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Factory Jobs in Appleton, MN (NOW HIRING)

Valley Queen Cheese Factory

Custodian Team Lead

Madison, MN

$15.50 - $20.25/hr

Position Summary This position is responsible for leading and coordinating custodial operations across the plant and support facilities to ensure all areas are clean, safe, and properly stocked. The ...

New

Valley Queen Cheese Factory

Staff Accountant

Clinton, MN

$52K - $68K/yr

Position Summary This position is responsible for supporting the accounting function through the preparation, analysis, and maintenance of financial records. The Staff Accountant performs general ...

New

Valley Queen Cheese Factory

Staff Accountant

Milbank, SD

$51K - $67K/yr

Position Summary This position is responsible for supporting the accounting function through the preparation, analysis, and maintenance of financial records. The Staff Accountant performs general ...

New

Valley Queen Cheese Factory

Custodian Team Lead

Marietta, MN

$15.75 - $20.50/hr

Position Summary This position is responsible for leading and coordinating custodial operations across the plant and support facilities to ensure all areas are clean, safe, and properly stocked. The ...

New

Valley Queen Cheese Factory

Custodian Team Lead

Madison, MN · On-site

$15.50 - $20.25/hr

Position Summary This position is responsible for leading and coordinating custodial operations across the plant and support facilities to ensure all areas are clean, safe, and properly stocked. The ...

New

Valley Queen Cheese Factory

Custodian Team Lead

Appleton, MN

$16 - $20.75/hr

Position Summary This position is responsible for leading and coordinating custodial operations across the plant and support facilities to ensure all areas are clean, safe, and properly stocked. The ...

New

Valley Queen Cheese Factory

Staff Accountant

Correll, MN

$52K - $69K/yr

Position Summary This position is responsible for supporting the accounting function through the preparation, analysis, and maintenance of financial records. The Staff Accountant performs general ...

New

Valley Queen Cheese Factory

Staff Accountant

Ortonville, MN

$52K - $69K/yr

Position Summary This position is responsible for supporting the accounting function through the preparation, analysis, and maintenance of financial records. The Staff Accountant performs general ...

New

Valley Queen Cheese Factory

Staff Accountant

Odessa, MN

$52K - $68K/yr

Position Summary This position is responsible for supporting the accounting function through the preparation, analysis, and maintenance of financial records. The Staff Accountant performs general ...

New

Valley Queen Cheese Factory

Custodian Team Lead

Graceville, MN · On-site

$15.50 - $20.25/hr

Position Summary This position is responsible for leading and coordinating custodial operations across the plant and support facilities to ensure all areas are clean, safe, and properly stocked. The ...

New

Valley Queen Cheese Factory

Custodian Team Lead

Clinton, MN

$15.50 - $20.25/hr

Position Summary This position is responsible for leading and coordinating custodial operations across the plant and support facilities to ensure all areas are clean, safe, and properly stocked. The ...

New

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All JobsFactory JobsFactory Jobs in Appleton, MN

Factory information

See Appleton, MN salary details

$10

$16

$21

How much do factory jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 24, 2026, the average hourly pay for factory in Appleton, MN is $16.56, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.10 and $17.69 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a factory worker?

Factory workers are employees who perform various tasks in a manufacturing environment, such as assembling products, operating machinery, packaging goods, or performing quality checks. Their roles are essential for producing and preparing products for distribution. Factory workers often work on production lines and must follow strict safety and quality guidelines to ensure efficient and safe operations.

What are different factory jobs?

Factory jobs focus on different aspects of the manufacturing process. As a factory worker, you may perform your duties on a production line where you produce, assemble, or package products or parts. Shift managers oversee operations during a particular time of day, while supervisors or foremen manage a department or monitor the entire factory floor. You can work as a technician, a job in which your responsibilities involve maintaining factory equipment. Factories also employ managers, administrative staff, accountants, designers, engineers, and quality assurance professionals. You can find factory jobs in various industries, include automotive, fashion, food, electronics, household goods, and industrial products.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a factory worker, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Factory Worker, you need basic mechanical aptitude, physical stamina, and attention to detail, often supported by a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with manufacturing machinery, safety protocols, and sometimes certifications like OSHA training are commonly required. Reliability, teamwork, and good communication skills help individuals excel in this role. These attributes are vital for maintaining efficient production, ensuring workplace safety, and contributing to overall operational success.

What are some common challenges faced by workers in a factory environment, and how can they be addressed?

Factory workers often encounter challenges such as repetitive tasks, meeting production targets under tight deadlines, and maintaining safety standards in a fast-paced environment. To address these, it's important to stay focused, follow established safety protocols, and communicate effectively with supervisors and team members. Many factories also offer training sessions and ergonomic equipment to help reduce physical strain and improve productivity, which can make the work more manageable and rewarding.

What is the difference between Factory vs Machine Operator?

AspectFactoryMachine Operator
Primary RoleOversees entire manufacturing processes and manages production linesOperates specific machinery within the factory
CredentialsTypically requires basic education; certifications depend on machineryOften requires technical training or certifications for specific equipment
Work EnvironmentFactory floor, involving supervision and coordinationFactory floor, focused on operating machinery
Industry UsageUsed broadly to describe manufacturing facilities and processesSpecific role within factories, focusing on machinery operation

While a factory refers to the entire manufacturing facility or process, a machine operator is a specific role within that environment responsible for operating machinery. Understanding this distinction helps in targeting the right job searches and career planning.

What are good factory jobs?

Factory jobs typically include roles such as assembly line worker, machine operator, quality control inspector, and production technician. These jobs often require physical stamina, attention to detail, and familiarity with tools or machinery; certifications like OSHA safety training can be beneficial. They usually involve shift work in a manufacturing environment with a focus on efficiency and safety.

What type of job is working in a factory?

Working in a factory typically involves operating machinery, assembling products, or managing production processes in an industrial environment. Factory jobs often require physical stamina, attention to safety protocols, and may involve shifts or overtime. Skills in equipment handling and basic technical knowledge are commonly needed.
More about Factory jobs

What cities near Appleton, MN are hiring for Factory jobs?

Cities near Appleton, MN with the most Factory job openings:

Factory jobs near you
Infographic showing various Factory job openings in Appleton, MN as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 83% Full Time, 13% Part Time, 2% Contract, and 2% Nights. Highlights an 93% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $34,446 per year, or $16.6 per hour.

Whey Production Operator - Lactose and Protein Products

Valley Queen

Milbank, SD • On-site

$15.50 - $18.75/hr

Full-time

Posted 9 days ago

Job description

Position Summary

This is an entry-level manufacturing role where you will train on how to process, dry, and package whey products used in food production. You’ll learn different areas of the whey operation while working closely with experienced operators and supervisors. No prior whey experience is required—we provide training. This role supports safe production, product quality, and teamwork on the production floor.

What You’ll Do
  • Learn and assist in multiple whey processing roles through on-the-job training
  • Support operators with equipment cleaning and sanitation (CIP)
  • Help prepare, clean, and maintain processing equipment
  • Monitor basic process conditions during start-up, shutdown, and cleaning cycles
  • Perform routine cleaning and simple preventative maintenance tasks
  • Move finished products to storage areas
  • Safely handle cleaning chemicals using proper PPE
  • Complete production and quality paperwork accurately
  • Follow all food safety, quality, and safety procedures
  • Communicate with team members and supervisors to keep operations running smoothly
  • Participate in required safety and job training
Schedule
  • Full-time, 12-hour shifts
  • Rotating schedule, including weekends (Double time on Sunday!)
What We’re Looking For
  • Reliable and team-oriented
  • Willing to learn and take initiative
  • Detail-focused and safety-minded
  • Comfortable working in a fast-paced environment

This position does not supervise other employees.

Why Join Us?
✅ Career growth opportunities
✅ Predictable schedules — know your hours every week
✅ Clean, organized, food-grade environment (not a typical factory)
✅ Strong, stable local company
✅ Great people and team culture


Work Environment
  • Food manufacturing facility
  • Exposure to noise, moving equipment, vibration, and cleaning chemicals
  • Use of personal protective equipment (PPE) is required
Qualifications
  • High school diploma or GED
  • Must be able to maintain forklift certification
  • Must be at least 18 years old
Other Information

This job description outlines the general nature of the role. Duties and responsibilities may change as needed to support operations.