Production Associate - 1st shift - Drying

Ornua Co-operative Limited; Wisconsin; On-site; USD 18,018 - 22,022; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

401k

Paid Time Off

Maternity Leave (20 weeks)

Parental Leave

Job summary

Ornua Co-operative Limited is hiring a Production Associate for their facility in Whitehall West, Wisconsin. This full-time position requires adherence to manufacturing protocols and effective communication with the production team.

Candidates must be at least 18, possess a high school diploma, and able to work legally in the US. Join Ornua's mission-driven organization and contribute to producing high-quality dairy products.

Qualifications

• Must be at least 18 years old.
• Ability to communicate in English is essential.
• Legal authorization to work in the US is required.

Responsibilities

• Assist in manufacturing the finished product, including grating and drying.
• Follow all GMP’s and safety protocols.
• Mix batches and inspect finished products for quality.

Skills

Manufacturing experience

Communication in English

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Tools

Flow meters

Grinder hammer mill

Packaging tools

Job description

Production Associate - 1st shift - Drying

Job Title: Production Associate - Drying

Function: Operations

Reports to: Production Supervisor

Location: Whitehall West

Position Type: Full time

Schedule: Monday – Thursday, 6 am – 4 am, overtime as necessary

Hourly Rate: $20.50

Ornua (meaning “new gold”) is Ireland’s largest exporter of Irish dairy products, proudly bringing the unique taste of Irish dairy to the world since 1961.

Are you a Production Associate looking for the challenge of taking a mission driven organization to its next level of success?

Ornua is actively seeking a Production Associate to join the Ornua Family as we continue our growth trajectory. This position will play a key role in maintaining plant efficiency and product quality. Your contributions will strengthen our operations, support our culture of continuous improvement, and help Ornua deliver high‑quality products enjoyed by customers around the world.

At Ornua, success is not just about what you do — it’s how you do it. You demonstrate our values by seeking new ideas, making things happen, showing care for your teammates, being your authentic self, and achieving great things together.

Responsibilities

• The Drying and Grating general laborer will assist in manufacturing the finished product.
• Drying/Grating general laborer will assist the lead in manufacturing the right product from the right recipe to the right specification.
• He/she will assist in mixing the correct batch. He/she is required to grate and/or dry the product to the correct moisture and specifications.
• He/she is required to clean equipment and surrounding area.
• Adherence to all GMP’s and safety protocols.

Experience and Requirements

• Operate flow meters, steam controls, grinder hammer mill and dryer.
• Perform duties following all good manufacturing practices (GMP’s) including food, equipment, and operating safety requirements.
• Package finished product including box making, lining, filling, closing, and palletizing.
• Inspect cheese products, packing and boxes for damage, report deficiencies to proper parties.
• Complete all necessary cleaning and workplace sanitation requirements.
• Perform all tasks in a busy environment with limited supervision.
• Record production information in a tablet, computer or by hand.
• Identify variation in cheese manufacturing process, troubleshoot and report to supervisor if unable to resolve.
• Attend all required company training.
• Flexible to support work in all areas as needed.

Minimum Qualifications

• Must be at least 18 years old
• High school diploma or equivalent
• Ability to communicate in English
• Legal authorization to work in the US

Desired Qualifications

• Prior manufacturing experience

Physical Demands

This role requires regular standing, walking, bending, twisting, pushing, pulling, and lifting up to 60 pounds. Employees must be able to perform repetitive motions and safely operate equipment while following all safety and quality procedures.

Working Environment

Work is performed in a food manufacturing facility with variable temperatures — cooler warehouse areas and warmer production zones. The environment includes exposure to moving equipment, moderate to loud noise levels, and required use of personal protective equipment (PPE) such as safety shoes, hearing protection, gloves, and hairnets.

Why Ornua?

Ornua is a purpose‑driven, values‑led co‑operative creating value for Irish dairy farming families through our global operations. With 10 business units, 16 production facilities, and in‑market teams across the world, we operate through two divisions — Ornua Foods, which markets our iconic consumer brands including Kerrygold and Pilgrims Choice, and Ornua Ingredients, which provides innovative, customized dairy ingredient solutions to our customers.

• Our Values lie at the core of everything we do. Our five values encourage us to Seek and Embrace New Ideas, Make It Happen, Be Our True Selves, Show You Care, and Achieve Great Things Together.
• We invest in our people and foster a culture of continuous learning and improvement.
• Comprehensive benefits with region‑specific offerings.

Total Rewards at Ornua Ingredients North America will include a competitive salary and quarterly bonus scheme for production. Other benefits include low employee contribution for Medical, Vision and Dental benefits cover; 401k; Paid Time Off; Maternity Leave (20 weeks); Parental Leave; Reward & Recognition program; Volunteering opportunities; Long Service Awards.

Ornua is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will be provided with equal employment opportunities without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, protected veteran status, disability status, or genetic information. Ornua is committed to providing reasonable accommodations to individuals with disabilities. If you require an accommodation to complete the application or interview process, please contact Ornua People Services at 833-450-2385 or [e-mail].

This employer participates in E‑Verify, a federal program that verifies the identity and employment eligibility of all persons hired to work in the United States. As part of the hiring process, information provided on your Form I‑9 will be submitted to the E‑Verify system.

E‑Verify compares your information to records maintained by the Department of Homeland Security and the Social Security Administration.

For more information about E‑Verify, please visit www.e-verify.gov.