Production Associate

We are looking for an energetic, fast-paced, hardworking, and reliable employee to join our 1st shift team! Ornua Ingredients offers competitive starting wages along with an excellent benefits package.

Job Summary:  

The Analog General Laborer must be able to perform multiple jobs in a rotation on the Analog line. The laborer monitors the manufacturing process, makes boxes, packages, and palletizes the product. The Ingredient Handler works in a team environment to manufacture cheese products to meet production demands.  All tasks are performed in a busy environment with limited supervision.  

Wage:

$17.75, opportunity to increase with additional training + 8% quarterly bonus opportunity Increasing Base Pay to $22.50/hr effective May 24th, 2026

Schedule:

Monday - Thursday, 6am - 4pm, Fridays/overtime as required.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities: 

• Package finished product including box making, lining, filling, closing, and palletizing. 
• Inspect cheese products, packing, and boxes for damage. Report deficiencies to the proper parties. 
• Perform duties following all good manufacturing practices (GMP’s) including food, equipment, and operating safety requirements. 
• Complete all necessary cleaning and workplace sanitation requirements.  
• Record production information on a tablet, scanner, computer, or by hand.  
• Identify variations in cheese manufacturing processes, troubleshoot, and report to supervisor if unable to resolve.  
• The Ingredient Handler includes learning the Mixer, Blender Operator, Cheese Grinder & Forklift positions. This opening will have an emphasis on Cheese Grinding. 
• The Mixer Position involves heavy lifting. Attention to accuracy in using the correct powders, lot numbers and ,amount in each batch. Required to weigh and mix dry ingredients. 
• The Blender Operator makes sure each batch that goes into the blender is correct. Help the forklift driver set up the batch. Assisting the cooker in whatever way is needed. 
• The Cheese Grinder Preps cheese grinder, bagging of cheese into specified amounts, as well as toting of the product. 
• Forklift Operator is responsible for setting up correct batches for the production run, getting lot numbers and changes in lot numbers to the cooker operator. Perform the maintenance check-list on forklift every morning before use. Clean up spills in a timely manner and keep work area orderly. 
• You will be required to help with breaks and anywhere else when needed. Keep work area neat and always picked up. 
• You will report to the supervisor or lead on duty. Qualified applicants must be able to perform all tasks noted above in a busy environment with limited supervision. Maintain good communication with the cooker operator. 
• From time to time you may be required to work other shifts or be temporarily moved to other departments in the plant. 
• Must also be prepared for any related duties Whitehall Specialties, Inc (within reason) assigned by the Supervisor or Management. 
• Attend all required company training. 
• Flexible to support work in all areas as needed.  

Required Skills and Abilities:  

• Verbal/written communication skills 
• Work as a member of a team 
• Define problems, collect data, establish facts, draw valid conclusions and act upon them 
• Time management skills 
• Uphold confidentiality of sensitive information 
• High attention to detail 
• Maintain excellent attendance 
• Ability to calculate figures and amounts such as proportions, percentages, averages, density, area, circumference, and volume with accuracy and ability to apply concepts of basic algebra and geometry 

Education and Experience: 

• High school diploma or equivalent 

Physical Requirements: 

• Continuously lift up to 50 pounds, consistently
• Stand continuously 
• Vision including the ability to read, distance vision and peripheral 
• Walk frequently 
• Climb ramps or stairs  
• Push/pull materials from conveyors 
• Sit rarely 

Required Personal Protective Equipment: 

• Hearing protection 
• Bump cap  
• Hair net 
• Uniform 
• Safety glasses 
• Safety shoes 
• Gloves  

Tools and Equipment Used:  

• Hand tools (wrenches, screwdrivers, etc.) 
• Knives 
• Markers, pens 
• I-Pad 
• Scanner 
• Computer 

Environmental Conditions 

• General manufacturing environment.  
• Works in both hot and cold temperatures depending on the manufacturing process.  

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This job description is not an employment contract and may be modified at any time at the discretion of the company. 

Nearest Major Market: La Crosse
Nearest Secondary Market: Winona