Machine Operator III - Bale Opener Operator

1st Shift: 6:30 am to 3:00 pm
Starting at $24 - $26 / hour

About the role

The Bale Opener Operator is responsible for safely operating the bale opening system that supplies raw fiber to the nonwoven production line. This position ensures a consistent flow of material while maintaining product quality, equipment efficiency, and workplace safety.

Responsibilities

• Safely operate the bale opener and associated equipment on the air lay production line.
• Load raw fiber bales into the bale opener using a forklift.
• Maintain a continuous and consistent flow of material to downstream production equipment.
• Monitor equipment performance and make minor operational adjustments as needed to maintain production efficiency.
• Inspect incoming materials for quality concerns and report any defects or contamination.
• Remove packaging materials, straps, and other debris from bales while following safe work practices.
• Perform routine equipment inspections and autonomous preventive maintenance as assigned.
• Identify and report equipment malfunctions or unusual operating conditions immediately.
• Keep the work area clean and organized in accordance with housekeeping and 5S standards.
• Accurately complete production records, equipment logs, and quality documentation.
• Follow all company safety policies, OSHA regulations, lockout/tagout procedures, and required PPE requirements.
• Assist with changeovers and other production tasks as needed.
• Work effectively with maintenance, quality, and other production personnel to achieve production goals.

Requirements

• Minimum of three (3) years of manufacturing experience in a production environment.
• Previous forklift operating experience required.
• Ability to obtain and maintain company forklift certification.
• Strong mechanical aptitude and ability to recognize equipment issues.
• Ability to understand and follow written and verbal instructions.
• Basic math and recordkeeping skills.
• Dependable attendance and punctuality.
• Ability to work independently while functioning effectively as part of a team.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to stand and walk for the entire work shift.
• Ability to frequently bend, stoop, twist, reach, and climb as necessary.
• Ability to regularly lift and carry up to 35 pounds.
• Ability to push and pull materials as required.
• Ability to work in a manufacturing environment with dust, noise, vibration, and moving equipment.
• Ability to wear required personal protective equipment, including safety glasses, hearing protection, safety shoes, gloves, protective sleeves, and respiratory protection when required.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience working with automated manufacturing systems.
• Previous experience performing basic equipment troubleshooting.

About the company

An industry leader in providing practical solutions to foam molding and fabrication, EFP has a diversified product offering and serves the pharmaceutical, biotech, medical, automotive, recreational vehicle, appliance, plumbing, consumer goods, and building and construction industries. The company is headquartered in Elkhart, Indiana and has manufacturing locations in Elkhart, Indiana, Evansville, Indiana, Decatur, Alabama, La Vergne, Tennessee, Casa Grande, Arizona, and Bishopville, South Carolina. EFP can design, mold, fabricate and provide fulfillment capabilities, kitting, assembly, custom systems, and inventory management. La Vergne is also home to the company’s Temperature Solutions Center of Excellence.

For more than 30 years, EFP LLC has been owned by J.B. Poindexter & Co., Inc., a privately held, diversified manufacturing company with operating subsidiaries throughout North America. In addition to expanded foam products, these companies produce commercial van bodies, step vans, funeral coaches, limousines, pick-up truck bed enclosures and tonneau covers, and precision machined components. The size and strength of the Poindexter companies provide EFP with leadership and resources to stay on the leading edge in today’s marketplace.

Benefits

• Health, Dental, Vision insurance
• Life, STD, LTD insurance
• FSA, HSA
• 401(k) Plan with company contributions
• 10 paid holidays each year (starting day one)
• Accrued PTO in addition to vacation time

Pay

Starting at $24 - $26 / hour

Schedule

1st Shift: 6:30 am to 3:00 pm