EXTRUSION ASSISTANT 1

Orafol America's in Wallingford, CT is seeking plastic Extrusion Assistants for either day shift 7 AM-7 PM or night shifts 7 PM to 7AM on a rotating day basis (week 1/week 2 schedule).   We are looking for dependable, reliable candidates who want a career not just a job.  Prior experience with plastics is a plus.  Mechanical ability is very helpful in this hands on role.   Starting rates of $20 hr-$30 hr commensurate with experience levels.   Those hired on night shift also qualify for a night shift differential as well.

We do offer benefits including Medical/Dental/Vision, Voluntary Term Life Ins, Hospital policy, Critical Illness policies, Accident Policies, FREE STD/LTD/Basic Life.   We provide PTO, Paid Holidays and we have a 401k with an employer match.

The Assistant Tech 1 supports the main Extrusion Technician by packing finished goods, including stacking sheets and wrapping and strapping rolls as per the packaging specification. They will be responsible for cleaning equipment necessary to run the line. Ie. hoppers, blenders and bins. They will learn labelling and what paperwork is required. They will be certified on the forklift to move goods around the extrusion floor.

The Assistant Tech must follow directions willingly and to the best of their ability. They must be a team player.

There is also a physical component for this position. Material handling is available to do all heavy loading / lifting.

The Assistant Tech must be capable of climbing ladders to load materials and to handle containers that weigh up to 35 Lbs on a regular basis or containers that can weigh up to 50 Lbs on an infrequent basis.  

The Assistant Tech is responsible for housekeeping in their area and following All safety policies and procedures, plus recommending changes to enhance equipment performance and improve safety

• Safe operation of all Orafol manufacturing equipment.
• Certified to drive and operate Orafol Fork Trucks within the Plant.
• Understand and wear all required Personal Protective Equipment.
• Comply with all OSHA regulations and Company Policies.
• Complete all paperwork/documentation accurately and completely.
• Follow all procedures, instructions, and specifications in performing their jobs.  Any exceptions or changes must be properly documented.
• Proactively detects and reports defective materials or questionable conditions to Supervisor.
• Load all specified Raw Materials into designated Hoppers.
• Unloads, Packs, and Labels Finished Goods from the Line.
• The Technician should have minimal errors with minimal cost impact as a result of their mistakes.
• The Technician’s target is to maximize the "% Time Saving Good Product".
• The Technician must demonstrate proficiency for their current Grade Level
• The Technician must satisfy all criteria for certification in their Grade Level.  This includes re-certification on a periodic basis.
• The Technician is responsible for gaining the necessary training towards improving their knowledge and work skills to be considered for the next Level.
• It is expected that BOTH the Company and the Employee are responsible for the Employee’s training requirements.  Each Employee should know what additional training they need and gain access to the required procedures or documentation.
• The Technician should be able to initiate additional tasks, training, cleaning, etc. during slack times, without the need for direct orders.
• The Technician is expected to complete the scheduled tasks efficiently and within the designated time duration.  
• The Technician is expected to meet specific performance targets that are set for a given time period. 
• The Technician should offer ideas and suggestions that will improve the process or their job.
• The Technician must be supportive of any changes or upgrades to products, equipment, processes etc.  They should be part of the change in mentality.

Equipment Knowledge

1. Utility Knife
2. Tape Measure
3. Respiratory Protective Filter
4. Forklift
5. Use of Scales
6. Hand Tools
7. Scrap Grinding Machines/ Procedures
8. Sheeter
9. Shear
10. Strapper
11. Material Dryers
12. Computer (Labels, paperwork)
13. Bridge Cranes

Sheeter and Shear

1. Ensuring proper sheet count.
2. Neatly stacking and packaging the product correctly.
3. Measuring to ensure proper sheet length.

Winder

1. Monitor roll for gauge bands, high edges and telescoping.
2. How to weigh the roll and Package it properly

1. Trim Winders – how to load and unload air chucks.

Raw Material Handling

1.    Material In Staging Area – transporting material from your designate staging                       

area as directed.

1. Main Hopper – loading the Main Hopper via the Novatec Vacuum System as directed.
2. Hydreclaim Blender – loading ground scrap/ concentrate into the correct feeding hoppers as directed.
3. Predryers – loading material into the predryers and labeling it properly.

Scrap Grinding

1. Grinding material that is produced on your line.
2. Peeling masking/ cutting down sheets for grinding.
3. Understanding of the different material for grinding.
4. Natural/ Smoke Radel has a specific grinding machine to be used.                                                                                   

Start Up Procedure

Prep line for start up, wiping down pin rolls, setting up trim winders, setting up the correct skid for finish product, etc.

1. Threading the line with the extruded material as directed.
2. Setting up to properly package product using the packaging specification

Area Clean Up

1. Employees will work together as a team unit by cleaning at the end of their shift and by maintaining an organized department.

• Follow prescribed safety policies in accordance to Orafol’s Safety program; use required PPE as specified for each Job Function.  
• All Safety training requirements must be up to date:  the company AND Each Technician is responsible for the completion of the required Training. 

• The Technician is expected to complete one Position enrichment assignment per year.  Assignments should be a collaboration between the Supervisor and Technician.
• Perform other duties as assigned or as the situation dictates

Education Requirements

     High School Diploma/ GED/ Trade Experience

Work Experience:

     1 to 3 years Manufacturing Experience

Aptitudes & Characteristics:

• Must have a positive “can do” attitude and a sense of accountability; takes initiative
• Must be a fast learner, driven and self-motivated; strive towards continuous improvement
• Required to maintain a clean and presentable appearance.   
• Technician is expected to be prepared to do their job function, and at their workstation by the beginning of the shift. 
• Technicians are expected to have minimum unplanned absences, as defined by the "Employee Attendance Expectations".
• The Technician must maintain a clean, neat, and orderly work area.  This includes maintaining all tools and equipment.
• It is expected that the Technician works well with others; work cooperatively between shifts and departments in order that the overall company benefits.