Extrusion Operator - 1st shift

Shift Hours:

Second Shift – 6:45am to 1:45pm Monday through Friday   ($19.00 to $24.00 / hour)   

Company Overview:

Experience matters. Since 1948, T.O. Plastics has manufactured quality custom thermoformed parts and packaging, and provided exceptional service to customers around the world. One of the top 100 thermoforming companies in North America, T.O. Plastics delivers value by focusing on customer needs and by offering a full range of services from design-to-distribution. At T.O. Plastics, we are dedicated to excellence and we leverage our experience and core competency to develop customized, cost-effective solutions for businesses in diverse markets. T.O. Plastics has facilities in both Clearwater and Otsego, Minnesota.

Position Summary: The Extrusion Operator is a position with responsibility for set up, maintenance and operation of a minimum of one extrusion machine so that it runs as efficiently as possible and produces product that meets quality standards. Helps the supervisor keep the extrusion department operating in an organized, controlled and profitable manner.

Comprehensive benefit package to include the following options:

• Medical


• Dental


• Vision


• Life Insurance


• STD and LTD Insurance


• 401K with a generous company match


• 3 weeks of PTO earned as a weekly accrual


• Critical Illness Coverage


• Accident Insurance


• FSA or HSA Contribution Plans


• Employee Stock Purchase Plan

Safety is #1 at T.O. Plastics:  Our expectation is that every employee:  1) Follows safety policies, rules and safe work methods.  2) Promptly corrects or reports safety hazards or unsafe conditions. Promptly reports injuries for prompt diagnosis and treatment.  3) Makes regular suggestions for safety process improvements to support continuous improvement in safety.

Essential Functions:

This position is responsible for the following tasks, duties and responsibilities:

• Prepares material for set up utilizing crystalizer, blender, and dryer.


• Sets up machine according to the Job Order.


• Monitors assigned machine and ensures that it is running as efficiently as possible.


• Performs quality checks and testing throughout the process; makes basic adjustments to control appearance and quality.


• Troubleshoots issues with machine and repairs as necessary.


• Completes log and transfer tickets.


• Looks for opportunities to improve processes and assists with implementation.


• Performs and assists with roll and die changes.


• Performs preventive maintenance on machine.


• Maintain work area in a neat and organized manner performing housekeeping duties.


• Attend and participate in safety, tool box and other meetings.


• Performs other duties as requested by supervisor/manager.

The qualifications listed above are guidelines.  Other combinations of education and experience could provide necessary knowledge, skills and abilities to perform this job.

 Education, Experience and Skills Required:

• Knowledge of plastic fabrication and the extrusion process.


• Strong mechanical aptitude and ability


• Ability to read and write English at an intermediate level


• Ability to perform intermediate math


• Ability to obtain a forklift license and operate it safely


• Ability to lift up to 50 lbs on an occasional basis.


• Visual acuity to discern and make quality decisions regarding material.


• Proficient computer skills

The qualifications listed above are guidelines.  Other combinations of education and experience could provide necessary knowledge, skills and abilities to perform this job.

Working Environment and Physical Aspects:

• May be exposed to temperature extremes.


• Regular exposure to loud noise requiring use of hearing protection.


• Requires the use of safety glasses


• Exposure to the smell of burnt plastic and dust.