Company Overview:
LaX Industries LLC is an established local manufacturer currently growing our operations in both Spring Grove, MN and Westby, WI. We are a leading manufacturer specializing in structural metal fabrication, engineering, and assembly of high-quality metal components for OEM customers across diverse industries. With a commitment to innovation, operational excellence, and sustainability, LaX Industries delivers mission-critical products with the highest standards of reliability, quality, and cost efficiency. Our dedication to serving employees, partners, and the planet is embodied in our focus on environmental stewardship, social responsibility, and strong governance practices.
Position Overview:
The Plant Manager is responsible for formulating production planning and ensuring on time delivery of quality products to our customers. The Plant Manager will coordinate with the team managers to keep all areas of production, quality, safety, shipping and project management accountable for their respective teams. The Plant Manager will also be responsible for the implementation of strategic goals set forth in the planned expansion. This will include coordinating labor hours for project work with the daily production needs. This leadership role requires exceeding customer expectations for quality and on-time delivery while continuously improving profitability and driving sustainable growth. The Plant Manager will implement policies and procedures, collaborate effectively with staff as a team player, gather and analyze information, and implement process improvements. Additional responsibilities include coordinating staff to enhance operational efficiency and product delivery. In depth knowledge and hands-on experience in production management is required. Metal fabrication process experience is preferred.
Plant Manager reports to the General Manager.
We are looking for a “Team First” leader who demonstrates respect for others.
The Plant Manager will hold regular production meetings to update all relevant parties as to the status of workflow through the shop. The Plant Manager will be part of a weekly status meeting with upper management to review production progress, quality, and other known issues. Additional topics for this meeting will be the status of work to be performed at the designated facility to achieve established corporate goals.
CORE BEHAVIORS
Team Player
- Works with a “Team First” attitude.
- Shares expertise with others.
- Inspires respect and trust.
Demonstrates Respect for Others
- Prioritizes communication and keeps others adequately informed.
- Exhibits objectivity and openness to others' views.
- Adapts communication style and method based on audience and situation.
Business Focus
- Quality focused.
- Meets commitments to internal/external customers.
- Demonstrates the ability to adapt well to change.
- Plans workflow well, manages last-minute rushes and disruptions as necessary.
- Looking for improvement in processes where possible.
- Demonstrates persistence in the achievement of goals.
- Works well under pressure.
Accountable
- Takes responsibility for own actions.
- Willingness to receive both positive and negative feedback in a constructive manner.
Primary Responsibilities & Duties:
- Lead, develop, and manage the Plant Operations Team/Staff, including coordination with and/or indirect oversight of Environmental Health & Safety, Product Quality and Quality Systems, Lean Manufacturing, Manufacturing Operations, Materials Management, Manufacturing Engineering, Maintenance, and Human Resources.
- Create, implement, and maintain plant policies and procedures to ensure regulatory compliance, operational consistency, and best practices.
- Gather information, analyze data, and implement continuous improvement initiatives using LEAN manufacturing and other problem-solving tools to drive efficiency and eliminate waste.
- Assist in restructuring staff to optimize efficiency, improve product delivery, and align resources with business objectives.
- Ensure effective utilization of metal fabrication processes; demonstrate blueprint reading ability and oversee production activities involving welding, cutting, and assembly.
- Track work progress, monitor production schedules, and maintain real-time visibility into manufacturing operations to meet customer and internal requirements.
- Partner with sales/commercial teams to align manufacturing capacity with sales pipeline and customer demands.
- Collaborate with staff and cross-functional teams as a team player, fostering an open-minded culture of respect, innovation, and high performance while actively promoting employee morale, engagement, and productivity.
- Lead new product launch activities, ensure plant certifications (AWS, AISC, ISO, or equivalent), and support value-creation initiatives in materials, yield improvement, and scrap reduction.
- Manage and develop Plant Management staff, including succession planning, training, and performance coaching.
- Coordinate with procurement, maintenance, and engineering to optimize equipment utilization and resolve operational issues.
- Perform other projects and duties as required to support business objectives.
Required Education & Experience:
- Bachelor’s Degree in Business, Engineering, Manufacturing, or a related field (relevant experience and education considered in lieu of degree).
- 5+ years of progressive plant management or operations leadership experience in a manufacturing environment.
- Demonstrated knowledge and hands-on experience in metal fabrication processes is preferred.
- Experience with blueprint reading and interpretation is required.
Skills & Abilities:
- Considerable knowledge of all plant functions, with strong understanding of metal fabrication operations.
- Proven ability to create policies and procedures, gather/analyze information, and implement data-driven improvement processes.
- Excellent leadership skills, including team building, motivation, mentoring, and decision-making.
- Demonstrated ability to work well with staff as a collaborative team player who is open-minded and inclusive.
- Effective oral and written communication skills with strong interpersonal and relationship-building abilities.
- Excellent computer skills (Excel, PowerPoint, ERP/MRP systems).
- Strong problem-solving and analytical skills with the ability to track work progress and drive results.
- Familiarity with quality systems and continuous improvement tools.
- Experience with MIG, TIG, and Stick welding processes, as well as Laser and Plasma fabrication equipment, is a plus.
- Ability to thrive in a fast-paced manufacturing environment while maintaining attention to detail and a focus on safety, quality, and efficiency.
LaX Industries LLC is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran status, or disability. Protected Veterans and Individuals with Disabilities are encouraged to apply. This employer complies with all applicable federal employment laws. For further information, please review the “Know Your Rights” notice from the Department of Labor.
Pay: $75,000.00 - $95,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- 401(k) matching
- Dental insurance
- Employee assistance program
- Health insurance
- Health savings account
- Life insurance
- Paid time off
- Parental leave
- Vision insurance
Work Location: In person
