Why We’re More Than Trailers
For 45 years, Southland Trailers has been building more than trailers — we’ve been building a company where people come first. Today, we’re one of Canada’s largest trailer manufacturers with 560+ team members and a simple operating philosophy: people first, processes second, products third.
We believe in hard work, open communication, a positive attitude, continuous improvement, and leading with humility and respect. Using LEAN manufacturing and modern technology, we design and build high-quality trailers while constantly finding better ways to work.
At Southland, you’ll find a collaborative, hands-on environment where ideas are welcomed, initiative is valued, and your work makes a real impact.
If you’re driven, curious, and want to grow with a company that’s going places — you’ll fit right in.
The Role
Materials Processing is where the build begins.
As a Materials Processing General Labourer, you will help prepare, move, cut, form, and organize the materials our production teams need to build trailers. Depending on your skills, experience, and interests, you may work in areas such as machine operation, breakout, forklift operation, material handling, or part preparation.
You do not need experience in every area. We are looking for dependable people who work safely, take pride in doing things right, and are ready to learn.
We will match successful candidates with the position that best fits their strengths and the needs of the team.
What Success Looks Like
You come ready to work, follow the process, and keep safety and quality at the centre of every task.
You complete your work accurately and within TAKT time, communicate problems early, and help keep materials moving so the next team has what they need, when they need it.
You take ownership of your area and leave it clean, organized, and ready for the next job.
What You’ll Do
Depending on your assigned work area, you may:
- Operate production equipment used to cut, form, process, or prepare materials
- Remove, sort, and organize parts after they are cut
- Operate a forklift to move raw materials, finished parts, and production supplies
- Load and unload material safely and accurately
- Read work orders, measurements, drawings, and job instructions
- Confirm the correct material, thickness, quantity, tooling, and equipment before beginning a job
- Inspect parts and materials for accuracy, quality, and damage
- Complete work accurately and within production targets
- Track and record production information
- Perform equipment or line changeovers
- Complete daily 5S requirements to keep the area clean, safe, and organized
- Identify shortages, delays, defects, or equipment concerns and communicate them to your Coach
- Participate in morning huddles, end-of-day Hansei meetings, and problem-solving activities
- Support other areas of Materials Processing as production needs change
- Complete other duties as assigned
Positions May Include
- Machine Operator
- Breakout Team Member
- Forklift Operator
- Material Handler
- Parts Sorter
- General Labourer
Your assigned position may change as you develop new skills and opportunities become available within the department.
What You Bring
- A strong work ethic and willingness to learn
- Experience in manufacturing, material handling, machine operation, or forklift operation is an asset
- Basic mechanical aptitude and the ability to safely use hand and power tools
- Ability to follow written instructions, measurements, and standard work
- Basic reading, writing, and math skills
- Ability to lift, push, pull, and position items weighing up to 50 lbs
- Ability to work safely in a fast-paced manufacturing environment
- Strong teamwork and communication skills
- A positive attitude and willingness to accept feedback
- Ability to identify problems and help bring forward solutions
- Forklift certification is an asset but is not required for every position
Why You’ll Love Working Here
At Southland Trailers, we build big things — and we back the people who build them.
- Strong Pay with regular performance reviews — because effort should be rewarded
- Real Growth — training, development, and advancement opportunities that actually lead somewhere
- Compressed Workweek — for better work life balance
- A Culture That Has Fun — Social Club events like wing nights, hockey games, family events, BBQs, bowling, and more
- Benefits That Matter — comprehensive coverage for you and your family
- RRSP Matching — future you will thank you
- Hot Food On Site — fresh breakfast, lunch, and snacks in our in-house cafeterias
- Stable, Growing Company — 45+ years in business and still expanding
- Certified Living Wage Employer and named one of HRDC’s Best Places to Work (2024 & 2025)
How to Apply
Think you’ve got what it takes? Send us your resume.
We thank all applicants for their interest; however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted.
By applying, you consent to Southland Trailers contacting you via the phone number and email address provided. Southland Trailers is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to building an inclusive and accessible workplace. Accommodations are available throughout the recruitment process upon request.
