Production Line Set Up Associate

Overview

Franklin Industries is looking for a Production Line Set Up Associate to prepare the Farm Post production line. The associate is responsible for preparing, adjusting, and maintaining Farm Department production equipment to ensure safe, efficient, and high‑quality manufacturing operations. This role serves as the technical lead for production line setup and operation, performing machine changeovers, tooling adjustments, equipment troubleshooting, paint and quality testing, and production support activities.

Responsibilities

• Safety: Follow all company safety policies, procedures, and work instructions; wear required personal protective equipment (PPE); identify and report unsafe conditions; ensure equipment is operating safely before production begins; assist in maintaining a safe work environment throughout the department.
• Equipment Setup and Operation: Perform machine setups and changeovers to support production schedules; install, align, adjust, and remove tooling, punches, dies, guides, and related components; prepare equipment for production runs; verify machine settings meet production requirements; operate assigned production equipment, including preheating and operating department ovens; maintain coil systems and feeding equipment.
• Production Support: Resolve operational issues for production associates; make machine adjustments throughout the shift to maintain quality and productivity; monitor equipment performance and identify improvement opportunities; assist in reducing downtime and production interruptions; support departmental production goals.
• Quality: Perform paint testing and related quality inspections; verify product specifications are met; identify and report product defects and quality concerns; assist with corrective actions when quality issues occur; follow all quality procedures and work instructions.
• Maintenance: Perform assigned preventive maintenance inspections; lubricate equipment as required; inspect tooling and machine components for wear or damage; report maintenance concerns promptly; assist maintenance personnel during repairs and troubleshooting.
• Communication and Leadership: Communicate effectively with the Farm Manager and production associates; provide technical guidance to Manufacturing Line Associates; assist in training associates on machine operation and setup procedures; promote teamwork and continuous improvement.
• Housekeeping: Maintain clean and organized work areas; ensure equipment, tooling, and supplies are properly stored; support departmental housekeeping standards.
• Other Duties: Complete required production and quality documentation; participate in continuous improvement activities; perform other duties and special projects as assigned.

Requirements

• High School Diploma, GED, or equivalent.
• Strong mechanical aptitude.
• Ability to read and follow work instructions and production specifications.
• Ability to safely operate manufacturing equipment.
• Ability to use basic hand tools and measuring devices.
• Ability to troubleshoot mechanical and production issues.
• Effective communication with supervisors and coworkers.
• Preferred: prior manufacturing setup experience; experience operating stamping or forming presses; experience performing machine changeovers; experience with paint testing or quality inspection processes; basic maintenance experience; forklift certification or ability to obtain certification.

Physical Demands

The associate must be able to stand and walk for extended periods, climb on/around production equipment, frequently bend, kneel, crouch, reach, push, pull, and perform repetitive hand and arm movements. Frequently lift and carry up to 50 lb; occasionally lift items exceeding 100 lb with assistance. Operate hand tools and production equipment safely while maintaining visual attention to machine operation and product quality. Reasonable accommodations may be made for qualified individuals with disabilities.

Working Conditions

Safety‑sensitive position in a manufacturing environment with moving machinery. Exposure to noise, vibration, dust, and varying temperatures, including hot and cold conditions. Required use of PPE (safety glasses, hearing protection, gloves, safety footwear). Overtime, weekend work, and shift changes may be required based on business needs.

Performance Standards

• Safety: compliance with policies, proper PPE usage, safe machine setup and operation.
• Equipment Reliability: machine uptime, timeliness and accuracy of setups, reduction of setup‑related downtime.
• Quality: paint testing accuracy, product quality performance, compliance with quality standards.
• Production: responsiveness to production issues, ability to maintain production flow, effectiveness of troubleshooting.
• Housekeeping: maintenance of clean and organized work areas, proper storage of tooling and equipment.
• Teamwork: cooperation with coworkers and supervisors, effective communication and professionalism.
• Training and Development: within 90 days demonstrate competency in machine setup and changeovers, operate the 175 Press, perform paint testing, troubleshoot common production issues, and work independently with minimal supervision.

Compensation

Wage: $22.00 per hour. Incentives include bonus and production incentives, referral bonuses, paid holidays, and PTO (available on the first of the month after 60 days of employment).

Benefits

• Medical Insurance
• Dental Insurance
• Vision Insurance
• $15,000 Life Insurance (paid by company)
• Short‑Term Disability Insurance
• Additional benefits offered

About Franklin Industries

Founded in 1901 as Franklin Rolling Mill & Foundry Company in Franklin, PA, Franklin Industries is located in the heart of Steel Country, less than two hours from Pittsburgh and two hours from Johnstown, PA. The company continues a multi‑generational tradition of quality manufacturing in the steel industry.