Production Associate

Value Added Distributors, LLC; Watertown (SD); On-site; USD 23,000 - 32,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

401(k) with employer match

Paid time off (PTO)

Holiday pay

Job summary

Value Added Distributors, LLC is seeking a Production Associate to join our Watertown, SD team. This full-time hourly role reports to the Branch Manager and involves hose assembly, cutting, inspection paperwork, and inventory upkeep.

You will operate tools safely and adhere to quality standards while supporting timely customer delivery. The position requires a high school diploma or equivalent, ability to read technical documents, and basic math skills.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent is required.
• Experience in an industrial manufacturing setting is a plus.
• Forklift certification is a plus; training may be provided.

Responsibilities

• Assemble product parts following production guidelines.
• Complete and submit inspection paperwork.
• Maintain inventory records and a clean work area.
• Safely operate hand and power tools and wear PPE.
• Meet quality standards and inspections as directed.
• Support team to meet customer requirements and timelines.
• Cross-train in various areas of the business.

Skills

Time management

Verbal & written communication

Team collaboration

Tape measures & calipers

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Tools

Forklift

Job description

Job Title: Production Associate

Location: Value Added Distributors, Watertown, SD

Reports To: Branch Manager

Schedule: Monday-Friday 6:00 AM - 2:30 PM and overtime as needed

Position Type: Full-Time, Hourly

Wage: $20.00 per hour

Benefits: Medical, dental, vision, 401(k) with employer match, PTO, holiday pay and more

Date of Originations/Revision: 8/14/26

Company: Since 1995, Value Added Distributors, and our family of companies (Bent Tubes, Transmotion, and LTL Supply) have been a leading provider of hydraulic components in the industrial marketplace. Headquartered in Wisconsin, we take pride in our midwestern work ethic and our team of employees, providing outstanding products and unparalleled service to our valued customers. Operating in nine states with nineteen locations throughout the mid-western, southern, and eastern United States, we utilize state of the art equipment and employ the newest techniques allowing us to offer advancement opportunities in a continually growing Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) landscape.

Essential Job Duties And Responsibilities

The Production Associate-Hose Assembler reports to the Branch Manager and is responsible for accurately cutting and assembly of hydraulic hoses while following company policies/procedures and customer requirements. Listed are examples of duties performed but not limited to the following.

• Assemble assigned product parts in accordance with production guidelines.
• Complete and submit inspection paperwork.
• Keeping records of inventory.
• Safely operate hand tools, power tools, and equipment. Follow all safety procedures and practices.
• Maintain a neat and clean work area.
• Follow all required quality standards and inspections as directed.
• Support and collaborate with the team to meet customer requirements and delivery timelines. Accept directions from experienced associates, team leader, supervisor, and branch manager.
• Identify and work through nonconformance of products and standards.
• Participate in training and lead by example, including but not limited to quality standards, safety practices and compliance.
• Follow all required safety practices and wear personal protective equipment.
• This position will be cross trained in various areas of the business.
• Actively participant with the VAC vision, mission, and values. Integrate each by aligning performance goals and business initiatives to ensure objectives are achieved.
• The description of responsibilities is not exhaustive. There will be additional duties assigned per company, customer, and regulatory requirements.

Competencies (Skills & Qualifications)

• Balance competing priorities, working with a sense of urgency to meet deadlines.
• Effective verbal and written communication skills that are clear and concise.
• Foster mutually beneficial relationships that are professional by building trust and providing timely communications within the team.
• Ability to utilize and read tape measures and digital calipers (length, width, thickness, diameter or depth of an object or hole).

Requirements

• Able to use various equipment-saws, crimpers, forklift, etc.
• Willing to learn and follow standard practices.
• Ability to read and interpret technical work instructions and documents.
• Ability to safely lift up to 65 lbs. using proper lifting techniques.
• Ability to apply basic math skills (add, subtract, multiply, divide) and use tape measures and digital calipers.
• Basic computer skills.
• Ability to type 25+ wpm.
• 18+ years of age

Education And Experience

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Prior experience in an industrial manufacturing setting is a plus.

Certification And/or Licenses

• Forklift driver certified is a plus. We will provide training.
• Valid driver's license and clean driving record is a plus for opportunities as a backup driver. Must be 21+ years of age to drive a company vehicle.

Work Environment

In a production position, you will be using vision, hands, fingers, and arms frequently while standing for long periods of time. Additionally, speaking often with coworkers to troubleshoot and complete tasks. The individual will require fine motor skills, using fingers to operate small tools such as a tape measure and calibration tools or other controls specific to the position. Everyone must wear required personal protective equipment which may include safety glasses, gloves, ear plugs, shoes, and other items as it pertains to the job duties. Able to see details or objects at a close range will be necessary for tasks while safely operating equipment, reading product labels, documents, or identifying specific items.

An individual in this position must be able to successfully perform the essential duties and responsibilities listed above. The mental and physical requirements are representative of those that must be met by an individual to successfully perform the essential functions of this position. Value Added Companies comply with federal and state disability laws and make reasonable accommodations for applicants, candidates, and employees with disabilities. If reasonable accommodation is needed, please contact Human Resources.

Address: 400 Cessna Street Watertown, SD 57201

Value Added Distributors website: https://www.vadtek.com/

An equal opportunity employer.