Pelletizer Operator

Kruger Family Industries; Portage, Northern (WI, KY); Hybrid; USD 32,000 - 52,000; Full time

Job summary

Kruger Family Industries in Portage, WI is hiring an Extruder Operator to support our thermoformed plastics production. You will read and implement work orders, apply BOMs, and prepare materials while maintaining safety and quality standards.

You will set extrusion parameters, monitor performance, complete in-process tests, keep shift logs, and collaborate with team members to meet production goals in a clean, compliant environment.

Qualifications

• Read and interpret general and specific work orders and instructions.
• Read and interpret MSDS and safety rules; ensure production instructions are followed.

Responsibilities

• Read and implement work orders to determine production requirements.
• Apply the manufacturing bill of materials to each work order.
• Prepare raw materials and drying as required.
• Clean and maintain equipment and work areas per instructions.
• Set extruder operating parameters per master work instructions.
• Tune parameters to maximize extruder performance and quality.
• Complete in-process tests and maintain shift production log.
• Maintain a clean, safe working environment and report unsafe conditions.
• Provide material requirements to Material Handlers for upcoming needs.
• Follow Versatility Chart and ISO requirements and cooperate with team.

Skills

Reading & interpreting documents

Teamwork

Safety awareness

Attention to detail

Quality focus

Education

High School diploma or equivalent

Tools

Extruder operation

Material handling equipment

Job description

At Kruger Family Industries, parent company of Penda Corporation and TriEnda 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

Operates a plastic compound extruder in a team environment while being efficient, clean, safe,

and maintaining company quality standards.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Determines production requirements by reading and implementing general and special instructions on each compound work order
• Reviews and applies the manufacturing bill of materials to each work order
• Checks and ensures the raw materials preparation including any related drying requirements
• Ensures that all equipment including those upstream and downstream is thoroughly cleaned in accordance with our work instructions and/or other special instructions that may be indicated on the production schedule
• Sets extruder operating parameters in accordance with the manufacturing master work instructions
• Throughout the production run, ensure that operating parameters are tuned to establish maximum extruder performance and quality
• Completes all in-process testing requirements and maintains the shift production log.
• Maintains a clean working environment by consistently removing manufacturing debris from the floor, machine surfaces, and by cleaning work surface areas to prevent the build-up of manufacturing residue
• Takes immediate action to prevent and correct unsafe operating conditions and/or injury
• Provide instructions to Material Handlers as to upcoming material requirements
• Operates as a team player to assist all company employees in meeting or exceeding internal customer expectations and minimize interpersonal conflicts
• Follows applicable Versatility Chart
• Complies with all safety regulations and applies good judgment in performing all tasks.
• Complies with all related ISO requirements
• Communicate with the shift supervisor all appropriate concerns related to working conditions, safety, injuries, and interpersonal conflicts
• Other duties as may be requested and/or assigned by company management
• Performs all duties in compliance with regulatory requirements as well as company policies and procedures

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES None

Qualification Requirements

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 essential functions.

EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE

• High School diploma or equivalent or one to three months related experience or training, or an equivalent combination of education/training/experience.
• The ability to read and interpret documents including safety rules, operational instructions, procedure manuals, and MSDS sheets.
• Employee must have the ability to write routine production summary reports

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.