General Laborer / Production Trainee
Company: Lodal LLC
Location: Kingsford, Michigan
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: Starting at $18 per hour. Higher compensation is available based on experience.
Schedule: Monday-Friday 7am-3:30pm
Help Rebuild an American Manufacturing Company
Founded in 1953, Lodal became an industry leader in the design and manufacture of refuse collection trucks. Facing supplier issues, Lodal was forced to close it’s doors in June of 2021.
Recently, Lodal was acquired by new ownership in 2025, and is now rebuilding the company’s manufacturing operation in Kingsford, Michigan. Our team is currently making facility improvements, installing manufacturing equipment, preparing work areas, and setting up production lines. Our goal is to restart refuse-truck production in late 2026.
Lodal is working to bring back American manufacturing, create long-term employment opportunities, and contribute to the local economy. Our mission is to build American refuse trucks right here in Kingsford, Michigan.
This is an opportunity to join Lodal during an important stage of the company’s return and grow with us as production expands.
Position Summary
Lodal is seeking a dependable and motivated General Laborer / Production Trainee to assist with preparing our manufacturing facility for production.
Initially, this employee will perform general plant-support work, including cleaning and organizing production areas, moving materials and parts, assisting with equipment installation, and helping prepare production lines.
As truck production begins, employee’s will have opportunities to learn new skills and advance into a production role in areas such as:
· Fabrication
· Welding
· Truck assembly
· Paint and surface preparation
· Material handling
· Other manufacturing departments based on ability, interest, and company needs
This position is well suited for someone who wants to build a long-term career in manufacturing and is willing to learn, work hard, and take on greater responsibility as the company grows.
Primary Responsibilities
· Clean, organize, and prepare production and work areas
· Move parts, materials, tools, and equipment throughout the facility
· Assist with the installation and setup of manufacturing equipment
· Track and organize existing inventory
· Maintain clean and orderly aisles, storage areas, and workspaces
· Assist production, maintenance, and equipment-installation personnel as directed
· Load, unload, sort, stage, and organize materials
· Follow company safety procedures and wear required personal protective equipment
· Complete assigned work accurately and efficiently
· Perform other general plant and manufacturing-support duties as needed
Advancement Opportunities
This position is intended to provide an entry point into Lodal’s manufacturing operation.
Employees who demonstrate good attendance, a strong work ethic, mechanical ability, safe work habits, and a willingness to learn may receive additional training and be considered for advancement into fabrication, welding, assembly, paint, material handling, or other production positions.
Preferred Qualifications
· Previous manufacturing, construction, mechanical, maintenance, warehouse, or general labor experience is helpful but not required
· Willingness to learn manufacturing skills and production processes
· Dependable attendance and punctuality
· Strong work ethic and positive attitude
· Ability to follow instructions and work safely
· Ability to work independently and as part of a team
· Basic mechanical aptitude
· Ability to use hand tools or willingness to learn
· Attention to detail
· Willingness to work in different areas of the facility as needed
Physical Requirements
The employee must be able to:
· Stand and walk for extended periods
· Bend, kneel, reach, push, pull, and climb as required
· Regularly lift and move parts, materials, tools, and equipment
· Lift up to 50 pounds regularly
· Work around manufacturing equipment, vehicles, noise, dust, paint-preparation activities, and changing facility conditions
· Wear required personal protective equipment, including safety glasses, hearing protection, safety footwear, gloves, and other equipment as assigned
Why Join Lodal?
This is more than a general labor position. It is an opportunity to join a historic American manufacturer as we prepare to return refuse-truck production to Kingsford.
Employees hired during this stage will have the opportunity to:
· Help prepare and build Lodal’s new production operation
· Learn valuable manufacturing skills
· Train for future production positions
· Work toward advancement in fabrication, welding, assembly, or paint
· Contribute to the return of American truck manufacturing
· Support job growth and economic development in the local community
· Grow with the company as production expands
Work Location
Lodal LLC
620 N. Hooper Street
Kingsford, MI 49802
Lodal LLC is an equal opportunity employer. Employment decisions are based on qualifications, merit, business needs, and the ability to perform the essential duties of the position.
Pay: $18.00 - $25.00 per hour
Benefits:
- Health insurance
- On-the-job training
Work Location: In person
