Production Operator

Crafting America's favorite chewy candy: HI-CHEW. Morinaga America Foods, Inc. is the proud U.S. manufacturer behind the intensely fruity, delightfully chewy candy loved by millions across the nation. Located in Mebane, North Carolina, our facility represents the first manufacturing site outside of Asia for our parent company, Morinaga & Co., Ltd., a leading Japanese confectionery brand founded in 1899. Since opening our doors in 2015, our Mebane Plant has produced over 1 billion pieces of HI-CHEW annually, fueling the brand's rapid growth in the U.S. market. The Production Operator is responsible for safely operating, monitoring, and maintaining equipment used in the manufacturing of Hi-Chew candy products. This role ensures product quality, adherence to food safety standards, and efficient production in a fast-paced, high-volume environment. Operators play a key role in delivering consistent, high-quality confectionery products to customers.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES

Production & Equipment Operation Operate and monitor candy processing and packaging equipment (mixers, extruders, cookers, wrapping machines, etc.) Follow standardized work instructions and batch recipes to ensure product consistency Perform equipment changeovers, startups, and shutdowns in accordance with procedures Monitor production lines and make adjustments to maintain optimal performance and minimize downtime Quality & Food Safety Ensure all products meet quality standards for texture, flavor, appearance, and weight Follow all Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs) and food safety guidelines Conduct routine quality checks and document results accurately Immediately report any quality or safety concerns to supervision Sanitation & Compliance Maintain a clean and sanitary work environment in accordance with company and regulatory standards Participate in cleaning and sanitation of equipment and production areas Comply with all safety policies, including proper use of PPE Team & Operational Support Work collaboratively with team members, supervisors, and maintenance to meet production goals Assist with training new operators as needed Support continuous improvement initiatives to enhance efficiency and reduce waste Other duties as assigned

MINIMUM KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS REQUIRED

High school diploma or GED required Demonstrated accuracy, meticulous attention to detail, reliability, sound judgment and fundamental math skills Candidates must already have a work authorization that allows them to work for Morinaga in the United States Ability to use hand tools - Scrapers, Temperature Gun, Box Cutters, etc. Ability to perform repetitive tasks Ability to read, write and speak effectively in the English language Ability to lift, push and pull up to 50lbs Ability to push and pull heavy wheeled equipment Ability to wear all required PPE and Company Uniform Ability to work 40+ hours per week plus OT as needed (may include weekends and/or holidays)

PREFERRED OR DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS

Prior experience working in Food Manufacturing a plus Knowledge of 5S - sort, set, shine, standardize, and sustain Bi-lingual in English & Spanish is a plus

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITY

None

WORKING CONDITION

Food manufacturing facility producing confectionery products (Hi-Chew) Exposure to moving machinery, ingredients, and production noise May require flexible scheduling, including weekends, overtime, and off-shift work

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

Occasional lifting, twisting, bending or walking. Some locations may require access via stairs and have uneven terrain. May be required to stand for extended periods or walk the plant floor throughout the workday. Must be able to wear all appropriate PPE for the work area or tasks. Must be able to lift up to 50 lbs. repetitively. May require the need to work with tooling and other equipment. Must be comfortable working in varying temperatures typical of a food manufacturing environment.

Pay:

$17.00 - $18.25 per hour

Benefits:

401(k) 401(k) matching Dental insurance Health insurance Life insurance Paid time off Referral program Vision insurance

Work Location:

In person