Mold Change Setter - Days

ALPLA NOAM•West Bend, WI

4d•Onsite

About The Position

ALPLA, a global leader in sustainable packaging solutions, is seeking a Mold Change Setter for their day shift operations. This role involves assisting with mold changes on molding machines, setting up machines for production, troubleshooting issues, and performing preventive maintenance. ALPLA offers stable careers, hands-on training, competitive benefits, and opportunities for growth within a family-owned company committed to safety, teamwork, innovation, and continuous improvement. They invest in their people and promote from within, offering various development programs from apprenticeships to leadership training.

Requirements

High school diploma or GED.
2+ years of experience operating molding machines.
Understanding of plastics materials (HDPE, PP, PET, etc.).
Ability to read process sheets and technical drawings.
Experience with tooling setup, parison control, and troubleshooting minor defects.
Basic mechanical aptitude and problem-solving skills.
Regularly required to stand, walk, reach with hands and arms.
Frequently required to use hands to finger, handle, or feel; stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl; and talk or hear.
Must regularly lift and/or move up to 10 lbs, frequently lift and/or move up to 30 lbs, and occasionally lift and/or move more than 50 lbs.
Act in a safe and environmentally responsible manner at all times by adhering to all ALPLA policies and procedures and Safety Standards (OSHA).

Nice To Haves

Technical certification in plastics processing or manufacturing.
Experience with automation systems and robotics.
Lean manufacturing or continuous improvement experience.

Responsibilities

Assist in mold changes on molding machines, including removal and installation of molds, heads, and related tooling.
Set up machines for production runs, including parison programming, temperature settings, and process parameters.
Conduct startup and verify product quality to meet specifications.
Troubleshoot molding, machine, and tooling abnormalities to minimize downtime and scrap while ensuring product quality.
Adjust machine settings to optimize cycle time, quality, and efficiency.
Perform preventive maintenance on molds, machines, and auxiliary equipment.
Inspect molds and tooling for wear, damage, or defects; report and coordinate repairs.
Ensure proper alignment, clamping, cooling, and operation of molds.
Document setup parameters, process changes, and production data.
Follow setup sheets, process documentation, and production schedules.
Maintain 5S standards in work area.
Support downtime reduction through efficient preparation and execution.
Perform other duties as assigned.
Strict adherence to ALPLA Safety Standards, including Lockout/Tagout (LOTO), PPE usage, and safe mold handling practices.
Report near misses, hazards, and unsafe conditions.
Work closely with Mold Setter II, Technicians, Maintenance, and Production teams to meet performance objectives.
Communicate effectively on job status, issues, and handoffs.
Support continuous improvement initiatives.
Support operator training on machine operation and quality checks as needed.