Full-Time

Machine Operator

Updated on 9/4/2026

Conner Industries

Conner Industries

201-500 employees

Industrial wood and packaging solutions provider

Compensation Overview

$16.50 - $19/hr

Chester, VA, USA

In Person

Category
Manufacturing & Production Operations (1)

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Requirements
  • Load and operate cutting and assembly machinery safely and efficiently.
  • Check components for quality.
  • Learn to identify wood species and grade material.
  • Read and interpret job orders.
  • Use automation machinery, air tools including nail guns, and other manufacturing tools.
  • Communicate effectively with co-workers, customers, and management and respond to common inquiries or complaints.
  • Apply basic addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division to verify job orders.
  • Use and read a standard and/or metric tape measure.
  • Apply common-sense understanding to carry out detailed written or oral instructions.
  • Make limited independent judgments based on given alternatives.
  • Define problems, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions.
  • Interpret assorted tasks or instructions.
  • Stand for 100% of the work time and perform repetitive hand and arm motions.
  • Regularly lift or move up to 40 pounds, frequently lift or move up to 50 pounds, and occasionally lift or move up to 100 pounds.
  • Wear required personal protective equipment and hearing protection in a moderate-to-high-noise manufacturing environment.
  • Maintain an acceptable attendance record.
Responsibilities
  • Load and operate cutting and assembly machinery.
  • Stack and cut lumber.
  • Build pallets and crates.
  • Maintain a safe and productive work environment, including housekeeping for oneself and co-workers.
  • Notify the supervisor or group leader when leaving the work area.
  • Perform other duties as assigned.
Desired Qualifications
  • Manufacturing experience is preferred.

Conner Industries provides industrial wood and packaging solutions, including cut lumber for pallets, crates, and skid parts, as well as fully assembled custom pallets, crates, engineered packaging, and integrated services. Its offerings are delivered through a design team and on-staff packaging engineer who help design and supply packaging that protects goods and keeps production lines running, with 14 manufacturing locations across 10 states for rapid response. The company differentiates itself through its nationwide footprint, hands-on expertise, dedicated packaging team, and tailored end-to-end packaging solutions. Its goal is to be the preferred partner for industrial wood and packaging by reliably supplying the right lumber, custom pallets, engineered packaging, and value-added services to keep customers’ production lines operating smoothly.

Company Size

201-500

Company Stage

N/A

Total Funding

N/A

Headquarters

Fort Worth, Texas

Founded

1981

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Simplify Jobs

Simplify's Take

What believers are saying

  • May 2026 recognitions from Congress, Texas, Fort Worth, and Tarrant County strengthen credibility.
  • Kevin Kenjarski, hired before April 2026, sharpens revenue execution alongside board upgrades.
  • Denver Reel, APAC, and Kirkland expand geographic reach and deepen western and Texas coverage.

What critics are saying

  • Integration failures across Kirkland, Denver Reel, and joint ventures can erode margins quickly.
  • Customer concentration in industrial manufacturing leaves utilization exposed when factory demand weakens.
  • A misstep on aerospace compliance or automation execution can stall Conner's expansion narrative.

What makes Conner Industries unique

  • Conner sells wood, foam, corrugate, and plastics across 12 U.S. states.
  • April 2025 Kirkland Sales added custom foam fabrication and mixed-material packaging depth.
  • August 2026 board hires Holt and Fuller signal aerospace, defense, and automation ambitions.

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Benefits

Health Insurance

Dental Insurance

Vision Insurance

Disability Insurance

Life Insurance

Tuition Reimbursement

Paid Time Off

Paid Holidays

Training Programs

Company News

PR Newswire
Aug 4th, 2026
Conner Industries appoints Brig. Gen. Blaine D. Holt to board of directors

Conner Industries has appointed Brigadier General (Ret.) Blaine D. Holt to its board of directors. Holt brings over 30 years of experience in military operations, logistics, aerospace, and advanced manufacturing, including roles as Director of Logistics for United States European Command and Deputy Military Representative to NATO. Following his military career, Holt held executive positions across aerospace and technology companies. He currently serves as president of Factor X Research Group at Xeriant Inc. and previously led AI supply chain software company Alchemai. The appointment strengthens Conner's board as the industrial packaging solutions provider expands into aerospace, defense, and regulated manufacturing markets. The move follows recent board additions and leadership hires, coinciding with the company's 45th anniversary.

PR Newswire
Apr 30th, 2026
Conner Industries appoints former Sonoco COO Rodger Fuller to board

Conner Industries has appointed Rodger Fuller, former Chief Operating Officer of Sonoco, to its Board of Directors. Fuller recently retired from Sonoco, where he led global consumer and industrial operations, supply management, information technology, and automation. The appointment strengthens Conner's board as the Fort Worth-based company expands its industrial packaging platform across wood, foam, corrugate and plastics. Fuller has begun engaging with Conner's operations, including facilities integrating AI and automation. The appointment follows Conner's recent hiring of Kevin Kenjarski as Chief Revenue Officer and coincides with the company's 45th anniversary. Conner Industries provides industrial packaging solutions and wood products across 12 US states.

Citybiz
Mar 25th, 2025
Conner Industries Acquires Kirkland Sales

Conner Industries, Inc., a leading provider of lumber, industrial wood crates & pallets, and integrated packaging solutions, announced today the... Read More

PR Newswire
Nov 1st, 2023
Conner Industries Acquires Denver Reel & Pallet Company

/PRNewswire/ -- Conner Industries, Inc., a leading provider of lumber, industrial wood crates & pallets, and integrated packaging solutions, announced today...