Extruder Operator

Job Description

Job Description

Position Summary

We are seeking a motivated, reliable, and mechanically inclined Extruder Operator to support our GAL Applied Laminates division. This position is responsible for setting up, operating, monitoring, and adjusting extrusion equipment used in the production of laminated and multi-layer materials.

The Extruder Operator supports production by preparing equipment for manufacturing runs, loading and monitoring materials, completing changeovers, adjusting machine settings, inspecting in-process and finished products, reducing material waste, and maintaining accurate production documentation. The operator works closely with production leadership, Quality, Maintenance, and other team members to ensure products meet customer specifications and company standards.

This position requires strong mechanical aptitude, attention to detail, quality awareness, and the ability to work safely in a fast-paced manufacturing environment. The ideal candidate has previous extrusion or machine operation experience and is willing to learn GAL equipment, materials, controls, quality standards, and applied laminates production processes.

Key Responsibilities:

• Set up, operate, monitor, and adjust extrusion production equipment in the GAL Applied Laminates division to meet production schedules, quality standards, and customer requirements.
• Prepare extrusion lines for production runs by installing, changing, cleaning, and adjusting dies, screws, rollers, screens, tooling, and related machine components.
• Start equipment and set machine controls for temperatures, pressures, line speeds, material flow, thickness, tension, cooling, and other production specifications.
• Load and monitor resins, films, papers, adhesives, and other raw materials required for extrusion and laminating production.
• Monitor equipment and material throughout the production process and make adjustments to maintain product thickness, adhesion, appearance, consistency, and overall quality.
• Inspect in-process and finished materials for defects, including wrinkles, bubbles, contamination, poor bonding, uneven coating, thickness variations, surface concerns, and other nonconforming conditions.
• Identify and respond to machine problems, material concerns, quality defects, excessive waste, equipment downtime, and changes in production performance.
• Work with Maintenance to communicate equipment concerns, support troubleshooting and repairs, replace approved components, and assist with preventive maintenance activities.
• Read and follow work orders, production schedules, product specifications, material requirements, operating procedures, quality standards, and safety instructions.
• Complete production reports, machine records, material usage records, quality checks, waste reports, inventory transactions, and other required documentation accurately and on time.

Qualifications:

• High school diploma or equivalent is preferred, but not required.
• One to three years of extrusion, machine operation, laminating, coating, converting, film, paper, plastics, packaging, or related manufacturing experience is preferred.
• Previous extrusion experience is strongly preferred, although candidates with strong mechanical aptitude and production equipment experience may be considered.
• Experience setting up, operating, monitoring, and adjusting manufacturing equipment safely and efficiently.
• Strong mechanical aptitude with the ability to recognize machine, tooling, material, quality, and process issues.
• Basic troubleshooting skills and the judgment to escalate equipment or maintenance concerns when necessary.
• Strong attention to detail and the ability to identify product defects, thickness variations, adhesion concerns, surface issues, material problems, and excessive waste.
• Ability to read and follow work orders, job specifications, operating instructions, production procedures, quality requirements, and safety standards.
• Basic math, computer, data entry, measurement, and record-keeping skills.
• Reliable, accountable, safety-focused, team-oriented, and able to communicate production, quality, equipment, and material concerns clearly.

What We Offer:

• Competitive pay and benefits package
• Medical, dental, vision, flexible spending account, and 401(k)
• Hands-on training and cross-training opportunities
• Supportive team setting and opportunities to learn additional manufacturing processes
• Opportunities to advance into Lead Operator, supervisory, and other leadership positions

Physical Requirements

While performing the duties of this position, the employee is regularly required to stand, walk, use hands and fingers to handle tools and materials, reach, bend, stoop, and communicate effectively with team members. The employee must be able to move materials, assist with machine setup, and work around production equipment in a manufacturing environment.

The position requires the ability to regularly lift up to 50 pounds and move materials weighing up to 100 pounds, with or without assistance. The employee must also be able to work for extended periods in a fast-paced production setting while following all safety requirements and wearing required personal protective equipment.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

The Griff Network is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, or any other protected status.

Company Description The Griff Network is an ISO 9001:2015 certified, family-operated manufacturer and distributor specializing in paper, film, foil, plastics, custom converting, laminating, coating, slitting, sheeting, and related manufacturing solutions. Established in 1977 and headquartered in Fallsington, PA, Griff has built a strong reputation for quality, innovation, and hands-on manufacturing expertise.

Joining The Griff Network is a great opportunity to build a long-term career in manufacturing within our production and warehouse teams. We take pride in offering a family-style culture where employees are valued, supported, and encouraged to grow both personally and professionally. Safety, teamwork, quality, and continuous improvement are at the center of how we operate.

Whether you are experienced in manufacturing or looking to grow your skills in a hands-on environment, The Griff Network offers the opportunity to learn, contribute, and be part of a company that cares about its people and the products we deliver to our customers. Company Description The Griff Network is an ISO 9001:2015 certified, family-operated manufacturer and distributor specializing in paper, film, foil, plastics, custom converting, laminating, coating, slitting, sheeting, and related manufacturing solutions. Established in 1977 and headquartered in Fallsington, PA, Griff has built a strong reputation for quality, innovation, and hands-on manufacturing expertise. Joining The Griff Network is a great opportunity to build a long-term career in manufacturing within our production and warehouse teams. We take pride in offering a family-style culture where employees are valued, supported, and encouraged to grow both personally and professionally. Safety, teamwork, quality, and continuous improvement are at the center of how we operate. Whether you are experienced in manufacturing or looking to grow your skills in a hands-on environment, The Griff Network offers the opportunity to learn, contribute, and be part of a company that cares about its people and the products we deliver to our customers.