Fitter – Free State Oil (Pty) Ltd – VKB Group
Location: Villiers, Free State
Job Type: Permanent
Posted: 28 April 2026
Closing Date: 08 May 2026
Division: VKB Agri Processors (Pty) Ltd
Business Unit: Free State Oil (FSO)
Industry: Agriculture / Agro-processing
Functional Area: Production / Maintenance
Experience Level: Associate (5–10+ years required)
VKB Group is seeking a qualified and experienced Fitter to join Free State Oil (Pty) Ltd, a major soybean processing facility located in Villiers in the Eastern Free State. This is a critical technical role within a large-scale agro-processing environment that operates industrial machinery, bulk handling systems, and continuous production processes.
Free State Oil (FSO) plays an important role in South Africa’s agricultural value chain by processing soybeans into high-quality oil and meal products used in animal feed and other markets. Because of the continuous nature of production, mechanical reliability is essential, and the Fitter plays a key role in ensuring machinery operates safely, efficiently, and with minimal downtime.
This role requires a strong mechanical background, hands-on experience in industrial environments, and the ability to troubleshoot and maintain heavy-duty production equipment.
Role Purpose
The main purpose of this role is to ensure optimal mechanical performance of all plant equipment by performing preventative maintenance, breakdown repairs, installations, and continuous improvement of mechanical systems within the soybean processing facility.
The Fitter is responsible for ensuring that all mechanical systems operate efficiently, safely, and in line with production requirements, while reducing downtime and supporting continuous plant performance.
About the Working Environment
Free State Oil is a high-capacity industrial processing plant that operates in a continuous production environment. The facility includes heavy machinery such as conveyors, pumps, gear systems, and bulk handling equipment.
The environment is:
- Industrial and mechanically intensive
- Fast-paced with strict production targets
- Safety-critical with strict compliance requirements
- Shift-based, including overtime, weekends, and breakdown callouts
Employees are expected to work independently and as part of a maintenance team to ensure uninterrupted production.
Key Responsibilities Explained in Detail
1. Mechanical Maintenance and Repairs
You will be responsible for maintaining and repairing mechanical equipment throughout the plant.
This includes:
- Diagnosing and repairing mechanical breakdowns
- Replacing worn or damaged components
- Repairing pumps, conveyors, gearboxes, and shafts
- Performing scheduled maintenance tasks
- Ensuring machinery is restored to full operational condition
The goal is to minimise downtime and maintain production efficiency.
2. Fault Finding and Problem Solving
You will be required to identify the root cause of mechanical failures.
This includes:
- Conducting inspections on malfunctioning equipment
- Diagnosing mechanical and system faults
- Using technical knowledge to identify recurring issues
- Implementing permanent corrective actions where possible
- Working with engineering teams to improve reliability
Strong analytical thinking is essential in this area.
3. Preventative Maintenance
You will play a key role in preventing breakdowns before they occur.
This includes:
- Conducting scheduled inspections of machinery
- Lubricating and servicing equipment
- Checking alignment, wear, and mechanical integrity
- Replacing parts before failure occurs
- Following maintenance schedules strictly
Preventative maintenance ensures continuous production flow.
4. Installation and Equipment Setup
You will assist in installing and setting up mechanical systems.
This includes:
- Installing new machinery and components
- Aligning and commissioning equipment
- Testing machinery after installation
- Ensuring systems meet operational standards
- Supporting plant upgrades and modifications
5. Welding and Fabrication Support
You will perform or assist with welding tasks where required.
This includes:
- ARC welding for repairs and reinforcement (advantageous)
- Fabrication of mechanical parts when needed
- Repairing structural components
- Ensuring safe and strong mechanical joins
6. Safety and Compliance
You will ensure all work is carried out in accordance with occupational health and safety standards.
This includes:
- Following safety procedures at all times
- Using correct PPE (Personal Protective Equipment)
- Working safely in confined spaces and at heights
- Reporting unsafe conditions immediately
- Ensuring compliance with plant safety regulations
Safety compliance is a critical requirement in this role.
7. Documentation and Reporting
You will be responsible for maintaining accurate maintenance records.
This includes:
- Completing job cards correctly and timeously
- Reporting breakdowns and repairs to management
- Documenting work performed on machinery
- Ensuring maintenance logs are updated
- Supporting audit and compliance requirements
8. Mentorship and Team Support
You will assist in training and supporting junior staff.
This includes:
- Sharing technical knowledge with junior team members
- Promoting best maintenance practices
- Supporting teamwork within the maintenance department
- Assisting in skills development on-site
Minimum Requirements Explained
Trade Qualification (Essential)
- Mechanical Fitter or Fitter & Turner Trade Certificate
- Qualification will be verified before interview stage
Experience (Essential)
- 5–10 years’ experience in industrial mechanical maintenance
- 10–15 years preferred for senior capability
Industrial Environment Experience
Strong experience in environments such as:
- Heavy machinery production plants
- Bulk handling systems
- Steel, timber, grain, or milling industries
- Packaging plants with conveyors, pumps, and mechanical systems
FMCG-only experience without heavy machinery exposure is not preferred.
Technical Knowledge Required
- Pneumatic systems
- Pumps and valves
- Conveyors and bulk handling systems
- Gearboxes and mechanical drives
- Shafts, sprockets, and bearings
- Industrial machinery maintenance
Other Requirements
- Valid driver’s licence
- Willingness to work shifts, overtime, and weekends
- Strong and stable employment history (important)
Key Skills and Competencies
- Strong mechanical aptitude
- Fault-finding and diagnostic ability
- Attention to detail
- Ability to work under pressure
- Good communication skills
- Strong teamwork ability
- Safety-conscious mindset
- Ability to read technical drawings and manuals
- Problem-solving ability
- Physical stamina for industrial work
Core Values Alignment (VKB Group Culture)
VKB Group operates on strong organisational values:
- Humble: Respectful and grounded approach to work
- Hungry: Driven to achieve excellence and improvement
- Bold: Willing to take responsibility and act decisively
- Smart: Thoughtful decision-making and technical thinking
- Team Player: Collaboration and shared success
These values form part of daily operations within the organisation.
Career Growth Opportunities
This role offers strong long-term development within industrial maintenance and agro-processing operations. Potential career progression includes:
- Senior Maintenance Fitter
- Maintenance Supervisor
- Mechanical Foreman
- Plant Maintenance Manager
The Fitter position at Free State Oil is a highly technical and essential role within a large-scale agro-processing facility. It requires strong mechanical expertise, industrial experience, and a commitment to safety, reliability, and continuous improvement.
This opportunity is ideal for experienced artisans who want to work in a stable, structured, and high-performance production environment where their skills directly impact operational efficiency and national food production supply chains.
