Continuous Improvement Internship

Continuous Improvement Internship KLN Family Brands/Tuffy's Pet Foods College Juniors and Seniors…We’re looking for you! Our Story KLN Family Brands is a 3 rd generation family-owned business that started in 1964 with its corporate headquarters located in Perham, MN, in the heart of MN lakes country. Together, our companies manufacture a diverse and expanding range of high-quality human and pet food products. At KLN Family Brands, our vision is that “We are a proud people-first company. We are successful because of trust-based relationships, and first-rate products for our families and friends. We better the world by caring for others. We challenge. We grow. We inspire.” Some companies have to “fudge the story” a little. Some need the extra “spin” to shine a positive light on themselves. That’s not who we are at KLN Family Brands, and that’s not what we do. We tell the story of our brand – our people , the quality & safety of our products, our tradition & trust , our bold innovation , and the way we treat our community & beyond . We do it in a genuine way because we genuinely believe we’re a pretty amazing company. We’re looking for a Continuous Improvement Intern for the summer of 2027 that is serious about a career in manufacturing. If you are willing to learn from the best and have a desire to participate in the growth of some of the fastest growing brands in the pet food industry, you’ve stumbled upon the right job. The Opportunity As a Continuous Improvement Intern, you’ll work closely with our Continuous Improvement Manager and various other team members. Daily Duties And Responsibilities Collaborate with employees across multiple departments to identify improvement opportunities, solve problems, and support operational excellence initiatives while maintaining food safety practicesAttend and participate in tier meetings throughout the daySupport and lead continuous improvement projects, including Just Do It (JDI) initiatives, data collection efforts, process improvement activities, and operational excellence projects identified through tier meetings and business prioritiesParticipate in meetings, training sessions, and cross-functional projects that support strategic business initiatives and continuous improvement objectives Unique Project Continuous Improvement Project Lead and complete a meaningful improvement project that addresses a business needProjects may focus on waste reduction, cost savings, process optimization, workplace organization (5S), equipment implementation support, operational data analysis, or other strategic improvement opportunitiesPresent project results, recommendations, and measurable outcomes to business leaders at the conclusion of the internship You Will Learn Things Like Innovation and creativityProject management, timeline ownership, and follow-throughGoal setting, KPI, and performance measurementData collection, analysis, and business case developmentRoot cause analysis and structured problem solvingLean manufacturing and continuous improvement principlesCross-functional collaboration and stakeholder engagementOral and written communicationTeamwork and leadership What You’ll Need to Be Successful at KLN Family Brands/Tuffy’s Pet Foods : At least a Junior in college pursuing a degree in Industrial, Manufacturing, or Mechanical EngineeringThe ability to dedicate 10-12 weeks to the internship program for the summer of 2027A positive attitude and willingness to learnThe ability to work in a team atmosphere and be a great co-workerThe ability to work on-site at our Perham, MN facility for the summer Compensation The starting hourly rate of pay is $17.94 and will be a percentage of industry standards based on typical full-time starting salaries, and will depend on your year in school and timeline to graduation. Potential Interns who demonstrate exceptional performance and a passion for our business may have the opportunity for full-time employment upon graduation.