Dana Incorporated is a global leader in drivetrain and sealing solutions, supplying major automotive and industrial manufacturers worldwide. The company operates facilities across dozens of countries, and its Mount Forest production facility is actively seeking candidates for the CAN_GENERAL PRODUCTION role. Breaking into a manufacturing career at Dana means understanding exactly what the company values in its workforce.
This post covers everything you need to know about pursuing this opportunity. From the hiring process to interview tips, consider this your practical roadmap for approaching the application with confidence.
About Dana Incorporated
Founded in 1904, Dana Incorporated has grown into a Fortune 500-level supplier with over 40,000 employees globally. The company specializes in power-conveyance and energy-management technologies for vehicles. Its clients include major names in commercial trucking, off-highway equipment, and passenger vehicles.
Dana's Canadian operations reflect the company's broader commitment to precision manufacturing. The Mount Forest location plays a key role in regional production capacity. Employees there work within a structured, safety-focused environment built around continuous improvement principles.
The company has also invested heavily in electrification technologies in recent years. That strategic shift means Dana increasingly values workers who can adapt, learn new systems, and contribute to evolving production lines.
What Dana Incorporated Looks for in General Production Candidates
Manufacturing roles at Dana are not entry-level in the casual sense. The company expects candidates to bring reliability, physical stamina, and a strong safety mindset to the floor from day one. General production workers are the backbone of any manufacturing facility.
Dana prioritizes workers who show up consistently and follow procedures without shortcuts. Attention to detail matters enormously in a production environment where errors can affect product quality or worker safety. The company also looks for team players who communicate clearly with supervisors and coworkers.
Candidates with prior experience in automotive, industrial, or general manufacturing settings tend to stand out. Familiarity with assembly line operations, quality checks, and machine operation basics gives applicants a clear edge during screening.
Key Skills Needed for the CAN_GENERAL PRODUCTION Role
While the full job description for this role is still being finalized by Dana's HR team, general production positions at similar manufacturers consistently require a specific set of competencies. These skills are worth developing and highlighting before you apply.
Physical and Mechanical Skills
- Manual dexterity for handling components and tools on the production line
- Ability to stand, lift, and perform repetitive tasks for extended shifts
- Basic mechanical aptitude for operating or monitoring production equipment
- Understanding of measurement tools and basic quality inspection methods
Safety and Compliance Skills
- Knowledge of workplace health and safety regulations, including Ontario's Occupational Health and Safety Act
- Ability to follow lockout/tagout procedures and personal protective equipment protocols
- Experience working in environments with ISO or TS quality certifications is a strong asset
- Willingness to complete ongoing safety training as required by Dana
Soft Skills and Work Habits
- Punctuality and attendance reliability, which manufacturing employers rank as top priorities
- Ability to follow written and verbal instructions accurately
- Team-oriented attitude, especially during shift handovers
- Adaptability when production schedules or line configurations change
Typical Education and Qualifications for This Type of Role
Dana's posting notes that education and qualifications are still being updated. However, general production roles at Canadian manufacturing facilities typically follow a recognizable standard. Most employers at this level require a high school diploma or GED equivalent at minimum.
Trade certifications or technical diplomas can strengthen your application significantly. Candidates with experience in machine operation, forklift certification, or industrial first aid often move through screening faster. Formal credentials demonstrate that you take workplace professionalism seriously.
Some facilities also value candidates who have completed a pre-employment manufacturing readiness program. These short-term courses, often offered through Ontario colleges, cover shop math, blueprint reading, and basic quality systems.
The Hiring Process at Dana Incorporated
Dana uses a structured hiring process typical of large multinational manufacturers. Understanding the stages ahead of time helps you prepare properly and avoid surprises.
Stage 1: Online Application
The process begins with submitting your application through Dana's careers platform or an external job board. Your resume must be clear, formatted cleanly, and relevant to production work. Hiring teams scan dozens of applications, so clarity matters more than length.
Tailor your resume to highlight physical work experience, safety training, and any certifications. Avoid generic summaries. Instead, list specific achievements or responsibilities from previous manufacturing or labor roles.
Stage 2: Initial Screening
After submission, a recruiter or HR representative typically conducts a phone or video screening. This call usually lasts 15 to 30 minutes. Expect questions about your availability, shift flexibility, and basic work history.
Be direct and concise in your answers. Recruiters at this stage are primarily assessing reliability and communication. Enthusiasm for the role and the company goes a long way during this initial conversation.
Stage 3: In-Person or Panel Interview
Strong candidates typically advance to an on-site interview at the Mount Forest facility. This may involve a panel interview with a supervisor and HR representative. The format varies but often includes behavioral questions and a facility walkthrough.
Some candidates are also asked to complete a practical skills assessment or a basic aptitude test. These evaluations measure math skills, reading comprehension, and problem-solving relevant to production environments.
Stage 4: Offer and Onboarding
Successful candidates receive a conditional offer pending background checks and, in some cases, a physical assessment. Dana's onboarding process typically includes safety orientation, equipment training, and line-specific instruction before you begin full production duties.
Interview Tips for the CAN_GENERAL PRODUCTION Position
Walking into a manufacturing interview requires different preparation than a corporate office setting. Dana interviewers focus heavily on behavioral evidence and practical thinking. Vague answers about being a "hard worker" rarely land well.
Use the STAR method to structure your answers. Describe the Situation, Task, Action, and Result clearly. For example, explain a time you identified a safety issue on a work floor and what steps you took to address it.
Dress appropriately for a professional manufacturing environment. Business casual is generally the right tone. Arriving early, turning off your phone, and bringing printed copies of your resume all signal the kind of discipline Dana values on the production floor.
Ask thoughtful questions at the end of your interview. Inquire about shift structures, team size, and performance review processes. This shows genuine interest in the role beyond the paycheck.
How to Stand Out as an Applicant
Competition for stable manufacturing roles in Ontario is consistently strong. Standing out requires more than meeting the minimum requirements. Dana responds well to candidates who show initiative before they even start.
Research Dana's products and recent news before your interview. Understanding the company's shift toward electric vehicle drivetrain components shows awareness of where the industry is heading. Mentioning this context during your interview demonstrates genuine preparation.
Highlight any experience with lean manufacturing, 5S workplace organization, or continuous improvement initiatives. These methodologies are deeply embedded in Dana's operational culture. Familiarity with these concepts signals that you can contribute beyond basic task completion.
References from previous supervisors in manufacturing settings carry significant weight. If possible, secure at least one reference who can speak directly to your attendance record, safety habits, and production contributions. A strong reference often tips the scale when two candidates are otherwise comparable.
Applying promptly after a posting goes live also improves your odds. Early applicants often receive faster attention from recruiting teams, particularly when facilities have immediate production needs. Submit your application for the CAN_GENERAL PRODUCTION role at Dana Incorporated at this link and make sure your materials are polished before you hit send.
