Extrusion Operator

Kruger Family Industries; Portage (WI); On-site; USD 42,000 - 64,000; Full time

Job summary

Kruger Family Industries, a North America leader in thermoformed plastics, seeks an Extrusion Operator to set up and run a plastic extruder and related equipment. You will interpret job orders, adjust feed rates, speeds and temperatures, and ensure products meet specifications.

This direct-hire role requires a high school diploma or GED and 2–4 years of related experience. You will document production data, support maintenance, and participate in continuous improvement in a high-temperature,

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED; 2–4 years related experience and/or training; or equivalent combination of education and experience.

Responsibilities

• Reads job order for product specifications and determines sequence of operations.
• Moves controls to set feed, speed and temperature parameters.
• Observes operation to verify conformance to specifications.
• Measures and records finished product characteristics to ensure customer specs.
• Disassembles/reassembles equipment for different production runs.
• Compiles and maintains production/process documentation.
• Sets up and operates machines/auxiliary equipment (grinder, blending units).
• Plans and prepares for upcoming orders.
• Repairs minor machine and support equipment failures.
• Assists maintenance with major repairs.
• Enters process operating parameters into ERP system.
• Enters and retrieves production data in ERP.
• Performs work center management tasks.
• Assumes Extrusion Lead duties in Lead's absence.
• Works to established quality standards.

Education

High School Diploma or GED

Job description

Posted Monday, April 20, 2026 at 5:00 AM

AtKruger Family Industries, parent company ofPenda Corporation andTriEnda 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

The Extrusion Operator sets up and operates a plastic extruder including all support equipment by performing the following duties.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

include the following. Other duties may be assigned.

• Reads job order for product specifications such as dimensions and tolerances, and instructions such as feed rates, cutting speeds, and determines sequence of operations.
• Moves controls to set specified feed, speed and temperature parameters.
• Observes operation of machine and verifies conformance of materials to specifications.
• Measure and record finished product characteristics to ensure compliance to customer specifications.
• Disassemble, clean and reassemble (screws, dies, rolls, etc.) when setting for different production run.
• Compile and maintain documentation of all production and process information (maintenance log, audit sheets and set-up sheets).
• Sets up and operates machines and equipment other than the extruder such as material grinder and blending units or process control equipment.
• Plan and make preparations for upcoming orders.
• Repair minor machine and support equipment failure.
• Assist maintenance with major machine and support equipment repairs.
• Enters process operating parameters into the computerized control system.
• Enter and retrieve production information on PC utilizing the ERP system.
• Perform work center management tasks (plot information, up date & maintain paperwork).
• Perform duties of Extrusion Lead in the Lead's absence.
• Performs position in accordance with established quality standards.

QUALIFICATIONS

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 the essential functions.

EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE

High school diploma or general education degree (GED), two to four years related experience and/or training; or equivalent combination of education and experience.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is required to run extruder machines and transport sheeting. This involves climbing ladders (18 rungs at 10.5" height of rung), walking on concrete surfaces (constantly up and down 150' length of extruder), sustaining crouched of half-kneeling positions for up to 10 minutes, climbing on platforms (12" steps) to downstream rollers, cleaning upper and lower chrome rollers, tighten/loosen bolts to raise/lower rollers and break dies using > 750 Nm of torque, generate pull force of 47 pounds to pull sheeting and < 47 pounds of force with a utility knife to cut sheeting, climb up walk alongside of extruder machine, pick up scrap from floor to overhead on average 5 pounds, lift floor to waist a maximum of 42 pounds, stand in single position for up to 10 minutes, sit and operate computer up to 15 minutes at a time, sit in a fork lift up to 15 minutes at a time, and climb in/out of a fork lift. This involves close and color vision requirements and is in an environment that is near moving mechanical parts, extreme heat (non-weather related) conditions, and loud noise.

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.