Operator 581

Ahlstrom; Windsor Locks (CT); On-site; USD 52,000 - 68,000; Full time

Job summary

Ahlstrom in Windsor Locks, CT is seeking a Manufacturing Operator for the 581 sheeting department. The role requires setting up and operating reels, cutters, and related equipment, with a focus on quality and cost efficiency.

Responsibilities include data entry, process instruction adherence, safety compliance, and potential cross-training in other stations as needed. Physical work and teamwork are essential.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Basic math skills required.
• Read and write English.
• Three months experience as Packer.
• Must be computer literate.
• Must have leadership skills and work with minimal supervision.
• Must be able to upgrade job skills through training.
• Must be physically and mentally able to perform job functions.

Responsibilities

• Set up, thread and operate the 580 reel and 581 Vroom wheel and related equipment.
• Operate 580 cutters and 581 Vroom band saw; assist crew with setup.
• Enter data into CarelMill system and retrieve information.
• Perform workmanship audits to ensure high-quality output.
• Follow Process Maps, work instructions, and QA directives.
• Move paper rolls safely and manage loading for processing.
• Maintain safety rules and participate in training programs.
• Cross-train to other manufacturing positions as needed.
• Report accidents or malfunctions to supervision promptly.

Skills

Basic Math

Read & Write English

Computer literacy

Leadership

Packer experience (3 months)

Education

High school

Job description

Purpose

This position is responsible for the production in the sheeting department (581). The operator has the responsibility to meet production requirements that include meeting high standards of workmanship, quality and the timely completion of shop orders at the lowest unit cost. The operator is responsible for housekeeping and safety in his work area.

Key Accountabilities/Essential Functions

• Set up, thread and operate the 580 reel and 581 Vroom wheel and all other critical components. Set up and operate the 580 cutters and the 581 Vroom band saw.
• Ability to operate the film sealers, carton erector and palletizer and help crew members to set up equipment.
• Enter data into CarelMill computer system and retrieve needed information.
• Perform workmanship audits and inspections as required to insure quality at its highest level.
• Read, understand and follow Process Maps (ASSIST), including slitting instructions, work instructions, customer item directory, QA dispositions, inventory identification tickets and any other instructions.
• Physically control the movement and loading of paper rolls for processing.
• Understand and comply with general, departmental and job specific safety rules, as well as the Site Safety Plan. Comply with all Lock Out/Tag Out procedures. Correct or identify any unsafe act or conditions to his/her supervisor.
• Responsible for reporting any mechanical defective parts or malfunctions to supervision and submit work orders as needed. Communicate daily process related problems to supervision and at shift change.
• Understand maintenance requirements of machinery and generate work orders for required maintenance.
• Operate packing support equipment; cranes, strapping tools, hand truck, lift truck etc. as needed.
• Provide on-the-job training for crewmembers.
• Report any accidents immediately to supervision, and notify police if the accident occurs off the Ahlstrom Windsor Locks property.
• Properly fill out all reports and forms required.
• Operate a lift truck when required.
• This position is additionally responsible as part of the manufacturing flexibility program to cross-train and be fully qualified to work in an at least one other alternate position within the manufacturing operation.

Education, Technical Knowledge, Experience and Skill Requirements

• High school
• Basic Math skills
• Read and write English
• Three months as Packer
• Must be computer literate.
• Must have leadership skills and able to work with minimal supervision.
• Must be able to upgrade job skills through participation in periodic training programs as available.
• Must be physically and mentally able to perform job functions in other areas.
• Must have knowledge of Ahlstrom Information Security policies and is for their own part responsible for ensuring information security when handling information and maintaining or using information systems or information networks.

Temporary assignments to alternate workstations may be required to meet production demand.

Physical Demands

• Must be able to handle up to 50 lbs. and complete tasks that require difficult positioning.
• Must constantly be alert.
• Ability to step onto and work from a catwalk.
• Must be able to stand for extended time periods.
• Ability to step and bend in between machine rollers, carry and mount slitter assemblies.
• Vision tested minimum requirements is corrected to 20/40 far vision and 20/30 near vision.
• Exposure to dust, vibration, chemical, temperature variation and sharp cutting equipment.
• Protective equipment is required.
• Ability to work carefully around potentially dangerous machinery.
• Must be physically able to operate a lift truck.
• Must have high manual dexterity and sustained close visual attention.

Competencies

• Customer Satisfaction - How well one serves internal or external "customers"; those people outside of the department who depend on the employee for some aspect of product or service quality.
• Taking Responsibility - Work produced meets expectations for quality and/or accuracy.
• Continuous Improvement - Always striving for "better" ways to get the job done, e.g., cycle time reduction others that may pertain to your area.
• Keeping one's work area neat, clean and organized.
• Teamwork - Service to and cooperation with others within the group.
• Safety - Performing one's job completely within all safety and compliance regulations and company policies.
• Environmental - Adherence to government regulations as communicated through company policies, procedures and training.

Ahlstrom is a global leader in combining fibers into sustainable specialty materials. Our purpose is to Purify and Protect, with Every Fiber, for a Sustainable World. We aim to be the Preferred Sustainable Specialty Materials Company for all our stakeholders. Our Filtration and Life Sciences, Food and Consumer Packaging, and Protective Materials segments, along with the Performance Materials Cluster, address global trends with safe and sustainable solutions. Our net sales in 2025 amounted to EUR 2.9 billion and we employ some 7,000 people. Read more at