Blender - 1st shift

About Us

Lassonde Pappas & Co., formerly Old Orchard Brands, is a US leader in beverage manufacturing dedicated to our team members, customers, and consumer satisfaction. We remain committed to our small-town roots and rural values. Since 1942, we’ve been producing delicious products for our customers across the country. We focus on building the best team by creating and advancing an inclusive environment amongst our diverse workforce.

About the Role

The Blender reports to the Quality Assurance Supervisor or Manager and is based out of our Sparta, Michigan location. This individual will be responsible for ensuring the proper blend of concentrates are used according to customer specifications. This position is responsible for food safety and food quality, including CQP and CCP monitoring. This role will be required to taste test products as needed, up to a couple of ounces per test.

Responsibilities

• Read and follow blending guidelines as set forth on a formula sheet to adhere to company and customer specifications
• Match color and flavor and other quality attributes of juice to control standard, weigh and pump ingredients for batch, open drums, and containers for blending in batch
• Perform quality checks before releasing batches for production such as brix, acid, pH, sensory and color, and adjust batches to meet specifications
• Resolve all errors related to batches
• Perform sanitation of tanks and rooms, move empty drums/totes/bins for disposal or storage
• Accountable for food safety, food quality, and regulatory requirements for their position
• Notify management about actual or potential food safety issues
• Adopt and maintain all SQF requirements for their position
• Work with supervision to resolve food safety and food quality issues within their scope of work
• Perform other related duties as required and assigned

Requirements

• Six months of manufacturing experience
• Must be proficient in mathematics

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in the food/beverage industry
• A high school diploma or equivalent
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Detailed oriented and have the ability to multi-task
• Excellent time management skills
• Ability to work independently
• Ability to work in a team setting

Physical Requirements & Working Conditions

This position requires sufficient physical ability to work in a production setting.

• Frequent: Ability to talk and hear; ability to stand, walk, climb stairs, stoop, bend and/or crouch; push/pull; lift up to 50 pounds; use of hands and fingers to operate machinery/equipment and all manual and electronic equipment in area of responsibility. Exposure to wet and humid conditions and fluctuations in ambient temperature (seasonal).
• Occasional: Squatting, kneeling, ability to reach above and at shoulder height. Ability to wear dust mask, and perform Confined Entry using LOTO program. Exposure to toxic and corrosive chemicals.
• Vision: Ability to use close and distance vision, as well as color and peripheral vision with or without correction. Must be able to visually detect obstacles and potential dangers in a fast-paced production environment involving high speed equipment and powered industrial lift equipment.
• Hearing: Ability to hear in the normal audio range with or without correction. Exposure to noise levels from pumps, machinery, forklift traffic, bottle lines and exhaust fans.

Benefits

• Medical, dental, and vision coverage options
• 401-K
• Life & Disability Insurance
• Paid Time Off (PTO)
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Health Fairs
• Gym Membership Discounts
• Growth and development potential