Blow Molding and Labeling Operator

Buffalo Rock Company; Birmingham, Northern (AL, KY); Hybrid; USD 36,000 - 48,000; Full time

Job summary

Buffalo Rock Company in Birmingham, AL, is seeking a Blow Molding and Label Operator to safely and efficiently run blow molding machines and inline labeling equipment, producing quality plastic containers.

Responsibilities include machine setup and changeovers, monitoring process parameters, performing quality inspections, troubleshooting defects, maintaining logs, and supporting line changeovers, all while following GMP and safety standards in a demanding manufacturing environment.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• Minimum 1 year of experience in blow molding, labeling, or a similar manufacturing environment preferred.
• Ability to read work instructions and operate computerized equipment.

Responsibilities

• Operate blow molding equipment to produce plastic containers.
• Set up machines for production runs including mold changes and material adjustments.
• Monitor parameters and product quality during runs; perform quality checks.
• Troubleshoot processing problems and address defects; report issues to supervisor.
• Maintain cleanliness and safety around equipment; document production logs and downtime.

Skills

Blow molding

Labeling equipment

Machine changeovers

Quality inspections

Troubleshooting

Safety compliance

Education

High School Diploma or GED

Tools

Blow molding machinery

Labeling systems

Calipers & gauges

Job description

Location Birmingham - Corporate Headquarters

Reports to: Blow Molding and Labeling Supervisor

Work Schedule: 12-hour shift; Varies

Job Type: Regular

FLSA Status: Non-Exempt

Amount of Travel Required: N/A

Job Description

Summary/objective

Buffalo Rock is an award-winning Pepsi and Keurig Dr Pepper bottler founded in Birmingham, AL more than 124 years ago. Buffalo Rock manages the best alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverage portfolio in the country, which includes several beloved global and regional brands. The Blow Molding and Label Operator is responsible for the safe and efficient operation of blow molding machines and in-line labeling equipment. This position ensures that plastic containers are produced and labeled according to quality and production standards. Duties include machine setup, monitoring, quality control, labeling applications, and minor maintenance.

Essential functions

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform these essential functions.

• Operate blow molding equipment to produce plastic containers or components.
• Set up machines for production runs, including mold changes and material adjustments.
• Monitor machine parameters and product quality during runs.
• Perform regular quality checks using gauges, visual inspections, and measurements.
• Troubleshoot and correct processing problems such as flash, short shots, or poor part quality.
• Maintain cleanliness around machines and adhere to safety protocols.
• Operate and monitor labeling equipment for applying pressure-sensitive or shrink-sleeve labels.
• Ensure label placement and adhesion meet product specifications.
• Adjust labelers for different bottle sizes, label types, or product formats
• Monitor labeling speed, alignment, and print quality (if date coding is used).
• Replenish label stock and change label rolls as needed.
• Complete all required documentation including production logs, quality reports, and downtime tracking.
• Perform routine maintenance and cleaning of equipment to prevent malfunctions.
• Report any equipment issues, safety concerns, or non-conforming products to supervisor.
• Follow all safety, quality, and GMP (Good Manufacturing Practices) standards.
• Assist with line changeovers and production start-ups or shutdowns.
• Performs other duties assigned by Supervisor.

Other Duties and Responsibilities

• Must exhibit a high level of ethical and moral conduct while at work or in attendance of any off-site function during work hours or after work hours while representing the Buffalo Rock Company.
• Responsible for continuous self-improvement through the knowledge and use of all Buffalo Rock provided training, either web-based, in-house, or any other provided method. Must successfully complete assigned training curriculum, including but not limited to online and/or facilitated training.
• Ensure that every reasonable precaution is taken to protect the Company from possible damages, theft, or other liabilities.
• Ensure that every reasonable precaution is taken to protect the safety of employee- partners, self, customers, Buffalo Rock property, and customer property.
• Honor and follow through on all business commitments.
• Organized - Possessing the trait of being organized or following a systematic method of performing a task.
• Speaking - Talking to others to convey information effectively.
• Working Under Pressure - Ability to complete assigned tasks in stressful situations.
• Accountability - Ability to accept responsibility and account for his/her actions.
• Troubleshooting - Determining causes of operating errors and deciding what to do about it.

Supervisory responsibilities

NA

Skills

• Operate, monitor, and adjust blow molding machines (extrusion, injection, or stretch blow) to produce plastic containers according to specifications.
• Set up and operate labeling equipment (in-mold or post-mold) ensuring accurate label placement and adhesion.
• Perform machine changeovers, material loading, and process adjustments to maintain production efficiency.
• Conduct quality inspections of bottles and labels using visual checks, calipers, and gauges.
• Identify, troubleshoot, and correct issues such as flash, short shots, contamination, or label misalignment.
• Familiarity with manufacturing safety and quality control standards.
• Basic mechanical aptitude and troubleshooting skills.
• Ability to read work instructions, production schedules, and operate computerized equipment.

Work environment

Manufacturing / Production: This position operates in a manufacturing plant environment. The employee partner is frequently exposed to loud noise, moving mechanical parts, and exposure to varying temperatures.

N (Not Applicable) Activity is not applicable to this position.

O (Occasionally) Position requires this activity up to 33% of the time (0 - 2.5+ hrs/day)

F (Frequently) Position requires this activity from 33%-66% of the time (2.5 - 5.5+ hrs/day)

C (Constantly) Position requires this activity more than 66% of the time (5.5+ hrs/day)

Physical Demands

Lift/Carry

Stand

C

Walk

C

Sit

N

Manually Manipulate

F

Grasp

F

F

Reach Above Shoulder

F

Speak

C

Climb

O

O

Squat or Kneel

F

F

C

11-20 lbs.

C

21-50 lbs.

F

51-100 lbs.

N

Over 100 lbs.

N

Push/Pull

C

13-25 lbs.

C

26-40 lbs.

F

41-100 lbs.

N

Required education and experience

• Education: High School Diploma (or GED or High School Equivalence Certificate); Required
• Experience: Minimum one (1) year of experience in blow molding, labeling, or a similar manufacturing environment: Preferred

Affirmative Action/EEO statement

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, genetic makeup, status as a protected veteran, or any other factor prohibited by applicable law.

I have reviewed this job description, and I can perform the essential functions with or without reasonable accommodation.

Applicant/Employee-Partner______________________________ Date__________________