Machine Operator (Twisthand) – FULL TRAINING PROVIDED
- Location: South Chard, Somerset
- Hours: Full time, two week rolling shift pattern (no weekend working)
- Salary: Competitive, dependent on experience (starting from £12.73 per hour, rising as skills are gained)
- Benefits: Workplace pension, Employee Assistance Programme (from day one), health benefits scheme (after 2 years’ service)
- 31 days annual leave including 8 bank holidays and Christmas and summer factory closures
Be part of something rare – and proudly local
Where 200 year old machinery meets 21st century demand. This is not your average manufacturing role – it’s a hands on shop floor role, working with historic machinery to manufacture a unique product that still matters today. You will be joining a site that has been part of Chard’s industrial heritage for almost 200 years.
Bobbinet tulle has been produced here since the early 19th century, using machinery and techniques that trace their origins back to 1808. Today, those same machines are producing fabrics made from fibres and materials that did not exist when they were first invented, for modern applications that could never have been imagined at the time. Today, South Chard remains home to the world’s largest bobbinet factory, producing specialist fabrics supplied across the globe.
Generations of local families have worked here, passing down skills that are now increasingly rare. The work carried out in this factory supports modern industries including fashion, film & theatre, military and specialist technical applications – all from a site that is deeply rooted in the local community.
If you are looking for skilled employment with a sense of pride, purpose and heritage, this is a genuinely unique opportunity.
The role
As a Twisthand, you will be a key part of the production team, responsible for the setup, running and monitoring of bobbinet machines. A Twisthand typically looks after up to four or five machines at a time, working closely with experienced colleagues within the Twisthand team as well as production support staff.
This is a practical, physically demanding factory role involving historic mechanical equipment that requires care, attention and skill. Full training is provided, and you will be supported as you learn about the machinery, materials and processes involved.
Over time, you will build valuable mechanical and production skills and play an important part in keeping this specialist manufacturing process running safely, efficiently and to a high standard of quality.
Who this role suits - This opportunity is ideal whether you are:
- Leaving college
- Looking for a career change
- Returning to work
- Seeking stable, long term employment with progression
No previous textile experience is required. What matters most is your approach to work, your reliability and your willingness to learn.
The ideal candidate - You will be:
- Physically fit and comfortable with hands on factory work
- Reliable, conscientious and safety aware
- A good team player who also works well independently
- Punctual, with a strong work ethic
- Detail focused, with the ability to follow processes accurately
Training, development and progression
- Full role specific training provided
- Access to additional training courses
- Opportunities to broaden your role over time, including potential responsibilities in areas such as health and safety. The business values long term careers and will support your development as your skills and experience grow.
Why work here
- Learn a rare and respected manufacturing skill
- Work in a historic factory that still plays an active role in modern industry
- Be part of a close knit, experienced team
- No weekend working
- Generous holiday allowance with planned closures
- Contribute to a business that puts South Chard on the global map
If you feel this role could be right for you, apply today and become part of a tradition that continues to shape both our industry and our community.
Keywords: Machine Operative, Machine Operator, Factory Worker, Production Operative, Textile Operative, Twisthand, Trainee, Manufacturing.