across production, following job instructions precisely, operating wood‑working machinery and supporting output across the wider manufacturing operation when required.

Key Responsibilities

• Manufacture bespoke timber crates and cases using machinery and hand tools.
• Interpret technical drawings to determine the best method of manufacture and assembly.
• Maintain high standards of quality, accuracy and workmanship to meet customer requirements.
• Support production output, documentation and KPI reporting in line with site targets.
• Work flexibly across the manufacturing operation to support business needs.

What you will bring…

Essential

• At least 12 months' experience working within a production or manufacturing environment.
• Previous experience within a woodworking, joinery or timber‑based manufacturing setting.
• Ability to read and interpret technical drawings, with strong attention to detail.
• Hands‑on experience operating wood‑working machinery such as CNC routers, saws or similar equipment.
• Confident and safe use of hand tools including nail guns, drills and measuring equipment.
• Strong understanding of health & safety, manual handling and safe systems of work.
• Used to working to deadlines in a fast‑paced manufacturing environment, seeing jobs through from start to finish.
• Reliable team player with a flexible approach and strong work ethic.
• Able to work on own initiative, problem‑solve and operate with minimal supervision when required.
• Sound communication skills, both verbal and written.
• Basic Maths and English skills (GCSE A‑C or equivalent preferred).
• Unrestricted Right to work in the UK and able to work on‑site in Grantham, Lincolnshire.

Desirable

• Experience manufacturing timber crates, cases or export packaging.
• Experience supporting Oil & Gas, MOD or similarly regulated customer bases.
• IOSH or other relevant health & safety qualification.
• Experience working to and recording KPIs and using Visual Management Boards (VMB).
• Prior experience working closely with other departments such as logistics, estimating or planning.
• Exposure to ISO‑accredited manufacturing environments (ISO9001 / ISO14001).

What you will get

• 23 days annual leave (rising with service) plus bank holidays.
• Contributory pension scheme.
• Overtime opportunities.
• Free on‑site parking.
• Employee assistance programme and wellbeing support.
• Training, upskilling and development opportunities.
• Employee discount and mobile phone schemes.
• Long service awards and recognition initiatives.

Macfarlane Group is committed to developing our people, offering stable employment, training and progression opportunities within a business that values quality, safety and continuous improvement.

Next steps

We aim to hold local interviews in Grantham as soon as possible, with a view to the successful candidate joining us quickly in the new year. Please click 'apply' to submit your CV. All applications will be acknowledged. If you have not heard from us within a fortnight, please assume your application has been unsuccessful.

We welcome applications from all backgrounds. If you require any adjustments during the recruitment process, please contact our recruitment team.

NO RECRUITMENT AGENCIES PLEASE