Blending Operator (3rd Shift)

Westlake Pipe & Fittings, a Westlake division (NYSE:WLK), is one of the largest polyvinyl chloride pipe and fittings manufacturer in North America. With 23 manufacturing and distribution locations, the company supplies gasketed, solvent weld and restrained joint pipes and a wide range of fittings for a diverse list of markets including municipal water and sewer, plumbing, water well, pool and spa, and agricultural and turf irrigation. Westlake Pipe & Fittings is an industry leader in product development with Certa-Lok® spline-lock technology and product systems that are focused on building A Better Foundation. To learn more, visit the website at WestlakePipe.com and follow us on LinkedIn and Facebook. 

SUMMARY

A Blender operates all equipment and selects materials required to provide consistent material to extruders and maintain blend inventory.  The Blender is also responsible for the regrind operations and maintaining the proper amount regrind to maintain the extruding operation.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

May include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Perform the primary thinking encompassed by this job description.
• Comply with all Company policies and procedures.
• Perform all duties and responsibilities required in blending and regrind areas.
• Set the mixer system to properly produce compound needed for production.
• Have the ability to recognize all ingredients and materials visually.
• Weigh all ingredients to the designated specifications.
• Make proper machine adjustments and perform minor maintenance to ensure consistent quality blends, safe operation and optimum output of compounding system.
• Complete all reports and paperwork.
• Transport loads of materials with forklift.
• When needed, must be able to climb silos.
• May be required to load and unload resin/compound from railcars.
• Perform basic preventative maintenance as needed.
• Keep area clean, safe and organized.
• Must meet specified performance requirements of the job.
• Responsible for the blend operation - keeping micro ingredient hoppers filled, setting batch scales, using correct formulas, and keeping accurate written records.
• Must be capable of operating, reading, and understanding all controls and warning devices on the blend control panel and system, along with making proper adjustments for blending the product within manufacturing standards.
• Make routine inspections of mixing operation, mixer system and silos.
• Will perform daily inspection (on each shift) on all blend-related equipment using inspection form, and notifying supervision and maintenance immediately for any material leaks that are discovered inside or outside.
• Will keep upper and lower blend rooms, silos and surrounding areas, railcar siding, and push/pull clean of powdered materials to contain the powder and prevent release of material into the air.

• Will assist in the month end inventory to include counting raw materials, blended materials, and components.  Attention to detail is a must.
• Write work orders to get equipment repaired.
• Must be safety conscious, obey all safety rules and promote consistent safety with all employees.
• Performs any additional work as assigned by Blending Leader or management.

EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE AND QUALIFICATIONS

• Position requires license to operate fork truck, LOTO Authorized & Fall Protection.
• Intermediate knowledge of computers and Microsoft Office. 
• Ability to read and comprehend simple instructions in English. Communication skills (written and verbal) and be able to work well with operators, shift leaders and office personnel.  Shares information with co-workers as needed.
• Ability to read a tape measure, add and subtract two-digit numbers and to multiply and divide with 10's and 100's.  Ability to perform these operations using units of American money and weight measurement, volume, and distance.
• Ability to apply common sense understanding to carry out detailed but uninvolved written or oral instructions.  Ability to deal with problems involving a few concrete variables in standardized situations.
• To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to stand; walk; use hands to touch, handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms; climb or balance; stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl; and talk or hear.  The employee is occasionally required to sit.  The employee must regularly lift and/or move up to 40-50 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly exposed to moving mechanical parts.  The employee is occasionally exposed to wet and/or humid, hot and cold conditions, fumes or airborne particles, toxic or caustic chemicals, outside weather conditions, risk of electrical shock, and vibration.  The noise level in the work environment is usually loud.