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Manufacturing Associate Jobs in Madison, WI (NOW HIRING)

Kruger Family Industries

Pre-Set Associate

Portage, WI · On-site

At Kruger Family Industries, parent company of Penda Corporation and TriEnda Holdings, our passion is to bring great products to life through an exceptional area of thermoformed solutions. We are the ...

Kruger Family Industries

Pre-Set Associate

Portage, WI · On-site

At Kruger Family Industries, parent company of Penda Corporation and TriEnda Holdings, our passion is to bring great products to life through an exceptional area of thermoformed solutions. We are the ...

Kellton Tech

Manufacturing Engineer

Madison, WI · On-site

$73K - $94K/yr

Manufacturing Engineer Location: Onsite - Madison, WI Pay Rate: 48-54/hr. (W2) Job Summary The ... Train and guide production associates on new and existing processes, equipment, and documentation.

Fisher-Barton Inc.

Manufacturing Engineer

Sun Prairie, WI · On-site

$71K - $91K/yr

Coordinates manufacturing launch for new or existing products. This position will coordinate ... Is approachable to all levels (associate through management) and seen as a role model to others.

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All JobsManufacturing Associate JobsManufacturing Associate Jobs in Madison, WI

Manufacturing Associate information

See Madison, WI salary details

$12

$20

$33

How much do manufacturing associate jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 11, 2026, the average hourly pay for manufacturing associate in Madison, WI is $21.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.49 and $23.51 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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

To thrive as a Manufacturing Associate, you need a solid understanding of production processes, attention to detail, and often a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with manufacturing equipment, quality control systems, and safety protocols is typically required, and some roles may prefer certifications like OSHA training. Strong teamwork, problem-solving, and communication skills help individuals excel in fast-paced, collaborative environments. These abilities ensure efficient production, uphold safety standards, and contribute to consistent product quality.

What is the difference between Manufacturing Associate vs Production Technician?

AspectManufacturing AssociateProduction Technician
CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; some roles may require certificationsHigh school diploma; technical certifications may be preferred
Work EnvironmentFactories, production lines, manufacturing plantsFactories, production areas, equipment operation
Employer & Industry UsageManufacturing companies, assembly plantsManufacturing, industrial facilities, production units
Common Search & ComparisonYesYes

Manufacturing Associates and Production Technicians both work in manufacturing environments, often performing similar tasks such as assembling products, operating machinery, and ensuring quality. The main differences lie in certifications and technical skills; Production Technicians typically require more technical training or certifications and may handle more complex equipment. Both roles are essential in the manufacturing industry and often overlap in daily responsibilities.

What is a manufacturing associate?

A manufacturing associate assists in the operations of a manufacturing facility and the products that it produces. As a manufacturing associate, your job duties include organizing supplies and raw materials inventory, preparing equipment, and training staff with preparation and production. You may also investigate the manufacturing process to fix any issues and ensure it meets strict regulations. The qualifications for a career as a manufacturing associate typically include a bachelor’s degree and prior manufacturing experience in a similar industry. You also need computer proficiency, as the job may require daily use of multiple software applications, along with mechanical skills to handle a variety of manufacturing tools and equipment.

What are some common challenges manufacturing associates face, and how can they be addressed?

Manufacturing Associates often encounter challenges such as maintaining consistent quality under tight deadlines, adapting to rapidly changing production schedules, and ensuring safety in a fast-paced environment. Staying organized, following standardized operating procedures, and communicating effectively with team members can help address these issues. It's also beneficial to actively participate in training programs to stay updated on best practices and safety guidelines, which not only improves performance but can open doors to advancement opportunities within the organization.
More about Manufacturing Associate jobs
What are the most commonly searched types of Manufacturing jobs in Madison, WI? The most popular types of Manufacturing jobs in Madison, WI are:
What are popular job titles related to Manufacturing Associate jobs in Madison, WI? For Manufacturing Associate jobs in Madison, WI, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Manufacturing Associate jobs in Madison, WI look for? The top searched job categories for Manufacturing Associate jobs in Madison, WI are:
What cities near Madison, WI are hiring for Manufacturing Associate jobs? Cities near Madison, WI with the most Manufacturing Associate job openings:
Manufacturing Associate jobs near you
Infographic showing various Manufacturing Associate job openings in Madison, WI as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 63% Full Time, 34% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $43,672 per year, or $21 per hour.

Pre-Set Associate

Kruger Family Industries

Portage, WI • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 7 days ago

Kruger Family Industries rating

7.0

Company rating: 7.0 out of 10

Based on 11 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

Job description

At Kruger Family Industries, parent company of Penda Corporation and TriEnda Holdings, our passion is to bring great products to life through an exceptional area of thermoformed solutions. We are the North America leader in heavy gauge thermoformed plastics. We are committed to delivering highly engineered, high quality material handling products and automotive accessories that reduce the weight and cost of traditional composite, fiberglass, wood and metal products, making this an opportunity to work in an innovative environment during an exciting growth phase.
SUMMARY
Responsible for pre-production set up and postproduction tear downs. Involved with
mechanical set ups when needed and follows the daily tasks that are assigned by the
Set-Up Coordinator.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES include, but are not limited to, the following:
  • Must be able to work safely and consider the safety of others around them in the workplace at all times.
  • Preparation of tooling, plug assists, clamp frames, fixtures, rails, lift tables, Ibeams and any other job-related items ahead of the actual mold change.
  • Set up all required tools with all the proper fittings and mounting configuration for production.
  • Perform tear down of molds after production run along with anti-freezing and prepping mold for storage.
  • Must be responsible for one's own work.
  • This position must also work to find ways to improve the set-up process, by reducing time and costs associated with performing set-ups, along with improving the quality of the process and quality of products produced.
  • Must be able to work within a fast-paced environment with multiple priorities.
  • Stage all tooling and required set up components at the in tool ready for production staging area prior to the required mold change.
  • Submit warehouse requests and stage tools in assigned area to be picked up and put into storage
  • Must possess a forklift license.
  • Must use ERP and Microsoft products for communication.
  • Must understand the Master Set Up Sheet process and system.
  • Perform any other assigned duties or job specific requests as required.
  • Follows the applicable Versatility Chart:
  • Perform all duties in compliance with regulatory requirements as well as company policies and procedures

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES
This position has no supervisory responsibilities. Nevertheless, the position may provide oversight and input to thermoforming, or other personnel involved directly or through the Production Supervisors, as it relates to shop activities for which this position is directly responsible. This position requires the individual to be a strong team player and an excellent communicator with a wide variety of people and positions.
QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE
  • High school diploma or general education degree (GED). One to three years' related experience and/or training; or equivalent combination of education and experience.
  • Knowledgeable in the basic functions of thermoforming machinery and able to monitor and adjust when needed during operation to optimize production output.
  • This individual must be able to set up, tune in and run all thermoforming machines and support equipment.

LANGUAGE SKILLS
The ability to read, analyze, and interpret technical documents written in English is required.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS
The physical demands described in this section are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to stand; use hands to finger, handle, or feel objects, tools, or controls; and talk or hear. The employee frequently is required to walk and reach with hands and arms. The employee must regularly lift and/or move up to 10 pounds, frequently lift and/or move up to 25 pounds, and occasionally lift and/or move up to 80 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.
WORK ENVIRONMENT
The work environment characteristics described in this section are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job.
The production area temperatures can fluctuate significantly based on the time of year. The noise levels can be moderate to high. The use of hearing protection and safety eyewear is required while on the production floor. The use of additional specific safety equipment may be required. The noise level in the office is usually quiet. The noise level in production is usually moderate.
WORK AVAILABLITY AND TRAVEL
Must have the ability to work all shift schedules, periodic overtime and be available for periodic weekend work. Travel requirements: <10%
***Don't meet every single requirement? KFI is dedicated to building a diverse, well-rounded team and appreciate authentic backgrounds and experiences.. so if you think you'd be a good fit for what you just read, but your past experience doesn't align perfectly with every qualification listed, we encourage you to apply anyways! We are always willing to train those who are motivated to learn and you may be just the right candidate for a position with our growing company!***
KFI is an equal opportunity employer. All applicants will be considered for employment without attention to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran or disability status.
This is a direct-hire opportunity with KFI. KFI is interested in every qualified candidate who is eligible to work in the United States. However, we are not able to sponsor visas.

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