Material Handler / Machine Operator – Welder Training Path

Valley Craft, Inc.; Lake City (MN); On-site; USD 36,000 - 48,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Sign-on bonus

4-day work week

Health insurance

PTO

Holidays

Job summary

Valley Craft Industries in Lake City, MN is hiring a Material Handler / Machine Operator on 1st shift (Mon–Thu, 5:00 AM–3:30 PM) with a welder training path. This role moves, tracks materials, operates turret presses and bending machines, and offers a path to full-time welding.

A $1,000 sign-on bonus accompanies a supportive, safety-focused shop with PTO, holidays, and benefits. You’ll rotate between tasks as needed and gain hands-on experience toward becoming a certified welder.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Ability to read work instructions, diagrams, and production paperwork.
• Willingness to learn multiple jobs and float between departments.
• Pass pre-employment drug screen and background check.

Responsibilities

• Move and store materials and track inventory across production areas.
• Operate turret presses and bending machines and monitor output.
• Perform basic troubleshooting, inspect parts, and maintain a clean, safe area.
• Coordinate with teammates and adapt to daily production needs.

Skills

Forklift operation

Material handling

Quality inspection

Machinery operation

Safety procedures

Education

High school diploma

Tools

Turret presses

Bending machines

Job description

Description

Material Handler / Machine Operator — Welder Training Path | 1st Shift | Lake City, MN $1,000 Sign-On Bonus

Company Overview

Valley Craft Industries is a local manufacturing operation producing high-quality metal storage and material-handling products used by customers across the country. Valley Craft is part of the Ballymore Safety Products family, serving as their Midwest headquarters — combining the resources of a national organization with the culture of a company that's built its reputation one product at a time. We offer steady work, an organized and safety-focused shop, and a team-oriented environment where people tend to stay and grow. If you're looking for a stable manufacturing job with consistent hours and opportunities to learn multiple skills, Valley Craft is a great place to build a career.

Why You'll Love Working at Valley Craft

• $1,000 sign-on bonus
• A real path to becoming a full-time welder — this role is a stepping stone, not a dead end
• 4-day work week (Monday–Thursday)
• Competitive pay based on experience
• Paid Time Off (PTO)
• Nine (9) paid holidays
• Medical, Dental, and Vision insurance
• 401(k) with company match
• Friendly, collaborative team environment
• Opportunities for training, growth, and advancement

Position Summary

Our Material Handler and Machine Operator will play a key role in producing Valley Craft's metal products by being responsible for safely moving, storing, and tracking materials and product. You will also operate and monitor manufacturing equipment such as turret presses and bending machines. You will be trained to work in several areas and move between them based on daily production needs — and this position offers a path to becoming a full-time welder.

Hours

1st Shift: Monday through Thursday | 5:00 AM – 3:30 PM (OT as needed)

What You'll Do

Depending on daily needs, you may be assigned to:

Material Handling

• Deliver raw materials to production areas and remove finished goods
• Move materials between warehouse, loading docks, and manufacturing areas using forklifts, pallet jacks, or by hand
• Perform inventory counts and update inventory systems for accuracy
• Perform daily inspections and maintenance on forklifts and material handling equipment

Machine Operation

• Operate manufacturing equipment including turret and bending machines
• Monitor output and adjust machine settings to maintain quality
• Visually inspect parts or use measuring tools and fixtures

General Responsibilities

• Read production paperwork, diagrams, and specifications
• Perform basic troubleshooting and problem solving
• Maintain a clean and safe work area
• Support teammates and move between departments as needed
• Perform other duties as assigned

Requirements

What We're Looking For

• High school diploma or equivalent
• Ability to read work instructions, diagrams, and production paperwork
• Comfortable using hand tools, power tools, and production equipment
• Strong attention to detail and quality
• Willingness to learn multiple jobs and float between departments
• Ability to pass a pre-employment drug screen and background check
• Responsible team player willing to float to where the work is

Physical Requirements

• Continuous standing, walking, bending, and reaching
• Must be able to kneel, stoop, and sit as needed
• Must be able to work in hot and cold manufacturing environments
• Ability to lift and carry up to 50 lbs

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.