Laminating Line Operator (Tile Manufacturing)

Forbo Group; Hazleton (Luzerne County); On-site; USD 38,000 - 58,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Zero premium health insurance

Family friendly Health Insurance

Zero premium Vision Insurance

Dental insurance

401(k) matching

Life insurance

Employee assistance program

Paid time off – Vacation & PTO

Job summary

Forbo Group is seeking a Laminating Line Operator for Tile Manufacturing. You will oversee coating line operations, ensure continuous production flow, and manage packing and boxing tasks while maintaining product quality and accurate documentation.

You will train new team members, follow strict safety procedures, and support ongoing improvements in a fast-paced flooring production environment. This on-site role offers stable hours and a comprehensive benefits package.

Qualifications

• Experience in a manufacturing or production environment (preferably continuous-flow or flooring/tiles).
• Competence in operating industrial machinery, control panels, and HMIs.
• Strong attention to detail and ability to identify product defects.
• Basic mechanical aptitude for low-level fault finding and equipment adjustments.
• Ability to follow Standard Operating Procedures, work instructions, and safety procedures.
• FLT or pallet truck certification (or willingness to train).
• Experience with PEC systems or similar digital production recording tools.
• Knowledge of OEE and continuous improvement principles.

Responsibilities

• Operate the coating line control panel during start-ups, product changes, and line stoppages, performing pre-start checks.
• Manage packing and boxing operations, enter product data, and ensure accurate PEC documentation.
• Train new starters on equipment, processes, and safety; uphold COSHH and site procedures.

Skills

Manufacturing experience

Control panels

HMIs

Attention to detail

Safety procedures

Team training

Manual handling

Tools

PEC system

Job description

The Flooring Systems division offers a broad and attractive range of environmentally friendly natural linoleum, high-quality vinyl floors, entrance matting systems for cleaning and drying shoes, carpet tiles, needle felt, and Flotex, the washable high-tech textile flooring. Thanks to their excellent technical properties and attractive design, these flooring products are invariably the first choice for public buildings, department stores, hospitals, and other healthcare facilities, schools, libraries, commercial and office spaces, leisure centers, shops, hotels, restaurants, and cafeterias as well as for applications in the residential market. With a market share of about 70 percent, Forbo is the world leader in linoleum. Flooring Systems also provides ready‑made adhesives for floor covering installations, parquet flooring, and ceramic tiles, leveling compounds for the construction industry as well as liquid floors under the trade name Eurocol.

The Laminating Line Operator is responsible for the safe, efficient, and consistent operation of manufacturing equipment across both the coating line and packing/boxing areas. The role ensures product quality, maintains continuous production flow, and supports operational excellence through accurate documentation, equipment checks, and effective communication with upstream and downstream teams.

Laminating Line Operator (Tile Manufacturing)

Key Responsibilities

• Coating Line Operation Operate the control room control panel during start‑ups, product changes, and line stoppages. Conduct pre‑start checks and move material chariots. Sew tile top joints and fleece joints to maintain product integrity. Load printed material rolls, including manual insertion of mandrels into roll cores. Load fleece rolls and input roll information into the PEC iPad system. Operate the backing printer and update product information; replace printer ink as required. Monitor joints throughout the line, including under coating heads. Change PVC pots on coating heads Perform visual inspections of the line and materials during operation, including pre‑checks. Communicate effectively with the bottom end (packing/tile graders) regarding product and roll changes. Operate the press area during shutdown procedures. Carry out periodic cleaning of the local environment, machinery, and equipment.
• Packing & Boxing Operations Operate pallet trucks, including pre‑start checks and moving pallets of scrap, boxes, and materials. Manually cut old material using a hook blade. Operate the press, including pre‑start checks, infeed nip rollers, and infeed/outfeed belts. Check and enter product information into the boxing machine (PEC documentation). Complete OEE (Overall Equipment Effectiveness) entries accurately. Inspect, fault‑find, and scrape tiles and planks to maintain quality. Conduct periodic cleaning of the packing environment, machinery, and equipment. Communicate with tile graders, input operators, and team leaders to ensure quality and production targets are met.
• Training & Safety Train new starters on equipment, processes, and safe working practices. Handle ink and cleaning fluids safely in accordance with COSHH and site procedures. Follow all health, safety, and environmental policies, including PPE requirements and safe‑system‑of‑work procedures. Report hazards, near misses, and equipment issues promptly.

Skills & Experience Required

Experience in a manufacturing or production environment (preferably continuous‑flow or flooring/tiles).

Competence in operating industrial machinery, control panels, and HMIs.

Strong attention to detail and ability to identify product defects.

Basic mechanical aptitude for low‑level fault finding and equipment adjustments.

Ability to follow Standard Operating Procedures, work instructions, and safety procedures.

Comfortable with manual handling tasks and repetitive physical activity.

Effective communication skills across multiple production areas.

Ability to train and support new team members.

Desirable Qualifications

FLT or pallet truck certification (or willingness to train).

Experience with PEC systems or similar digital production recording tools.

Knowledge of OEE and continuous improvement principles.

Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)

Production throughput and line efficiency.

Product quality and defect rates.

Accuracy of PEC and OEE data entry.

Compliance with safety procedures and housekeeping standards.

Successful onboarding and development of new starters.

Downtime reduction through effective machine operation and communication

We offer a competitive salary and a very comprehensive benefits package including 401k, paid holidays, PTO and vacation time.

• Zero premium contribution Health Insurance
• Family friendly Health Insurance
• Zero premium contribution Vision Insurance
• Dental insurance
• 401(k) matching
• Provided Life insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Paid time off – Vacation & PTO

Schedule

8-hour shift Monday to Friday

Overtime as required