Production Associate - Taylorville

Ahlstrom-5; Taylorville (IL); On-site; USD 40,000 - 54,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Benefits from day one

Bonus program

401K match up to 4.5%

Career advancement opportunities

Job summary

Ahlstrom's Taylorville, Illinois plant is seeking a production operator to work in a continuous-flow manufacturing environment. The role involves operating computer-controlled equipment, coordinating area activities, and maintaining safety and quality standards in a 8-hour rotating shift setting.

Starting pay is $29.28/hour with opportunities to advance to $38.78/hour. Benefits begin on day one, plus a bonus program and 401K matching.

Qualifications

• High school education or equivalent is required.
• Strong mechanical/mathematical aptitude.
• Ability to work in a team environment.
• Exercise a high degree of independent judgment, self-motivation and communication skills both verbal and written.
• Some degree of contact with managers and company officials throughout the Filtration Group, as well as vendors, suppliers, and consultants.
• Computer literate in Microsoft Suite and other programs, preferred.

Responsibilities

• Safety Mindset - Identify potential hazards and apply safety standards continuously
• Participate in safety improvement initiatives throughout the facility
• Operate production equipment, as required, with the ability to learn the next level job
• Transfer materials using forklifts and cranes; load and unload material from machines
• Complete quality inspections and participate in continuous improvement projects
• Basic data entry into the applicable computer systems
• Strong understanding of DCS and PLC operated equipment and the mechanical troubleshooting as it relates to said equipment

Skills

Mechanical aptitude

Self-motivation

Teamwork

Safety mindset

Communication skills

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

Requisition ID5878-Posted10/27/2026-Filtration and Life Sciences-Filtration BU-Filtration Americas-Taylorville- Posting Country (1)

Are you ready to embark on a new career? We are seeking a hard-working and self-driven individual for a production position at our plant in Taylorville, Illinois. The Ahlstrom-Taylorville location is part of the Filtration and Life Sciences business division, producing specialty paper with primary application in engine and industrial filtration applications. We are seeking individuals who exude qualities of self-motivation, dependability and a desire to grow. Our ideal candidate will have previous experience working in a continuous flow manufacturing environment operating computer-controlled equipment. This individual will coordinate activities in their area of responsibility to ensure a cost-efficient operation while meeting established quality/continuous improvement standards and adhering to the company environmental, health and safety policies. Our facility works 8-hour rotating shifts.

We Offer:

• $29.28/hour starting pay with opportunities to advance to $38.78
• Many opportunities for quick pay increases and position advancement
• Medical, dental, and vision benefits starting day one.
• Bonus compensation through the North America Hourly Bonus Program
• 401K match up to 4.5%

Key Responsibilities:

• Safety Mindset - Identify potential hazards and apply safety standards continuously
• Participate in safety improvement initiatives throughout the facility
• Operate production equipment, as required, with the ability to learn the next level job
• Transfer materials using forklifts and cranes; load and unload material from machines
• Complete quality inspections and participate in continuous improvement projects
• Basic data entry into the applicable computer systems
• Strong understanding of DCS and PLC operated equipment and the mechanical troubleshooting as it relates to said equipment

Qualifications:

• At least 18 years of age
• Production or manufacturing experience, preferred
• Experience driving a sit-down forklift, preferred
• Strong desire to develop knowledge and skills within the mill
• High regard for safety and teamwork
• Good mechanical aptitude and troubleshooting experience
• Cooperate and participate during cross training of personnel for efficiency optimization and personal multi-skills development
• Maintain proper housekeeping for the department and associated equipment
• Working all days of the week (all operations are 24/7)
• Additional essential job functions are applicable to specific jobs
• Ability to complete a post-offer drug test and background screening

Education, Technical Knowledge, Experience and Skill Requirements:

• High school education or equivalent is required
• Strong mechanical/mathematical aptitude
• Ability to work in team environment
• Exercise a high degree of independent judgment, self-motivation and communication skills both verbal and written.
• Some degree of contact with managers and company officials throughout the Filtration Group, as well as vendors, suppliers, and consultants
• Computer literate in Microsoft Suite and other programs, preferred

Physical Demands:

• The employee must possess the ability to see, hear, talk, sit, stand, walk, and use fingers to manipulate controls.
• The employee is frequently required to reach with hands and arms.
• The employee is frequently required to bend, stoop, and lift items weighing up to 50 pounds.
• The employee must be able to walk and stand on a variation of surfaces.
• The employee must have the ability to work in a hot or cold environment, indoors and outdoors, in a manufacturing production setting, with exposure to working near moving mechanical parts.
• This position is located in a manufacturing environment where latex-containing materials may be present and used in production processes. Depending on the position and work area, employees may work in or around areas where these materials are manufactured, transported, stored, or handled.

Ahlstrom is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Equal opportunity is a sound and just concept to which we are firmly bound. Ahlstrom will not engage in discrimination against, or harassment of, any person employed or seeking employment with our company based on race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, non-disqualifying disability, status as a protected veteran or other characteristics protected by law.

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.