Polymer Compounding Unit Operator (Thermoplastics)

Polymer Compounding Unit Operator (Thermoplastics) 3.4 3.4 out of 5 stars Fountain Inn, SC 29644 $18.07 an hour Teknor Apex 182 reviews $18.07 an hour Be part of the team behind our custom compounds Nearly a century ago, Alfred Fain opened a small Rhode Island tire store. Today, Teknor Apex is a global, privately held custom compounder with nine U.S. sites and operations in Belgium, Singapore, Germany, and China. Led by Fain's grandson, we still prioritize strong relationships with our employees and customers—because manufacturing is a team sport. "Manufacturing is a team sport and we work together to achieve our goals." ~Jon Fain A night in the life Your shift begins with a safety check and a glance at the manufacturing schedule. You rotate through core stations that keep our PVC compounding lines moving:

Blender Operator:

Convert measured additives into a precise powder mix—our "Dry Blend."

Compounder:

Weigh ingredients for every production run, and organize/store raw materials per our raw material program.

Packaging Operator:

Pack finished PVC pellets into boxes and bags, following the schedule's packaging method, silo selection, and labeling instructions.

Console Operator:

Transfer bulk raw materials from holding silos and tanks into mixing vessels by following computer-generated load sheets with exact quantities. What you'll do Verify that all melt-mixing equipment is operating safely and correctly. Retrieve and follow processing instructions to make pellets per the production plan. Set up to defined conditions; consult the crew lead/supervisor when questions arise. Share vital processing notes and quality alerts with teammates, support staff, and relief operators; immediately escalate quality/process issues to the Lead or Supervisor. Provide breaks for fellow operators and flex to any job or line when needed. Complete a 90-day probationary period successfully. Maintain a clean, orderly work area. Demonstrate a team-first mindset—help others and accept overtime to support coverage. Participate in departmental meetings. Physical demands Handle, cut, and dump bags up to 60 lbs into blenders many times per shift. Scoop material from boxes/drums; total loads can reach 20,000-40,000 lbs per shift. Operate fork trucks and hand trucks. Scrape inside blender walls; frequent bending and stooping. Climb ladders and stairs. Move drums using appropriate equipment. Wear required PPE (safety shoes, safety glasses, hearing protection, respirator as needed). What you bring Comfort reading/understanding work documents; practical problem-solving skills.

Solid math fundamentals:

add, subtract, multiply, divide; work with fractions/decimals; compute rates/ratios/percentages; interpret bar graphs. Reliable attendance and strong work ethic suited to continuous production. Ability to lift up to 50 lbs repeatedly; climb stairs; work in warm-to-hot conditions. Willingness to train on first shift for up to four weeks, then move to 2nd or 3rd shift as assigned. Overtime availability, including Saturdays and Sundays, to meet customer needs. Capability to drive a forklift safely with a valid license. Training, schedule, and shift Initial training typically on first shift (up to 4 weeks). 8-hour production shifts; paid weekly.

Shift available:

3rd Shift (10:40pm - 7:00am). Overtime production schedule posted one year in advance—no production is scheduled for most holiday weekends.

Shift differential:

$1.25 for 2nd shift and $1.50 for 3rd shift. Compensation, bonuses, and growth $1,000 sign-on bonus: $250 after 30 days, $250 after 90 days, $500 after 180 days. Monthly attendance and performance bonuses. Pay increases as you master additional skills. Referral bonuses for recommending great teammates. Benefits and perks Medical, Dental, and Vision with very low deductibles—company pays ~85%. Eligibility within 30 days of hire.

Company-paid wellness programs:

smoking cessation, mental health, weight loss. On-site medical clinic for employee and spouse at no charge, including prescriptions, wellness visits, and immunizations. Up to 7% employer contribution to 401(k) plus free financial planning assistance. Employee Assistance Program. Two weeks of Paid Vacation and 13 Paid Holidays. Weekly onsite food trucks. Employee recognition points redeemable for products—earned for perfect attendance, service milestones, and other achievements. Company-sponsored discounts (gyms, restaurants, theme parks, travel, auto, and more).

Frequent appreciation events:

meals, giveaways, contests. Free income tax filing assistance for eligible associates. Community involvement and volunteer opportunities. Family Day celebration and service recognition. What success looks like Excellent attendance. Safety-first mindset. Consistent adherence to work instructions. Strong, stable work history. Preferred proficiencies Compounder Blending Plastic extrusion experience Teknor Apex Fountain Inn is a smoke-free facility. The use of tobacco products is not allowed on company premises.

Legal:

Teknor Apex is committed to fair employment practices. Teknor Apex is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate against any protected status under state or federal laws. Must be 18 years of age to work at Teknor Apex.