Laminator Operator

Location: Hickory, NC
Position: Laminator Operator
Rate: $22.65/hr + $2.00/hr shift differential
Shift: 3rd shift, 11pm - 7am
HOWEVER, this position will be going to a 12 hour night shift in the foreseeable future with a 2-2-3 schedule. Candidate must be willing to work this new schedule.

From a small family business to a multi-billion dollar global company, Sonoco has been changing the face of products and packaging since 1899 — all while keeping the heart of “People Build Businesses” alive. Our talented people are at the core of our growth, constantly reinventing the Sonoco wheel with brilliant solutions every year. Today we are a world leader in global packaging solutions with diversified operations in over 34 countries. We're extremely proud of our portfolio of brands, our achievements in sustainability and industrialization and the groundbreaking work accomplished by our people.

The Laminator Operator position reports to the Plant Superintendent.

What you will be doing:

• Operates lamination machine to produce laminated rolls of film according to company and customer specifications and quality standards in the most effective and economical manner possible.
• Can operate the Simplex Laminator Only.
• Maintains assigned work area in a clean and orderly fashion.
• Responsible for all Safety and Regulatory programs and requirements.
• Responsible for reading order copy and setting up the Laminator to meet customer requirements (i.e. type of adhesive, correct print rolls, specified sealant webs, etc.) while maintaining quality and manufacturing standards.
• Use all appropriate personal protective equipment and follow safe Sonoco manufacturing practices.
• Full responsibility for the complete operation and production of the laminator, including the quality of all laminated material.
• Responsible for the direction and performance of the Laminator Assistant, including the continuous training of the Assistant in his/her duties, which include being able to run the laminator in absence of the Operator with minimal assistance.
• Responsible for the cleanliness of the laminators and surrounding areas.
• Responsible for the training of assistants who have been chosen to train as an operator and the reporting of progress, or lack thereof, to the Shift Leader.
• Responsible for laminated job set- up, sleeves, make ready, and verification of correct film for each job.
• Responsible for maintaining accurate records in Shop Floor computer of the roll tickets and weights placed on each roll.
• Responsible for maintaining accurate records on the Quality Assurance Check Sheets.
• Return all adhesives, sleeves, film, etc. to the proper locations with proper identification upon completion of an order.
• Report damaged or excessively worn sleeves to the Shift Leader for replacement.
• Responsible for the safe operation of equipment and safety of Lamination associates. Any mechanical problems will be reported to your Shift Team Leader immediately.
• Prior to starting a job, the order jacket will be checked to determine the details of the job: insuring suitable make ready is on hand, correct film size/PE #, gauge, grade, sleeves, Job History Card.
• Approve a tear sheet from each laminated roll.
• Provide a tear sheet to the QA Lab for appropriate testing.
• Maximize production time by minimizing set up times and insure maximum production speed for best results.
• Approve and initial each roll produced.
• Comply with all company policies, regulations, and procedures assigned to all associates.
• Ability to drive a fork lift and other powered industrial equipment.
• Must be able to cover off shifts due to PTO and call outs.
• Performs other duties as directed or requested by Shift Leader or Production Manager.

We'd love to hear from you if:

• Requires a thorough knowledge of company procedures and quality standards.
• Technical knowledge of adhesives and film properties would be beneficial.
• Requires the ability to read and interpret work orders and spec sheets.
• Requires an operating knowledge of his/her particular machine capabilities.
• Required to sit; climb or balance; and stoop, kneel, crouch, and bend.
• Occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds.
• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to use hands and fingers to handle, feel or operate objects, tools or controls, and to reach with hands and arms. The employee is frequently required to stand, talk and hear.
• Able to work in pressroom environment where varying temperatures, noise, solvent and ink odors are present, but within established OSHA guidelines.

We are an equal opportunity employer, and we strictly prohibit and do not tolerate discrimination against employees, applicants or any other covered persons because of race, color, religion, national origin or ancestry, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, marital status, gender identity or expression, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, or any legally protected characteristic.