Production Operator

About the role

Crescent Textile Solutions is a manufacturer of woolen-spun yarns located on the western shore of Lake Michigan in Two Rivers, WI. Crescent has provided natural and synthetic yarns to the textile industry for almost 100 years. The company converts fibers into yarns sold to manufacturers of knitted and woven products, with operations including blending, carding, spinning, winding, doubling, and twisting. Its wholly owned subsidiary, Owen Glove Lining, manufactures knitted fleece linings for the safety, apparel and sporting goods industries. Fibers converted include wool, alpaca, angora, nylon, acrylic, polyester, Nomex, Kevlar and Kanecaron modacrylic. The technical staff regularly participate in customer research and development efforts to understand needs and provide material guidance. Crescent Textile Solutions is a business unit of Miller Waste Mills, Inc., dba RTP Company, a global compounder of custom engineered thermoplastics headquartered in Winona, Minnesota.

The Finish Tender is responsible for tending the carding machine that cleans and straightens wool and other fibers and condenses the fibers into roving (thin yarns). The role includes machine set-up, safe operation of equipment, and assisting with the entire process as needed to ensure the highest quality product while meeting customer specifications.

Work Schedule

Monday - Thursday, 5:00 AM - 3:00 PM

Responsibilities

• Set-up, start and run the carding machine
• Weigh materials to meet specifications and feed the carding machine by placing bales of blended fiber into one end of the machine and removing spools of finished roving at the other end
• Monitor production and equipment to ensure safe and efficient operations
• Troubleshoot equipment and processing issues
• Fish out broken ends to maintain a continuous fiber and ensure the roving is spooling properly
• Refer issues/problems to Lead/Supervisor for disposition
• Clean and maintain the carding machine
• Document work completed and complete logs
• Examine material visually or physically to ensure conformance with established standards
• Perform other duties as assigned

Requirements

Skills and Abilities

• Must be dependable with excellent attendance
• Must be self-directed with a strong work ethic
• Must work well with others and has a positive attitude
• Must be safety conscious
• Must be mechanically inclined
• Previous experience with circular knitting machines a plus
• Strong attention to detail
• Good basic math skills
• Must be punctual and reliable
• Must be able to read, write, and speak English

Education and Experience

• HS degree or GED preferred
• Past manufacturing experience preferred

Physical Requirements and Working Conditions

• Frequent bending/stooping, squatting, reaching above shoulder level, crouching and lifting (up to 60 lbs)
• Continual walking in a relatively confined area is required
• Frequent standing at floor level and above floor level on equipment
• Coordination of skills performed at heights no greater than three feet
• Exposure to extremes (90º F) in temperature
• Good vision is required, 20/20 or corrected to 20/20
• Frequent and continuous use of hands and arms
• Employees with sensitivities to dust may be exposed to airborne dust, silk and synthetic fibers and are encouraged to wear a mask to help filter out airborne fiber