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 Farm Set-Up Associate is responsible for preparing, adjusting, and maintaining Farm Department production equipment to ensure safe, efficient, and high-quality manufacturing operations.

This position serves as the technical lead for production line setup and operation. The Farm Set-Up Associate performs machine changeovers, tooling adjustments, equipment troubleshooting, paint and quality testing, and production support activities to ensure the department meets safety, quality, delivery, and productivity goals.

The Farm Set-Up Associate works independently with minimal supervision and serves as a technical resource for Farm Manufacturing Line Associates.

Minimum Qualifications

Required

• 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.
• Ability to communicate effectively 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.

Duties and 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 as required.
• Preheat and operate department ovens according to established procedures.
• Maintain coil systems and feeding equipment.

Production Support

• Support production associates by resolving operational issues.
• Make machine adjustments throughout the shift to maintain quality and productivity.
• Monitor equipment performance and identify opportunities for improvement.
• Assist in reducing downtime and production interruptions.
• Support achievement of 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.

Success Factors

Successful Farm Manufacturing Line Associates consistently demonstrate:

Care - Commitment to safety, quality, and housekeeping.

Passion - Initiative and ownership of production performance.

Respect - Professional communication and collaboration.

Learn - Continuous improvement and technical development.

Integrity - Accountability, honesty, and dependability.

Teamwork - Willingness to support production success across all positions.

Additional competencies include:

• Mechanical Aptitude
• Technical Troubleshooting
• Attention to Detail
• Problem Solving
• Decision Making
• Adaptability
• Accountability
• Communication

Physical Demands

The physical requirements described below represent those required to successfully perform the essential functions of this position.

The associate must be able to:

• Stand and walk for extended periods throughout the shift.
• Climb on, around, and over production equipment.
• Frequently bend, kneel, crouch, reach, push, and pull.
• Frequently perform repetitive hand and arm movements.
• Frequently lift and carry up to 50 pounds.
• Occasionally lift items exceeding 100 pounds with assistance when appropriate.
• Operate hand tools and production equipment safely.
• Maintain visual attention to machine operation and product quality.

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the position.

Working Conditions

• Safety-sensitive position.
• Manufacturing environment with moving machinery and equipment.
• Exposure to noise, vibration, dust, and varying temperatures.
• Exposure to hot and cold working conditions.
• Required use of PPE including safety glasses, hearing protection, gloves, and safety footwear.
• Overtime, weekend work, and shift changes may be required based on business needs.

Performance Standards

Performance will be evaluated using the following criteria:

Safety

• Compliance with safety policies and procedures.
• 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 efforts.

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 of employment, associates are expected to:

• Demonstrate competency in machine setup and changeovers.
• Demonstrate competency operating the 175 Press and associated equipment.
• Successfully perform paint testing procedures.
• Demonstrate ability to troubleshoot common production issues.
• Perform assigned duties independently with minimal supervision.

Machines/Equipment used for Position:

• 110 press
• 150 press
• Rouselle press
• Conveyors
• Wire cutters
• Banders
• Production Ovens
• Coil Feed Systems
• Punches and Dies
• Hand Tools
• Measuring Devices
• Lubricants and Greases
• Production Line Equipment

COMPENSATION

Wage: $22.00/hour , commensurate with experience.

The following incentives are also available:

• Bonus and production incentives
• Referral bonuses
• Paid holidays
• PTO

BENEFITS - available on the first of the month, following 60 days of employment.

• Medical Insurance
• Dental Insurance
• Vision Insurance
• $15 K Life Insurance paid for by company
• Short Term Disability Insurance
• Other benefits also offered

ABOUT FRANKLIN INDUSTRIES

In 1901, Franklin Rolling Mill & Foundry Company was founded in Franklin, PA. Right in the middle of Steel Country, Franklin Industries is less than two hours from Pittsburgh, where Andrew Carnegie's steel empire ruled the steel industry in the early 20th century.

We're another two hours from Johnstown, PA, where the first steel rails for the railroad (our raw material) were made. Steel rails linked Chicago and New York together with high capacity rails creating America's manufacturing powerhouse.

Our families have made an honest living in quality manufacturing for generations and are proud to continue that great tradition.

NON-DISCRIMINATION STATEMENT

It is the policy of Franklin Industries to provide equal employment opportunities without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, marital status, veteran status, sexual orientation, genetic information, or any other protected characteristic under applicable law.

The HR Department is required to check the criminal background of all job offerees. Having a criminal record does not block an applicant from securing a job at Franklin Industries. We review all criminal records on a case-by-case basis. 

The HR Department sends all job offerees to an external testing site for a physical (vitals, vision, and hearing) and a drug screen. Securing the job is contingent on passing the physical and the drug screen.