Packaging Operator 1

About the Company

Sofidel, headquartered in Porcari (Lucca), is a global leader in tissue paper production with a presence in 12 European countries and 11 U.S. states. Employing over 9,000 people, Sofidel is dedicated to innovation, sustainability, and inclusivity. Our products—including toilet paper, paper towels, and napkins—are available in more than 50 countries under brands such as Regina, Nicky, Sopalin, Le Trèfle, Hakle, Softis, Nalys, Cosynel, and KittenSoft. We also produce for private-label retailers and serve the "Away-from-Home" sector through the Papernet brand.

Sofidel America, a subsidiary established in 2012 and headquartered in Horsham, PA, operates manufacturing plants in ten states, including Minnesota. The Duluth location is undergoing rapid expansion, offering an exciting opportunity to join a team-based culture focused on growth and development.

About the Role

The Packaging Operator supports Converting Production by operating paper converting equipment to meet production goals safely. This non-exempt role ensures compliance with company safety policies and customer specifications for all manufactured products.

Responsibilities

• Support Sofidel America’s Good Manufacturing Practices and HACCP to promote a safe, sanitary, and hygienically sound workplace.
• Set up, operate, adjust, and change over primary and/or secondary packaging equipment.
• Collaborate with team members to achieve established production rates and line uptime.
• Perform basic maintenance tasks and communicate additional work required to dedicated maintenance staff.
• Document quality control, production, and maintenance issues on respective reporting forms.
• Ensure production of quality finished products within specified tolerances by understanding product specifications.
• Read and comprehend production schedules, work orders, manuals, and performance specifications.
• Maintain a safe and organized work area by following housekeeping rules and removing obstacles, debris, and loose material.
• Perform routine inspections of equipment and report unusual problems to the Supervisor or Maintenance department.
• Assist other operators, maintenance, or production personnel as needed.
• Perform or assist with operations to maintain workflow and meet schedules and quality requirements.
• Notify supervision of equipment issues or the need for additional materials and supplies.
• Comply with safety procedures and equipment operating rules.
• Support quality, housekeeping, and sanitation standards to ensure customer satisfaction.
• Participate in meetings and work groups to integrate activities, communicate issues, and resolve problems.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

Requirements

• High school diploma or GED, with six to twelve months of manufacturing, inventory, or purchasing experience (or equivalent combination of education and experience).
• Ability to work across departments and in a team environment.
• Strong time-management skills and ability to prioritize and re-prioritize tasks.
• Ability to read and interpret safety rules, operating instructions, maintenance manuals, and quality/procedure documents.
• Basic math skills, including addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division using whole numbers, fractions, and decimals.
• Ability to learn and certify in Lift and Crane operation.
• Proficiency in using tools, measuring instruments (e.g., measuring tape, calculators), and metrology equipment related to equipment operation.
• Ability to identify nonconformance and notify Supervisor of issues.
• Strong communication skills to support production and confer with managers, technicians, and other personnel.
• Ability to use computers, peripherals, software applications, and production equipment.
• Capability to learn and perform essential duties satisfactorily; reasonable accommodations may be made for qualified individuals with disabilities.

Schedule

This position follows a Modified DuPont schedule consisting of 12-hour day and night shifts, rotating weekends, and periodic transitions between days and nights.

Pay

Starting pay is $25.85 per hour, with opportunities for increases as on-the-job certifications are completed.

Benefits

• Competitive salary
• Medical benefits
• Paid time off (PTO) and vacation
• Retention bonus
• 401K retirement plan
• Career advancement opportunities
• Sofidel Language Learning Programme (digital platform for employee and one additional user, such as a family member or friend)

Work Environment

• Personal protective equipment (PPE) is required in plant and warehouse areas, including safety shoes, eye and ear protection, reflective vests, and hairnets or hats.
• Exposure to varying temperatures, paper dust, and noise levels requiring hearing protection.