Production Associate

PPG; Adrian (MI); On-site; USD 25,764 - 36,695; Full time

Job summary

PPG in Adrian, MI is seeking a Utility Operator on 2nd shift to support the production of automotive adhesives and sealants. Pay rate is $22.67 per hour, with overtime as needed.

You will move materials with a forklift, label and organize stock, pre-assemble materials, and participate in 5S housekeeping to keep the plant safe and efficient. The role requires good math and mechanical skills, the ability to rotate assignments, and forklift certification.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent (preferred).
• Experience in a manufacturing environment (preferred but not mandatory).
• Ability to learn and operate industrial production equipment, including forklift; forklift certification required.
• Good math and mechanical skills.
• Flexibility to rotate work assignments readily.
• Strong oral and written communication skills.
• Problem-solving skills and ability to make logical decisions independently.
• Detail oriented.

Responsibilities

• Transporting materials for production via forklift.
• Labeling and organizing inventory of raw materials and finished goods.
• Pre-assembling materials for production.
• Cleaning production containers.
• Filling containers of finished goods in production.
• Pre-assembly duties: weighing raw material components and moving pallets.
• Batch filling: filling completed batches into containers with correct weight and labeling.
• Container cleaning and inventory management of cleaned containers.
• 5S housekeeping and general housekeeping throughout the plant.

Skills

Attention to detail

Communication skills

Problem solving

Mathematical ability

Teamwork

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Tools

Forklift certification

Job description

Utility Operator – Adrian, MI

Pay Rate: $22.67 / hour

Shift: 2nd shift (3:00 PM – 11:30 PM) + overtime as needed

Job Function

The Utility Operator provides support for the manufacture of automotive adhesives and sealants at PPG Adrian, enabling PPG’s continued success in the automotive market. The incumbent is responsible for completing tasks that enable production and the facility as a whole to run safely and efficiently.

Responsibilities and Tasks

• Transporting materials for production via forklift.
• Labeling and organizing inventory of raw materials and finished goods.
• Pre‑assembling materials for production.
• Cleaning production containers.
• Filling containers of finished goods in production.
• Pre‑assembly duties: Weighing raw material components according to a specific formula on a batch ticket, retrieving raw materials, hand weighing, placing on pallet, marking with PPG Champ code, and moving pallets to a staging area.
• Batch filling: Filling completed batches into various container sizes using manual and automated dumping processes, ensuring correct weight, labeling, and packaging.
• Container cleaning: Cleaning finished‑good containers returned from customers and managing the inventory of cleaned containers.
• 5S housekeeping: Organizing inventory throughout the plant, sweeping, mopping, and performing general housekeeping activities.

Success Factors

• Excellent attendance.
• Concern for quality.
• Maintain work area in good housekeeping condition.
• Initiative and ability to learn and retain job knowledge.
• Adaptability, productivity, and consistency.
• Teamwork, communication, and attention to detail.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent (preferred).
• Experience in a manufacturing environment (preferred but not mandatory).
• Ability to learn and operate industrial production equipment, including forklift; forklift certification required.
• Good math and mechanical skills.
• Flexibility to rotate work assignments readily.
• Strong oral and written communication skills.
• Problem‑solving skills and ability to make logical decisions independently.
• Detail oriented.

Additional Requirements

• Must be current on all safety requirements as detailed in the SOPs.
• Willingness to participate in the PPG Quality Process.
• Ability to lift and carry up to 55 lbs and move up to 320‑lb drums with mechanical assistance.
• Comfortable with stair and ladder climbing, standing for long periods, stooping and pulling.
• Required safety equipment: safety glasses with side shields, steel‑toed shoes, uniform, hard hat or bump cap, gloves, hearing protection, dust mask or respirator (when required).

Work Environment and Equipment

Work is performed in manufacturing, warehouse, and laboratory areas in a dusty environment that may become wet during cleaning tasks. Operators will utilize lift trucks, scales, hand tools, truck dock equipment, and other production equipment.

Quality and Safety

Operators must participate in the PPG Quality Process and work in a safe and effective manner to ensure personal safety and product quality.

Contact with Others

Routine contact with technical personnel, maintenance staff, production operators, and visitors.

Equal Opportunity Employer

PPG provides equal opportunity to all candidates and employees. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex, pregnancy, race, color, creed, religion, national origin, age, disability status, marital status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression.

If you need an adjustment due to a disability, please email [e-mail].

Benefits and Compensation

PPG pay ranges and benefits can vary by location. Compensation decisions consider skill sets, experience, training, qualifications, licensure and certifications, and other organizational needs. Other incentives may apply. Employee benefits programs support health and well‑being; insurance coverages and benefits will be in accordance with the terms and conditions of the applicable plans and governing documents.