Winder/Grind/Pelletizer

Position Summary:

• Operate winder to produce billets from high density polyethylene (HDPE) following pre-established formulation.
• Operate pelletizer to create pellets of HDPE from re-grinded material.
• Position requires continuous presence at plant to operate and perform role.

Essential Functions:

• Produce billet of HDPE material by following instructions for winding at the appropriate temperature and cooling time.
• Manually heat mandrel using propane torches for extruded profile.
• Load program from computer memory based on established preprogrammed instructions.
• Manually verify temperature of billets utilizing infrared gun.
• Document time, lot number and weight of billet on appropriate form.
• Remove finished billet, with instruction and assistance, from winder after proper temperature has been reached utilizing hoist.
• Transport billet with forklift to scale and then to staging area.
• Support VTL Team by transporting boxes of shavings from lathes to grinder to be recycled.
• Transport material of re-grinded HDPE into hopper to be pelletized.
• Operate shredder and pelletizer.
• Other duties as assigned.

Education & Experience:

• HS/GED preferred.
• At least one year of relevant experience in manufacturing or machine operation preferred. Knowledge,

Skills and Abilities

• Strong verbal communication skills to communicate process status and mechanical issues to lead, supervisor or maintenance technician.
• Written communication skills needed to document billets produced during shift.
• Basic mathematical skills and ability to read a measuring tape.
• Experience and ability to operate forklift.
• Ability to operate screen changer on pelletizer and knowledge of when changes are needed.
• Ability to clear pelletizer head and purging of machine.
• Knowledge of operation of Auger, conveyors and material flow.
• Knowledge of operation of main screen temperatures and PSI of pelletizer.

Physical Conditions:

• Occasional lifting of up to 300lbs with help of a hoist. Exposure to high temperature in facility and in close proximity to extreme heat.
• Position requires constant standing to operate winder and pelletizer.
• Overtime may be required on occasion.