Welt Butt

Welt Butt

The Welt Butt in Lucchese Bootmaker's Goodyear Department is a key step in the cowboy boot finishing process. The Welt Butt operator works on the welt (the leather strap that secures the upper of a boot to the sole) and the butt (in the heel area) of handcrafted boots. Position will need strong attention to detail and ability to work independently and as part of a team.

Ability to follow safety and quality standards. Openness to learning and performing cross-training in other areas. The Welt Butt is responsible for operating equipment and performing production tasks related to the welt construction and assembly of boots. This position ensures that welt components are properly positioned, attached, and finished according to company quality standards and production specifications.

The Welt butt job is a hands-on, precision-focused role in the finishing stage of boot making, directly impacting the boot's final quality and appearance. It requires steady hands, attention to detail, and the ability to work efficiently in a production environment. This position requires flexibility, technical proficiency across multiple stations, attention to detail, and adherence to production and quality expectations.

Duties & Responsibilities:

• Receive a rack full of boots.
• Remove one boot at a time from the rack and trim the excess welt and excess leather on the shank area.
• Hammer the welt and the insole area.
• Shape the steel shank by hammering in onto the insole and then secure the shank with 2 tacks or cement.
• Brush rubber cement over the whole insole.
• Obtain leather shank covers from bin.
• When the cement is dry enough, place a small leather strap across the top of the shank and staple the leather using the air staple gun.
• Apply rubber cement to shank covers and place on top of the shank and shave edges.
• After completing boots on rack push the rack to the next staging area.
• Responsible for proper use of machines and changing the sand belt pads.
• Must meet the required goal for the day.
• Give minimal maintenance to machines.
• Notify supervisor when the machine needs additional maintenance.
• Always keep the work area clean.
• Assist other working areas, as necessary.
• Maintain consistent production rates while meeting quality standards.
• Follow work instructions, safety procedures, and company policies.
• Work effectively as part of a production team and assist with other duties as assigned.

Required Skills & Abilities:

• Excellent visual acuity to inspect finished components for quality compliance.
• Ability to read and interpret work orders and production instructions.
• Good organizational and time management skills.
• Ability to multitask and transition between operations efficiently.
• Strong teamwork and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced, production-driven manufacturing environment.
• Previous experience in boot or footwear manufacturing is preferred.
• Ability to operate production machinery and hand tools.
• Good hand-eye coordination and attention to detail.
• Ability to stand for extended periods and perform repetitive tasks.
• Ability to follow instructions and meet production and quality requirements.
• Commitment to workplace safety and teamwork.

Education, Experience, and/or

Certifications:

• High School Diploma or GED equivalent required.
• Minimum of two (2) years of related experience in boot manufacturing, leather goods production, or similar industrial manufacturing environment required.

Physical Requirements:

• Ability to work standing for extended periods of 8-hour shifts.
• Frequent use of hands and wrists for repetitive motions.
• Must be able to lift and push 50 pounds as needed.
• Ability to reach, bend, and perform repetitive production tasks.
• Ability to sit continuously for a minimum of eight – hour shifts.
• Frequent repetitive hand and finger movement.
• Ability to occasionally bend, stoop, kneel, crouch, climb stairs, and reach above shoulder level.
• Ability to frequently use hands and fingers to handle, grasp, operate tools, equipment, keyboards, and other production-related devices.
• Ability to visually inspect products, equipment, production processes, and workplace conditions, including close and distance.
• Ability to hear and respond to verbal instructions, alarms, and other workplace communications.
• Ability to occasionally lift, carry, push, or pull materials or equipment weighing up to 50 pounds and, with or without assistance or mechanical lifting devices, move heavier items as required.
• Ability to work in a manufacturing environment with exposure to machinery, moving equipment, varying temperatures, noise, dust, and other conditions typical of an industrial setting while wearing required personal protective equipment (PPE).
• Ability to maintain regular and reliable attendance and work the scheduled hours necessary to meet business and operational requirements.

Safety and Compliance:

• Comply with all company safety policies, procedures, and applicable federal, state, and local occupational safety regulations.
• Lead by example in promoting a culture of safety,…