Batch & Furnance Unloader

O-I; Lexington (NC); On-site; USD 37,000 - 43,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Vacation time

Medical coverage

Well-being program

Life Insurance

Disability Insurance

401(k) with employer contributions

Job summary

O-I is seeking a Batch Unloader to support batch materials handling in a glass manufacturing environment. The role involves unloading, storing, and inventorying batch materials, operating batch unloading equipment, and ensuring safety across shifts.

Qualifications include a high school diploma or GED and the ability to work rotating shifts, weekends, and overtime. Experience with heavy equipment and forklift certification is beneficial.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or GED required.
• Must be able to work rotating 8-hour shifts, weekends, holidays, and overtime.
• Manufacturing environment with heat, dust, noise and moving equipment.
• Lift up to 50 pounds and climb stairs as needed.
• Demonstrate reliability, teamwork and strong communication.
• Forklift certification or prior forklift operating experience.

Responsibilities

• Unload and store batch raw materials from rail carts into designated storage areas.
• Inspect unloading equipment and participate in physical inventory of batch materials.
• Set up, operate, and monitor computerized batch unloading and delivery equipment.
• Assist in daily, monthly, and annual inventories of batch materials.
• Clean the batch house and surrounding work areas daily.
• Inspect raw materials and report deviations to supervision.
• Move materials safely using front-end loaders and forklifts as required.
• Support furnace and batch operations across shifts for continuous plant operation.

Skills

Communication skills

Team player

Safety-minded

Attention to detail

Independent worker

Reliability

Education

High School Diploma or GED

Tools

Forklift certification

Heavy equipment experience

Job description

To be the leading producer of glass bottles and jars worldwide you need passion, commitment and innovation baked into the very fabric of a business and its people. For more than 120 years, our glass makers have honed their craft - channeling their creativity into more than 1,800 patents held today. When you join O-I you become part of that story.

O-I has more than a century of experience crafting pure, sustainable, brand-building glass packaging for many of the world’s best-known food and beverage brands. We are proud to provide high quality glass packaging for beer, wine, spirits, food, non-alcoholic beverages, cosmetics and pharmaceuticals. We are dedicated to make what matters to shape a healthier, more sustainable and more exciting world. We transform the industry to make glass more relevant and more accessible to more people.

Job Description

The Batch Unloader will:

• Unload and store batch raw materials from rail carts into designated storage areas.
• Inspect unloading equipment and participate in physical inventory of batch materials.
• Set up, operate, and monitor computerized batch unloading and delivery equipment.
• Assist in daily, monthly, and annual inventories of batch materials.
• Clean the batch house and surrounding work areas on a daily basis.
• Perform general housekeeping and basic cleaning tasks throughout the batch and furnace areas.
• Check water, oil, and fuel levels in front-end loaders, payloaders, forklifts, and other mobile equipment; replenish as needed.
• Inspect raw materials and cullet and report any deviations to supervision.
• Mix colorants or decolorizers in proper amounts for batch production.
• Gather raw material samples as instructed and forward samples for engineering analysis.
• Safely move throughout the basement and production areas where hot glass operations are present.
• Operate payloaders and other mobile equipment to transport raw materials and support plant operations.
• Assist with unloading, handling, and transferring raw materials from rail cars to designated storage and processing areas.
• Work around overhead conveying and transport systems while adhering to all safety requirements.
• Support furnace and batch operations during all shifts to help ensure continuous plant operation, even when other plant departments are shut down.
• Communicate effectively with incoming and outgoing shifts to ensure smooth operational handoffs and continuity.
• Respond with urgency to operational needs and changing production priorities.
• Perform basic equipment inspections and report mechanical concerns promptly.

The Batch Unloader should:

• Have basic knowledge of computers and quality systems.
• Have experience weighing materials and collecting samples.
• Possess basic mechanical knowledge and troubleshooting abilities.
• Be a strong team player who works effectively across shifts and departments.
• Demonstrate strong communication skills and attention to detail.
• Be able to work independently while maintaining coordination with the production team.
• Prioritize safety while working around heavy equipment, hot glass, and industrial processes.
• Show a strong sense of urgency and reliability in a continuous manufacturing environment.
• Be comfortable working in indoor and outdoor environments and in varying weather conditions as required.

Qualifications

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or GED required.
• Must be able to work rotating 8-hour shifts, weekends, holidays, and overtime as required.
• Must be able to work in a manufacturing environment with exposure to heat, dust, noise, and moving equipment.
• Must be able to climb stairs, walk extended distances, bend, stoop, and lift up to 50 pounds.
• Must have the ability to safely work around hot glass operations and industrial production equipment.
• Must demonstrate strong attendance, reliability, teamwork, and communication skills.

Preferred Qualifications

• Previous payloader, front-end loader, or heavy equipment operating experience.
• Experience operating mobile equipment in a manufacturing, glass, mining, aggregate, chemical, or industrial environment.
• Experience unloading rail cars, rail carts, bulk materials, or raw material handling systems.
• Prior batch house, furnace, glass manufacturing, or continuous process manufacturing experience.
• Mechanical aptitude with the ability to identify equipment issues and perform basic operator maintenance.
• Experience with inventory control, material handling, and computerized process systems.
• Forklift certification or previous forklift operating experience.
• Experience working rotating shifts in a 24/7 manufacturing environment.

Additional Information

Hourly Rate: $27.61

O-I offers a very generous benefit package - some of the highlights are:

• Vacation time and paid holidays
• Medical, dental, prescription and vision care coverage
• Pre-tax accounts
• Well-being program which includes opportunity to earn employer contributions
• Life and AD&DD Insurance
• Disability Insurance
• 401(k) retirement saving plans with employer contributions
• Financial advisors to assist with retirement planning and financial wellness
• Employee Assistance Program

All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.

O-I is an Equal Opportunity Employer, and does not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment because of race, color, sex, age, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, status as a veteran, and basis of disability or any other federal, state or local protected class. If, because of a medical condition or disability, you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application process, or in order to perform the essential functions of a position, please contact O-I at [emailprotected] and let us know the nature of your request and your contact information.

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