Load Former

Job Description

Position Title: Load Former

Reports To: Finishing Supervisor

Job Summary

An integral part of the finishing team, the Load Former is responsible for all activities related to the efficient and safe stacking of equipment. This role involves actively assisting operators, including the crucial stages of setup, ongoing operation, and meticulous cleanup. The Load Former is also encouraged to identify and recommend improvements to operational processes to enhance efficiency and quality.

Key Duties and Responsibilities

• Adhere strictly to instructions outlined in factory masters for all production tasks.
• Execute precise setup of the bundler, hold down arm, load former, and the delivery end of the machine, ensuring adherence to proper setup techniques.
• Secure and ensure proper cover sheets (top and bottom), tie sheets, and load tags for production runs.
• Efficiently stack finished boxes in accordance with factory master specifications.
• Actively monitor the quality of boxes throughout production and promptly report any quality issues or defects to the Operator.
• Provide essential support to the operator and first helper as necessary to maintain smooth operations.
• Ensure correct bundle and unit counts, reporting the final piece unit count to the operator.
• Complete all required reports accurately and within specified timelines.
• Submit maintenance work orders to supervision for necessary repairs, demonstrating a proactive approach to equipment maintenance.
• Strictly comply with all company policies and procedures, with a strong emphasis on safety regulations and maintaining excellent housekeeping standards.
• Actively assist operators in adhering to the production schedule. This includes making recommendations to optimize the schedule to achieve cost, quality, and service objectives. Report any unusual scheduling issues to the Supervisor promptly.
• Perform any additional duties as assigned by management.

Education and Experience Requirements

Required:

• High school diploma or GED equivalent.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Prior work experience within the corrugated industry.
• At least 6 months of experience in a Bundler role.

Skills and Abilities

Language Skills:

• Ability to proficiently read and comprehend instructions presented on factory masters.

Mathematical Skills:

• Capable of reading a tape measure with speed and accuracy.
• Competent in calculating figures and amounts, including percentages, measurements, volume, and rates.
• Ability to apply concepts typically learned in high school mathematics.

Reasoning Ability:

• Demonstrated ability to apply common sense understanding to execute instructions provided in written, oral, or graphic formats.
• Aptitude for addressing problems involving one or more concrete variables within standardized situations.

Technical Skills:

• Working knowledge of equipment design and capabilities, enabling efficient operation.
• Familiarity with product layouts and production specifications.
• Understanding of product quality specifications and established quality standards.

Certifications, Licenses, and Registrations

• May be required to maintain a current Lift Truck Operator License.

Physical Demands

The physical requirements described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job:

• Regularly required to: Stand, walk, talk, or hear.
• Frequently required to: Use hands to finger, handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms; stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl.
• Occasionally required to: Sit.
• Specific vision abilities required include: Close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.

Work Environment

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job:

• Regularly exposed to: Moving mechanical parts.
• Frequently exposed to: Wet and/or humid conditions.
• Occasionally exposed to: High, precarious places; fumes or airborne particles; and vibration.
• Noise level: Usually loud.

Performance Measurements

Employee performance will be assessed based on the following criteria:

• Operating Standards: The employee is expected to meet or exceed established operating standards across key areas including quality, cost efficiency, safety, customer satisfaction, and productivity. These standards will be defined annually and clearly communicated to the employee.
• Personal Growth: While the company provides resources for professional development, the primary responsibility for advancement rests with the individual. Annual goals for personal growth will be jointly developed and agreed upon by the employee and their supervisor.
• Employee Relations: Evaluation will be based on observations of the employee’s behaviors related to appropriate human interaction, demonstrating respect, and effective communication.
• Creativity: Assessment will consider the employee’s active participation in advancing the business through the generation and implementation of new and innovative ideas.

Equal Employment Opportunity

Pratt Industries provides equal employment and affirmative action opportunities to applicants and employees without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, protected veteran status, or disability.