Skilled Crating & Skid Fabrication Operator Job

Primary location: LIbertyville, IL
Relocation offered: n/a
Employment status:Full-Time
Travel: less than 5%
Non-compete: N/A

Individual pay is based upon location, skills and expertise, experience and other relevant factors

What does it mean to work at MRK Industries, Inc., a subsidiary of Armstrong World Industries?

It means being immersed in a supportive culture that recognizes you as a key player in Armstrong's future. We are a large company with a local feel, where you will get to know and collaborate with leadership and your colleagues across the company.

By joining us, you'll have the opportunity to make the most of your potential. Alongside a competitive remuneration package, you will receive:

A benefits package including: medical, dental, prescription drug, life insurance, 401k match, long-term disability coverage, vacation and sick time, and many more.
Personal development to grow your career with us based on your strengths and interests.
A working culture that balances individual achievement with teamwork and collaboration. We draw on each other's strengths and allow for different work styles to build engagement and satisfaction to deliver results.

Operate power equipment-including miter saws, panel saws, pneumatic nailers/staplers, knotchers, and related woodworking tools-to build oversized skids, crates, and custom packaging based on supplied drawings. Includes safe material handling and forklift operation to support production flow.

• Build wooden crates, skids, and specialty packaging according to blueprints, drawings, or provided cut lists.
• Safely operate woodworking tools including miter saws, panel saws, table saws, nail guns, and pneumatic tools.
• Perform material handling duties including moving lumber, hardware, and finished crates using pallet jacks, carts, and forklifts.
• Operate forklifts to transport materials, load/unload trucks, and stage work for production following all safety procedures.
• Measure, mark, and inspect materials to ensure accuracy and minimize waste.
• Maintain a clean, safe, and organized work area; dispose of scrap materials appropriately.
• Observe all company safety policies, guidelines, and OSHA regulations.
• Perform routine checks and minor maintenance on equipment to ensure safe operation.
• Document completed work, material usage, and quality checkpoints as required.
• Assist with loading, securing, and staging finished crates and skids for shipment.
• Support cross-functional team needs when required.

• Follow all company and OSHA safety policies for machine operation, material handling, forklift usage, and PPE requirements.
• Read and interpret shop drawings, blueprints, and production layouts.
• Cut lumber to precise mechanical tolerances using saws and specialty cutting equipment.
• Assemble crates and skids using fasteners, gussets, braces, and reinforcements based on design requirements.
• Safely operate forklifts to move raw materials, components, and finished goods throughout the production area.
• Conduct pre-operation forklift inspections and report any unsafe conditions.
• Inspect assemblies for structural integrity, dimensional accuracy, and compliance with specifications.
• Participate in 5S, continuous improvement, and team initiatives.
• Ensure customer-focused quality standards without compromising safety or efficiency.
• Attend and participate in all required company training.
• Adhere to all company policies and standard operating procedures (SOPs).

• Prior experience in carpentry, crate/skid building, or woodworking preferred but not required.
• Familiarity with power tools, pneumatic tools, and measuring equipment preferred.
• Forklift certification preferred, or ability to obtain certification through company training.
• Ability to read shop drawings, interpret measurements, and follow structured fabrication instructions.
• Ability to learn equipment operation, material specifications, and quality requirements.

Plant and warehouse environment with exposure to sawdust, loud machinery, and varying temperatures. Requires PPE including safety glasses, hearing protection, gloves, and steel toe/composite boots. Training provided for tools and forklift operation.

Regular standing, walking, bending, reaching, and manual handling of lumber and tools. Ability to safely handle materials, load/unload pallets, and operate forklifts in tight spaces. Frequent lifting up to 50 pounds; occasional lifting up to 75 pounds with assistance.

Why should you join MRK Industries, Inc., a subsidiary of Armstrong World Industries?

Armstrong World Industries (AWI) is a leader in the design and manufacture of innovative commercial and residential ceiling, wall and suspension system solutions in the Americas. With approximately $1B in revenue, AWI has about 2,800 employees and a manufacturing network of fifteen facilities in North America.

At home, at work, in healthcare facilities, classrooms, stores, or restaurants, we offer interior solutions that help to enhance comfort, save time, improve building efficiency and overall performance, and create beautiful spaces.

For more than 150 years, we have built our business on trust and integrity. It set us apart then, and it sets us apart now, along with our ability to collaborate with and innovate for the people we're here to serve - our customers, our shareholders, our communities and our employees.

We are committed to developing new and sustainable ceiling solutions, with design and performance possibilities that make a positive difference in spaces where we live, work, learn, heal and play. It's an exciting, rewarding business to be in, and we're committed to continue to grow and prosper for the benefit of all of our stakeholders. We hope you join us.

Our Sustainability Ambition

"Bringing our Purpose to Life" - lead a transformation in the design and building of spaces fit for today and tomorrow.
We are committed to:

• Engaging a diverse, purpose-driven workforce;
• Transforming buildings from structures that shelter into structures that serve and preserve the health and well-being of people and planet;
• Pursuing sustainable, innovative solutions for spaces where we live, work, learn heal and play;
• Being a catalyst for change with all of our stakeholders; and
• Making a positive difference in the environments and communities we impact.

About the location (Libertyville IL)

MRK Industries, Inc., a subsidiary of Armstrong World Industries, Inc. (AWI), is one of twelve AWI plants in North America. Our Libertyville plant in northern Illinois is located 1 hour northwest of Chicago, and 1 hour south of Milwaukee, WI. It is also a short, 7 mile drive to beautiful Lake Michigan. Visit Libertyville's historic downtown shopping and dining district, with nearly 100 restaurants, cafes and pubs. Stop by the Dunn Museum. Take your friends and family to the Libertyville Sports Complex. Check out their calendar of events for festivals, wine tastings, community bike rides, classic car shows and other activities that are hosted year-round. Libertyville provides a hometown feel, while being close to the 3rd and 31st largest cities in the US!

MRK Industries, Inc., a subsidiary of Armstrong World Industries, is committed to engaging a diverse, purpose-driven workforce. As part of our dedication to diversity, AWI is committed to Equal Employment Opportunity and all qualified applicants receive consideration for employment without regard for race, sex, color, national origin, ethnicity, gender, protected veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, or religion. We are also committed to providing reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities and disabled veterans in our job application procedures. If you need assistance or an accommodation due to a disability, you may contact us at by email at AWI talent acquisitionand let us know the nature of your request and your contact information. Requests for accommodation will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis. Please note that only inquiries concerning a request for reasonable accommodation will be responded to from this email address.

Come and build your future with us and apply today!