Extruder Operator

Our Story KLN Family Brands is a 3rd 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.” We tell the story of our brand—our people, the quality of our products, our spirit & moxie, our tradition, and the way we treat our community & beyond—genuinely because we genuinely believe we’re a pretty amazing company.

About the Role

An Extruder Operator is the engine behind the pet treat-making process. They operate and optimize extrusion equipment that mixes, cooks, shapes, and cuts ingredients into finished treats. Through careful monitoring and adjustments, they keep the process running efficiently while producing high-quality products that meet safety and quality standards.

Responsibilities

• Review and follow daily production schedule verifying against product information sheets for accuracy
• Communicate with dry ingredient personnel as to which materials should be used for immediate production needs
• Coordinate with slurry operators to verify which liquid products are being made
• Operate the extruder and monitor ancillary equipment to produce products that meet the desired specifications set forth by the Quality Assurance Department
• Visually inspect and save samples throughout all runs to be taken to the Quality Control Lab for final analysis
• Record operation parameters and turn in at the end of each shift
• Monitor all feed formulas presented for color, odor, and grind, notifying supervisor of anything that looks out of specification
• Clean systems as required between production runs
• Set up die plates for each different run and monitor knife wear
• Proficient in using batch logic system
• Able to operate cutters, grillers, ovens, and other equipment used in the extrusion department
• Calibrate process flow monitors prior to each run
• Daily clean up and sanitation of extruder area
• Involved in weekly cleaning of extrusion area
• Notify maintenance of any unusual equipment noises or failures
• Train new departmental employees
• Perform miscellaneous duties as assigned by Supervisor
• Cross train in dry ingredient receiving on operation of dry ingredient system
• Cross train in slurry room

Safety & Compliance

• Attend safety trainings
• Follow all safety instructions and policies
• Report any injuries or near-miss accidents to supervisor
• Report any unsafe acts or conditions to supervisor
• Wear required PPE as determined by site
• Keep work area clean and free of debris
• Assist in maintaining all sanitation schedules
• Attend food safety trainings
• Follow all GMPs and food safety instructions

Requirements

• General mathematical ability
• Self-motivation
• Ability to learn, memorize, and execute a sequence of procedures
• Good hand-eye coordination
• Willing and able to get along with others
• Good judgment and reasoning abilities
• Basic leadership skills
• Ability to lift up to 80+ pounds
• Ability to drive a forklift and pass certification exam

Pay

$24.17 per hour

Schedule

1st Shift: 5:00 AM – 3:00 PM, Monday – Thursday

Benefits

• Holiday pay
• Paid Time Off, with an additional day for your birthday
• Medical, Dental, & Vision Insurance
• FSA, Medical & Dependent Care
• Short Term & Long Term Disability
• Life Insurance
• Pet Insurance
• 401K with company match