BEAMER OPERATOR

Mohawk Industries is a Fortune 500, global flooring leader with some of the best-known brands in the industry. We offer opportunities to lead, innovate, learn, and create in a supportive environment.

About the role

Operates a Beamer, running tricot-sized beams onto a single loom beam in accordance with standard operating procedures. Performs other related duties as assigned by management.

Responsibilities

• Operates beamer and observes yarn to detect breaks and tangles.
• Repairs broken ends when needed.
• Ensures proper alignment and speed of beamer.
• Adheres to quality standards.
• Completes various check sheets and paperwork.
• Operates powered industrial equipment and replaces empty propane tank on powered industrial truck when necessary.
• Sets tricots behind beamer using powered industrial truck.
• Unloads/loads tricots using overhead crane.
• Ties in tricots and pulls tricot ends to tie-in rack.
• Racks and ties tricot ends using knotter machine.
• Runs knots onto loom beam and checks for doubles at tie-in.
• Blows comb out at each tie-in.
• Doffs full loom beam and replaces with empty loom beam.
• Inspects all loom beams before loading and fills out checklist.
• Checks barrel in journal for cracks and lube every 2,000 yards.
• Uses computer to issue tricots to beamer and create beam tickets for each beam doffed.
• Cuts waste from beam if necessary.
• Operates warp truck and changes warp truck battery when needed.
• Wears required personal protective equipment for task at hand, including gloves when handling beams or tricots.
• Stops beamer before entering creel behind tricot; works inside creel only when beamer speed is slow or in creep mode.
• Avoids sitting on motor covers in creel.
• Ensures another operator is stationed at controls when one operator is in the creel unless multiple ends are out on various tricots.
• Enters catwalk only when beamer is in slow, creep, or stop mode.
• Hooks all chains when beamer is in operation and avoids reaching over chains in the beaming area.
• Uses UHMW stick to smooth and straighten ends while the Beamer is running.
• Removes/inserts press roll (2-person job) and replaces end caps if it can be done safely; otherwise, calls maintenance.
• Participates in Safety programs and Neighborhood Watch.
• Works safely and notifies supervision of any hazardous or unsafe conditions.
• Maintains clean and orderly work area.
• Performs general housekeeping duties and other tasks assigned by management.
• Operates the pull-off machine safely and follows procedures.

Requirements

• Ability to read and write as indicated on job application.
• Preferred: Previous experience operating a powered industrial truck in a production environment.
• Basic computer skills to enter data into computer system.
• Ability to work assigned schedule.
• Ability to obtain a powered industrial equipment license.
• Ability to perform mathematical calculations such as addition and subtraction.
• High standards for work quality and safety.
• Self-starter able to move from one task to another without direction.
• Ability to work effectively with other members of the beaming team.
• Ability to read and follow directions and work procedures.
• Basic computer knowledge to enter data.
• Ability to perform detailed work with yarn, including tracing ends, separating doubles, tying knots, and placing ends in the correct dents on a comb.

Physical Requirements

• Standing/Walking: Ability to stand or walk continuously during a twelve-hour shift.
• Sitting: Ability to sit on seat of powered industrial truck for short periods.
• Moving: Ability to move about extrusion/beaming area continuously in a twelve-hour shift.
• Climbing: Ability to climb a step ladder, ascend/descend powered industrial truck, and climb steps to catwalk.
• Pushing/Pulling: Ability to pull tricot ends to tie-in rack and push movable equipment.
• Lifting/Carrying: Ability to lift knotter and place on tie-in rack; lift fifty pounds without mechanical assistance.
• Hearing/Speaking: Ability to communicate with co-workers and management as needed.
• Reaching: Ability to reach full arm extension vertically and horizontally.
• Visual Acuity: Adequate normal, color vision, and depth perception; ability to utilize both near and far vision; ability to draw ends through the comb.
• Bending/Stooping: Ability to bend, squat, stoop, or kneel throughout a twelve-hour shift as needed.
• Mental Abilities: Ability to make decisions regarding work priorities, read and understand computer screen charts, learn computer system instructions, and obtain powered industrial equipment license.
• Fingering: Good tactile discrimination and functional sensations.
• Fine Motor Coordination: Ability to use fine motor coordination while entering data in computer, pushing and turning buttons and knobs, and drawing ends through comb.
• Grip: Ability to utilize both a one-handed and two-handed grip; ability to hold onto a group of ends when pulling.

Safety Requirements

• Must wear hearing protection, safety shoes, and safety glasses with permanent side shields in warehouse and production areas.
• Must adhere to plant clothing and footwear policy.
• Wear additional personal protective equipment as required by task at hand.

Tools and Equipment

• Beamer, crane, tricot beam, loom beam, beam truck, scissors, reed hook, utility knife, computer, printer, powered industrial equipment, tie-in rack, knotter, chocks, UHMW stick, and chains.

Materials Used

• Tricot yarn, printer tickets, printer ribbon, plastic pouch, wire ties, tape, lube, and lease string.