Craftsmanship
We apply our knowledge and talents to ensure materials are expertly selected and skillfully assembled to produce quality labels to meet customer’s needs and exceed their expectations.
Care
We respect and appreciate the people we work with inside and outside of KDV. We look for ways to help whomever we are working with each and every day.
Collaboration
We combine horsepower and expertise across teams to deliver the best possible packaging solutions to our customers.
Creativity
We think beyond the status quo to design and troubleshoot solutions to fit both the customer’s brand, production, and technical needs.
Curiosity
We combine horsepower and expertise across teams to deliver the best possible packaging solutions to our customers.
Benefits That Work for You
Competitive Employee Benefits
Our culture is built on doing right by our employees. Accordingly, the health and wellbeing of our employees is a priority. KDV offers comprehensive health and savings benefits.
Shift Differential
We have three shifts running five days a week (with higher wages for 2nd and 3rd shifts). Fit your work schedule around your lifestyle while earning a little more—win-win!
Career Opportunities
We offer opportunities and resources to continue to build your career. We are committed to training and developing capable and motivated individuals further strengthening our team and continuing to serve our customers well!
When do benefits become effective after my start date?
Insurance coverage and 401(k) become effective on the first day of the calendar month following 60 days of employment.
KDV offers a competitive 401(k) match program, matching employee contributions dollar-for-dollar up to 3%, plus an additional $0.50 per dollar contributed on the next 2% (contributions from 4–5%).
What is KDV’s culture and work environment like?
At KDV, we work hard, move fast, and support each other along the way. Our culture is built around our core values — Care, Craftsmanship, Collaboration, Creativity, and Curiosity — and guided by our commitment to “Leading with Service Since 1974.”
Employees can expect a team-oriented environment where ideas are welcomed, quality matters, and people genuinely care about helping one another succeed. Whether you work in production, customer service, sales, or administration, collaboration across departments is a big part of how we operate.
We also believe that a strong work environment helps people do their best work. Our facilities and processes are undergoing continuous improvement to support safety, efficiency, communication, and the overall employee experience.
Along with day-to-day teamwork, we value traditions and opportunities to connect as a company through events, celebrations, employee appreciation activities, and community involvement.
KDV continues to grow and evolve, but we work hard to maintain the people-first mindset and family-business feel that have been part of our culture from the beginning.
What advancement opportunities are available?
KDV is committed to helping employees grow their careers, not just fill a position. As our company continues to grow, new opportunities continue to emerge across departments, shifts, roles, and locations.
We have an internal job posting process that gives current employees visibility into open positions throughout the company. Employees can also express interest in future opportunities including shift changes, department changes, role advancement, or location transfers, so we can better connect team members with openings as they become available.
Many employees at KDV have grown their careers through on-the-job training, cross-training, mentorship, and expanded responsibilities. Whether someone is looking to develop technical skills, move into leadership, or explore a different area of the business, we believe in promoting from within whenever possible and helping employees build a long-term future with KDV.
What skillsets or talents are a good fit for manufacturing jobs at KDV?
People who thrive in manufacturing roles at KDV are typically hands-on, detail-oriented, and enjoy working as part of a team to produce high-quality products. Mechanical aptitude and a willingness to learn are important, especially in a manufacturing environment that combines advanced printing technology with craftsmanship and precision.
Helpful skills and traits include:
- Attention to detail and pride in quality work
- Comfort using rulers, measurements, and other basic tools
- Mechanical or technical aptitude
- Enjoying hands-on work and staying active throughout the day
- Problem-solving and troubleshooting skills
- The ability to follow processes while adapting in a fast-paced environment
- Dependability and a strong work ethic
- Communication and teamwork skills
Manufacturing at KDV is a great fit for people who prefer working with their hands rather than sitting behind a desk all day. Whether operating printing presses, inspecting quality, preparing materials, or supporting production, employees play an important role in creating labels and packaging that appear on products used every day across the country.
Prior manufacturing or printing experience can be helpful, but many successful employees build their skills through on-the-job training and a willingness to learn.
What does KDV do to care for the community?
KDV believes that being a good company also means being a good neighbor. Since 1974, caring for our community has been an important part of who we are — from sustainability initiatives and workforce development to charitable giving and volunteer involvement.
We are committed to reducing our environmental impact through ongoing sustainability efforts, including material recycling programs, energy-efficient operations, and responsible manufacturing practices. Our new Waukesha facility was designed with modern efficiencies that help reduce energy and water consumption while creating a safer and more effective workplace for employees.
Giving back locally is also a longstanding priority for KDV and the Vaughn family. KDV has supported The FOOD Pantry Serving Waukesha County for many years through donations, volunteerism, and community partnership efforts. Founders Dick and Karen Vaughn have been longtime advocates for helping families facing food insecurity in Waukesha County.
KDV also supports workforce development and manufacturing education through partnerships with organizations like the Waukesha County Business Alliance, including student tours and participation in programs that introduce young people to careers in manufacturing and printing.
In addition, KDV employees and leadership are active in organizations such as the Rotary Club of Waukesha, helping support projects and initiatives that strengthen the local community.
Whether through sustainability, charitable giving, educational outreach, or community partnerships, KDV strives to make a positive impact both inside and outside our walls.
What does a typical day look like for an entry-level production employee at KDV?
A typical day for an entry-level production employee at KDV is hands-on, active, and team-oriented. While responsibilities vary by department and position, most production roles involve helping keep our printing and converting operations running efficiently while maintaining quality and safety standards.
Employees may spend the day preparing materials, assisting with press setup, packaging finished products, inspecting labels for quality, moving materials throughout the facility, or supporting machine operators and production teams. Depending on the role, team members may work with printing presses, finishing equipment, measuring tools, computers, or inventory systems.
The environment is fast-paced and collaborative, with a strong focus on communication, attention to detail, and problem-solving. Employees are on their feet and moving throughout much of the shift rather than sitting behind a desk.
New team members receive on-the-job training and work alongside experienced employees to learn processes, equipment, safety procedures, and quality expectations. Many entry-level roles are designed to help employees build foundational manufacturing and printing skills that can lead to advancement opportunities over time.
No two days are exactly the same, but employees can expect a supportive team environment, clear expectations, and the opportunity to contribute to products that are used by well-known brands across the country every day.
What shifts does KDV operate?
KDV operates 24 hours a day, 5 days a week beginning with 3rd shift on Sunday evenings and running through the end of 2nd shift on Fridays. Depending on the position, employees may work one of the following shifts:
1st Shift: 6:00 a.m. – 2:15 p.m.
2nd Shift: 2:00 p.m. – 10:15 p.m.
3rd Shift: 10:00 p.m. – 6:15 a.m.
Overtime opportunities are often available through extended weekday shifts or weekend hours based on production needs.