Operator, Forklift & Palletizer

Lassonde Pappas & Co. is a US leader in beverage manufacturing dedicated to team members, customers, and consumer satisfaction. Since 1942, we’ve produced delicious products while maintaining small-town roots and rural values. We foster an inclusive environment among our diverse workforce and seek individuals who are passionate about customer satisfaction, reliable, and committed to growth.

Pay

• Sign-On Bonus: $1,000, payable during the pay period following successful completion of 90 days of continuous employment
• Retention Bonuses: Two additional $500 bonuses paid at 6 months and 1 year of employment, contingent upon active employment and good standing
• Annual Merit Increases: Eligible for yearly performance-based pay increases
• All bonuses are subject to applicable federal and state tax withholdings

Benefits

• Medical, dental, and vision coverage options
• 401(k) retirement plan
• Life and disability insurance
• Paid time off (PTO)
• Tuition reimbursement
• Health fairs
• Gym membership discounts
• Growth and development potential

About the Role

The Forklift and Palletizer Operator reports to the Warehouse Supervisor and is based in Hendersonville, North Carolina. This role involves operating the palletizer and forklift in a fast-paced environment with close attention to detail. The position requires forklift training and mechanical aptitude.

Responsibilities

• Operate forklift to stack and retrieve goods, supplies, and materials
• Maintain inventory and production area cleanliness
• Document and maintain inventory records
• Set up and operate automatic palletizer, stretch wrap machine, and related equipment
• Adjust machine settings to complete tasks accurately and timely
• Follow proper operation of all safety switches, interlocks, and safety devices
• Operate all machine controls (mechanical, electrical, and pneumatic)
• Perform code changes
• Monitor pattern forming of cases on the palletizer
• Change rolls of stretch wrap
• Clear jams, re-sequence the palletizer, and replace fallen cartons
• Change codes in the tagger computer
• Coordinate with the line driver to ensure correct pallets are available
• Demonstrate proficiency in operating the palletizer
• Understand and use the HMI (touch screen)
• Maintain awareness of and adherence to all safety requirements
• Ensure food safety, food quality, and regulatory compliance
• Notify management about actual or potential food safety issues
• Adopt and maintain all SQF requirements for the position
• Work with supervision to resolve food safety and quality issues within scope
• Perform other related duties as required and assigned

Requirements

• At least six months of experience in a manufacturing environment operating a forklift and other production equipment
• High school diploma or equivalent
• Excellent time management skills
• Experience in the food/beverage industry (preferred)

Physical Requirements & Working Conditions

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

• Frequent: Ability to talk and hear; stand, walk, climb stairs, stoop, bend, and/or crouch; push/pull; lift up to 50 pounds; use hands and fingers to operate machinery/equipment. Exposure to wet, humid conditions and seasonal temperature fluctuations.
• Occasional: Squatting, kneeling, reaching above and at shoulder height. Ability to wear a dust mask and perform confined entry using the LOTO program. Exposure to toxic and corrosive chemicals.
• Vision: Ability to use close and distance vision, color, and peripheral vision with or without correction. Must visually detect obstacles and potential dangers in a fast-paced production environment.
• Hearing: Ability to hear in the normal audio range with or without correction. Exposure to noise from pumps, machinery, forklift traffic, bottle lines, and exhaust fans.