Thermoforming Machine Operator

At Kruger Family Industries, parent company of Penda Corporation and TriEnda Holdings, our passion is to bring great products to life through an exceptional area of thermoformed solutions. We are the North America leader in heavy gauge thermoformed plastics. We are committed to delivering highly engineered, high quality material handling products and automotive accessories that reduce the weight and cost of traditional composite, fiberglass, wood and metal products, making this an opportunity to work in an innovative environment during an exciting growth phase.

Summary

Set up and operate a rotary plastic thermoforming machine including all support equipment. Coordinate the finisher’s activities by performing the following duties.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Reads job specifications to determine machine adjustments and material requirements.
• Enters process operating parameters into the computerized control system.
• Engages necessary controls to activate the machine.
• Observe machine operation to detect product defects or machine malfunction.
• Disassembles and reassembles various machine and process components (molds-plugs-coiling frames-finishing equipment) associated with production changeovers.
• Measures formed product dimensions to determine the accuracy of machine operation and to verify conformance to specifications.
• Enters and retrieves production information on the PC utilizing the ERP computer system.
• Run reports.
• Assists in manually finishing formed parts using air-powered hand tools (router, drill, sander, etc.)
• Performs minor machine and support equipment maintenance.
• Reads and interprets production information (blueprints-packaging instructions- product specifications).
• Performs minor machine and support equipment maintenance.
• Reads and interprets production information (blueprints-packaging instructions-product specifications).
• Complies and maintains documentation of all production and process information) tool temperature data sheet, maintenance log, audit sheets, and set-up sheets).
• Instructs and directs the work activities of the finishers.
• Trains finishers to operate the Thermoformers and all other related equipment.
• Performs work center management tasks
• Conducts and attends machine information exchange meetings.
• Perform all duties in compliance with regulatory requirements as well as company policies and procedures

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES None

Qualification Requirements

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE

• High school diploma or general education degree (GED), two to four years of Thermoformer operation-related experience.
• Ability to add, subtract, multiply, and divide in all units of measure, using whole numbers common fractions, and decimals. Ability to compute rate, ratio, and percent. Ability to apply basic concepts of algebra and geometry.

Physical Demands

The physical demands described in this section are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to stand, talk, walk, hear, reach with hands and arms, stoop, and bend. The employee must seldom lift and/or move more than 25 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, depth perception, color vision, and the ability to adjust focus. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is required to set up and operate thermoforming machines for bed liners, wheel wells, and smart ditches: finish bed liners, wheel wells, and smart ditches; grind scrap and clean the work area. The following are maximum physical demands highlighted by a full job analysis: climbing up to 11 rung ladder; maintaining a crouched position for up to 3 minutes; utilizing up to 26 pounds of push and pull force; grip strength of 25 pounds; carrying 36 pounds (individually, as part of 2-person 72-pound lift) up to 17 feet and stacking 36 pounds up 69 inches; shoveling and throwing scrap up to 5 pounds up to 70 inches in height; and constant use of tools including router, drill, rivet gun, rasp/scribe, and fine manipulation tasks. On rare occasions, only select employees/shifts may be required to lift 86 pounds from knuckle to waist height.

Work Environment

The work environment characteristics described in this section are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job.

The production area temperatures can fluctuate significantly based on the time of year. The noise levels can be moderate to high. The use of hearing protection and safety eyewear is required while on the production floor. The use of additional specific safety equipment may be required. The noise level in the office is usually quiet. The noise level in production is usually moderate.

Work Availability And Travel

Must have the ability to work all shift schedules, periodic overtime and be available for periodic weekend work.

Travel requirements: <10%

***Don't meet every single requirement? KFI is dedicated to building a diverse, well-rounded team and appreciate authentic backgrounds and experiences.. so if you think you'd be a good fit for what you just read, but your past experience doesn't align perfectly with every qualification listed, we encourage you to apply anyways! We are always willing to train those who are motivated to learn and you may be just the right candidate for a position with our growing company!***

KFI is an equal opportunity employer. All applicants will be considered for employment without attention to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran or disability status.

This is a direct-hire opportunity with KFI. KFI is interested in every qualified candidate who is eligible to work in the United States. However, we are not able to sponsor visas.