Packer - 1st Shift

Packer PositionWelcome to Ajinomoto Foods North America in Toluca, Illinois—a place where we're not just leading the way in food manufacturing but also proudly embracing our role within this close-knit community. As our team rapidly expands, we're dedicated to offering quality jobs that reflect our passion for community, collaboration, and a positive workplace culture. We're looking for individuals who share our commitment to making a meaningful impact both within our plant and in the surrounding areas.Ajinomoto Foods North America is a global leader in frozen foods, renowned for delivering nutritious and delicious meals to households everywhere. With a rich history of diverse ethnic brands, we're on a mission to contribute to healthier lifestyles through our innovative and balanced Umami foods. Our commitment to excellence is evident not just in the quality of our products but in our dedication to our employees and our community.Here in Toluca, our investment in expanding our facility and adding a new production line reflects our belief in growth and innovation. If you're passionate about building a fulfilling career, being part of a great team, and helping to transform the way the world eats, we invite you to join us. Together, we can make a real difference—one meal at a time.The Packer will pack bagged product into boxes and/or stack cases onto pallets. Essential Functions include but are not limited to inspecting, monitoring, and communicating problems with equipment or product to the Lead Packer.Position Essential Duties and ResponsibilitiesAssemble and prepare bags and boxes.Ensure proper coding and sealing of bags and boxes before packing into cases or onto pallets.Ensure proper stacking and placement of finished cases on pallets.Understand different case packs and weight ranges of product.Understand Company quality standards for product defects and immediately report excessive defect levels to the Lead Packer or Team Leader.Monitor packing equipment to ensure everything is working correctly.Communicate with co-workers at shift change regarding situations that have or may impact production operation.Demonstrate good working knowledge of Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) and Good Sanitation Practices (GSP).Perform work within Company quality standards and governmental regulatory standards.Follow all safety rules and regulations.Practice 5s and clean as you go.Performs other duties as assigned, such as sorting (visually inspecting raw product for deficiencies), lidding (placing lids on lasagna trays) or noodling (placing noodles onto lasagna layers).Position QualificationsJOB QUALIFICATIONS:A High School Diploma or GED required.Experience in a food manufacturing plant is preferredGood communication skills (reading, writing and verbal) are essential to interface with co-workers, Team Leaders and ManagersMust be willing to work together with co-workers as part of a team; also, must be self-motivated and able to work with little or no supervisionPHYSICAL DEMANDSThe physical demands described are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is required to twist and turn and stand on foot. The employee is frequently required to use hands and fingers to handle or feel objects, tools, or controls; and talk or hear. The employee must frequently lift and/or move up to 25 pounds and occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds, normally at waist level and sometimes at shoulder level. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, color vision, and the ability to adjust focus. The employee will be working in cold temperatures and may come into contact with food allergens.Pay rate: $18.80/hr base pay