Foam Sheet Extrusion Operator

Pregis • Hopkinsville, KY

5d • Onsite

About The Position

The Foam Sheet Extrusion Operator safely and efficiently operates a production line to meet or exceed manufacturing, production, and quality standards. The role includes setting up and adjusting machinery, preparing materials, monitoring product quality, completing production records, minimizing scrap, and supporting other production team members as needed. The operator may work on different production lines or in different areas according to company demand and may perform other job-related duties as assigned.

The operator works in an indoor, non-air-conditioned manufacturing environment that may exceed 90°F and 80% humidity, with noise above 85 dB and exposure to manufacturing machinery and moving equipment. The position is full time, hourly, and non-exempt, with two-week rotating shifts consisting of 12-hour shifts and overtime based on business demand.

Requirements

• Prior manufacturing or similar experience is required.
• Strong mechanical aptitude is required.
• Good mathematical skills are required.
• Ability to operate a forklift and other powered industrial vehicles safely and effectively.
• Ability to read a tape measure and document quality readings.
• Ability to take coaching and communicate respectfully and effectively with others.
• Knowledge of safety requirements and guidelines in manufacturing or warehouse environments, and ability to follow department and plant rules, regulations, and notices.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment, follow standardized work instructions, and adhere to safe work practices in a continuous-improvement culture.
• Experience with SAP or similar ERP systems is required, or ability to learn such systems.
• High school diploma, GED, or equivalent work experience is required.
• Stable work history is required.
• Ability to perform frequent standing, walking, stooping, squatting, reaching, bending, and twisting; frequent lifting, pushing, and pulling up to 50 pounds; occasional stair or ladder climbing; and repetitive use of shoulders, hips, knees, ankles, elbows, wrists, hands, and fingers. Standing may last up to 12 hours and at times exceed 12 hours.

Nice To Haves

• Previous work experience in a manufacturing and/or warehouse environment is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Set up and operate production lines for various products, meeting production rates and customer specifications while minimizing waste.
• Assist the Assistant Operator with staging product using powered industrial vehicles and ensure production supplies and materials are available; perform this task directly on lines without an Assistant Operator.
• Gather and prepare materials, parts, and tools, including cores, labels, pallets, tape, and bags.
• Set up and adjust machinery; operate the core cutting machine and pallet jack; and separate scrap into the appropriate film-type gaylord.
• Direct and support the Assistant Operator and/or Production Utility Worker when applicable, including training or mentoring when required or requested.
• Perform minor maintenance, including cleaning air filters and completing Total Productive Maintenance and Preventative Maintenance tasks.
• Keep work areas clean, maintain tools and equipment in their proper places, and assist with housekeeping as needed.
• Ensure products are properly packaged, including sawing, bagging, tying, and stacking when needed.
• Follow safety rules and work regulations, use required personal protective equipment, attend required safety meetings and training, and promptly report hazards, accidents, incidents, and near misses.
• Conduct required quality checks, continuously monitor machine operation, and verify product dimensions and specifications, including color, weight, slits, perforations, widths, and lengths.
• Physically and visually inspect products, enter production and quality data accurately into the machine computer, and sign off that products meet quality requirements.
• Promptly report quality defects to appropriate team members.
• Assist the Maintenance Team with troubleshooting when needed.
• Maintain positive employee relations, follow company policies and procedures, and refer employee relations issues to the Lead, Production Supervisor, or Plant Manager.
• Communicate respectfully with team members during shift transitions and perform other assigned job-related duties.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: High school or GED