Automatic Press Operator - All Shifts - Pridgeon & Clay Inc

Are you looking for a challenging yet rewarding job that allows you to utilize your skills to their fullest potential? Do you want to join a team of hardworking, enthusiastic and creative people and enjoy working with a company that recognizes and embraces diversity? Do you take pride working with a company that is committed to being a great corporate citizen and playing a role in producing the highest quality products and services?

If you answered yes to any of these questions, then Pridgeon and Clay is the place for you...

Founded in 1948 by John Pridgeon and Donald Clay, we are one of the largest independent, value-added manufacturers and suppliers of automotive stamped and fine-blanked components in the United States.

Objective: Perform the duties of an Automatic Press Operator and assist with various production and documentation tasks, including enhancing production through continuous improvement and lean initiatives, and perform 5S duties in an exemplary manner according to the company quality policies

Qualified candidates will possess the following Minimum Requirements:

• High School Diploma or GED
• Minimum of nine months of experience setting up and operating automatic presses and troubleshooting dies
• Ability to prove mechanical inclination, computer literacy and general math knowledge through aptitude testing
• Willingness to attend off-site, job-related training classes
• Ability to multi-task and work in a fast paced environment
• Excellent work record (e.g. limited employee warnings), including attendance
• Willingness to train on and work on any shift
• Ability to lift 50 pounds
• Operators are responsible for owning a set of approved calipers and micrometers

(Minimum requirements are updated annually to meet the demands of various positions; employees hired prior to the latest revision update may not meet all current requirements.)

Essential Functions:

Standard Work:

• Complete and be proficient in all requirements for the Automatic Press Operator Trainee position and independently run presses.

• Prepare presses and work sites for set up. Follow set up instructions when setting up presses. Set up presses within all press categories, including preparing and adjusting straighteners; preparing, loading and adjusting feeders; aligning stock; assisting with transfer system set-up (adjusting finger positions, installing and homing rails, and setting pitch;) and preparing next set up (clean slugs and bolsters, and obtain fixtures).
• Prepare dies for installation, installing and removing dies in the press.
• Operate the automatic presses, following general operator instructions and the control plans, including reading, understanding and completing all production paperwork, and reading, following and completing tags.
• Monitor and maintain press fluid levels, changing lubricant and adjusting concentration of lubricant during both set-up and troubleshooting, and properly disposing of waste oil.
• Verify the proper raw material stock against router and check sheets.
• Load, remove, start, end and band steel coils.
• Utilize various systems (intranet, Kanban, EAM) to obtain information pertinent to job tasks and to order materials as necessary.
• Safely operate hi-los, overhead cranes, and die carts to load and unload steel coils, transport dies, move scrap, and transport finished product.
• Provide direction and assist the personnel working an assigned to the press.
• Troubleshoot presses (using Smart Pac, CNC computers, and controls) to ensure both quality and maximum levels of production. This includes poky-yoke, light curtains, and sensor readings as well as probing-ability.
• Perform all tasks of a changeover.
• Perform all aspects of coil changing safely (start of a coil, end of a coil, removing of a coil, banding a coil and calculating the remaining coil weight via Kanban or a weight change tag). This includes being able to skid a coil, end-up a coil and lift a coil).
• Use the Torch and Plasma cutter as needed.
• Learn to modify and adjust existing programs of the press controls.
• Assist in the training of APO trainees as needed.

Quality:

• Use snap calipers, micrometers, height gages, protractors, attribute gates, variable gages, taper gages, and/or ring gages to ensure quality production per the Control Plan.
• Learn where to find and how to understand and complete sort instructions for any quality alerts.
• Use drop gage and fixtures in accordance with policy and ensure they are in calibration.
• Learn to run parts on the Coordinate Measuring Machine (CMM) and interpret the reports to verify the quality of parts sheet.
• Find and follow inspection check sheets. Understand the variables and attributes that are recorded and know where to find the minimum and maximum variables on each check sheet.
• Document procedures per the control plan, including visual inspections, first-piece and parts-in-process inspections, and Statistical Process Control (SPC) Charting, reporting any discrepancies to the Supervisor.
• Follow and execute instructions specified in first-off piece, restart piece, and last piece inspection to insure part set-up & Quality (Ci 8.5.1.3)

Safety:

• Follow all ISO/TS policies and procedures.
• Consistently follow safety procedures during all phases of work: set up, installation of dies, loading material, operating presses, etc.
• Use all necessary safety devices when handling a coil (hook, sling, or arm).
• Stack skidded coils safely, ensuring that the largest coils are on the bottom. Stand up coils safety and securely, with no coils being stood up that are less than the required minimum.
• Use and verify safety blocks at any time necessary.
• Use designated personal protective equipment for the work environment.
• Identify potential safety issues and take appropriate action.

Continuous Improvement/Lean Principles/5S:

• Participate in lean initiatives and continuous improvement and problem-solving events, applying lean manufacturing concepts to work methods (CIA's, quick set-up, standardized work, error-proofing) and identifying and attempting to eliminate all types of waste.
• Anticipate problems and work to eliminate them before they happen.
• Participate in the development and implementation of successful action plans to achieve temporary and permanent corrective actions, as needed.
• Monitors press strokes per minute (SPM) and drive for continuous improvement.
• Organize and maintain work area and 5S zone to optimize productivity (based on audit score), including items such as sweeping, mopping, wiping down press controls, and controlling slugs.

Teamwork/Dependability:

• Demonstrate good communication skills and competency when providing troubleshooting guidance to team members and when directing the work of others, such as Utility workers, Hi-lo Drivers, and others.
• Provide necessary, accurate, and timely feedback of all pertinent information to co-workers, effectively communicating with Die Techs, Maintenance personnel, team members and management personnel to enhance teamwork and communication initiatives.

Organization/Communication/Professionalism:

• Effectively communicate with co-workers and management personnel to enhance teamwork and communication initiatives.
• Provide necessary, accurate, and timely feedback of all pertinent information to co-workers and management.
• Consistently exhibit appropriate attendance habits, working the hours necessary to perform the job.
• Organize and maintain efficiency of personal work area.
• Consistently adhere to, and support, company policies and procedures, including ISO, IATF 16949, and safety regulations.
• Accept instructions and duties in a positive manner.
• Treat all co-workers with dignity and respect.
• Exhibit all the attributes of a positive role model (including professionalism, personal integrity, and positive attitude) for employees and managers to emulate.
• Assist in maintaining company values (Integrity, People, Customers, Safety, We Can If...Do What It Takes, and Ownership) daily, through thoughts and actions.

In return, Pridgeon and Clay will provide:

• A competitive total compensation including a comprehensive benefit plan including premium medical and prescription coverage starting at just $5.00 per week for employee coverage, dental, vision, 401(k) with company match, and tuition reimbursement.
• A safe, team oriented work environment with a leadership team that treats you like family and values your input
• An opportunity to participate in shaping the success of the organization through continuous improvement and problem solving events
• A positive work/life balance
• An opportunity for career growth - Over 70% of our leaders have been promoted from within