Creel Operator

Filtration Group Corp•New Hope, MN

About The Position

The Creel Operator is responsible for the timely and accurate setup, maintenance, and replenishment of yarn packages on the warping creel. This role is critical to maintaining continuous and efficient yarn supply to the warping or beaming machines, ensuring yarn traceability, and upholding quality standards. The operator must be diligent, safety-focused, and capable of performing repetitive tasks with high attention to detail.

Requirements

High school diploma or equivalent.
Ability to stand, walk, and crouch for extended periods.
Ability to frequently lift and load yarn packages weighing up to 15-25 lbs.
Excellent hand-eye coordination and manual dexterity for knotting and threading.
Ability to work at heights using ladders or lifts.
Attention to Detail: Meticulous focus on yarn placement, knot quality, and pattern adherence.

Nice To Haves

Previous experience in a textile manufacturing environment, preferably with creeling, winding, or warping equipment, is preferred.
Forklift certification preferred but not required.

Responsibilities

Load, Prep, and Tie Yarn Spools: Load new yarn packages (cones, spools) onto the creel according to the specified pattern, density, and color sequence required by the work order.
Tie-Ins: Perform high-quality knots to splice new yarn packages to exhausted ones, ensuring minimum disruption and maximum strength.
Tension Control: Adjust and monitor individual yarn package tensions to ensure uniformity and prevent breaks or defects during the warping process.
Safety and Traceability: Follow all standard operating procedures (SOPs) for creel setup and maintain strict traceability by recording lot numbers, dye lots, and creel location data.
Defect Identification: Visually inspect yarn packages for defects, damage, or contamination before loading and during creeling.
Break Management: Promptly identify and repair yarn breaks and loose ends to prevent quality issues on the warp beam.
Waste Reduction: Minimize yarn waste (remnants) by properly doffing and storing empty yarn packages.
Safety First: Adhere to all safety protocols, including LOTO (Lock-out/Tag-out) procedures when working on the creel and maintaining clear aisles.
Area Cleanliness: Maintain a clean, organized, and safe working environment around the creel and yarn staging areas, managing empty cones and packaging materials.
Equipment Care: Perform routine cleaning and minor preventative maintenance on creel components, tensioners, and guides.