Production Utility

Summary

Responsible for all activities associated with safely operating production machines, including setup, operation, cleanup, and recommending improvements to meet customer demand.

• Work safely at all times, be aware of surroundings, understand and comply with Pratt Industries Safety rules and operating procedures, and help hold co‑workers responsible for safety‑related items. Participate in the Plant Safety Committee.
• Follow GMPs (Good Manufacturing Processes) at all times.
• Learn and comply with Pratt Industries quality procedures and policies. Stop bad quality from leaving the facility to the customer. Catch defects at the front end of manufacturing.
• Maximize equipment utilization by operating machinery at available capacity and speed. Improve set‑up times and downtime daily. Identify and address mechanical concerns, reporting to the Production Supervisor, Production Manager, or Plant Mechanical Tech/Specialist.
• Maintain housekeeping and cleaning of work areas—keep clean and free of tripping hazards during shift and at shift end. Ensure good housekeeping of break rooms, bathrooms, refrigerators, etc.
• Learn and understand machine capability and capacity to drive efficiencies while limiting waste and downtime. Do not sacrifice quality for speed; achieve both excellent quality and high efficiencies with minimal downtime.
• Train and assist Assistant Machine Operators, Machine Helpers, and Production Utility staff on machine duties, downtime, set‑up times, and quality.
• Cross‑train on other machines and learn other plant positions.
• Complete necessary reports accurately and promptly, including production data, machine operational status, safety data, and quality data.
• Submit maintenance work‑order requests for needed repairs and be proactive in maintenance and housekeeping of equipment.
• Switch duties with co‑workers as needed. Embrace a learning environment to acquire multiple job duties, supporting plant growth and personal development opportunities.
• Comply with all company policies and procedures, including safety and housekeeping protocols.
• Adhere to the production schedule. Make recommendations to optimize the schedule to meet cost, quality, and service goals. Report unusual scheduling issues to the supervisor.
• Be able to work overtime as necessary, sometimes on short notice. The plant operates 24/7, 365 days a year, and may require work on holidays.
• Additional duties may be assigned by management.

High school diploma or GED.

• Prior work experience in the packaging industry, including paper, plastics, or converting.
• At least 6 months’ experience in a manufacturing operation.

Able to read and follow instructions; quality, safety, job packets.

Able to read a tape measure with speed and accuracy. Able to calculate figures and amounts such as percentages, measurements, volume, and rate. Able to apply concepts of high school math.

Ability to apply common sense understanding to carry out instructions furnished in written, oral, or graphic form. Ability to deal with problems involving one or more concrete variables in standardized situations.

May be required to maintain a current Lift Truck Operator license.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to stand, walk, talk or hear. Frequently required to use hands to finger, handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms; and stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl. Occasionally required to sit. Must regularly lift and/or move up to 50 pounds. Vision requirements include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is 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. The noise level in the work environment is usually loud.