Needlepunch Operator

PURPOSE

To **run the allocated Jobs to Needle Punch machine**, to **produce product** according to the **shift production plan**, in line with the agreed **quality standards** and **product specifications** during an allocated shift to ensure that Belgotex Customer Service, Volume and operational efficiencies are realized through efficient production, adherence to plan and high-quality output of manufactured product.

SPAN OF CONTROL

This role is responsible for producing Needle Punch product on the allocated machines during the shift.

KEY ACCOUNTABILITIES & OUTPUTS

Production Management - Deep Focus
- **Run Needle Punch **Machine / Machines to produce product to achieve the shift production plan (volumes across all the machines) ensuring **product specifications** and **quality standards** are adhered to. This including:

- Ensuring the selvages are kept equal on both sides
- Cleaning of Machines
- Drawing of bales from the holding area
- Add or subtract weight of fibre from bales that is not required
- Load bales onto conveyor belt
- Mixing of spin finish
- Check that the product is blended before blowing from silo to Hopper box
- Ensure that the correct machine settings are being used and that there is mínimal wastage
- Do weight checks and quality checks for every batch
- Ensure that the mother roll has the correct details captured on CAMS with comments EG, joins and attach the label on the correct side of the mother roll
- Constantly check for potential faults on the product and correct before occurring
- Ensuring raw materials are according to works order
- Checking of weight and colour
- Constantly monitor and correct the **Grade 2, off quality and other waste** levels produced during the shift and take corrective action to decrease the levels. Be able to answer to and account for any Needle Punch faults that go through to the backing plant
- Perform Colour change and Needle board change when required
- Monitor production **OEE** within targeted parameters, document any downtime on the machines and take correct action to ensure that machines **downtime** is minimized.
- Work with the Shift Supervisor to keep them informed of any maintenance and repairs issues that may impact downtime now or in the future this includes:

- Defects in the air lines
- Electrical issues
- Mechanical issues
- Set up and conduct change overs

Production Metrics
- Track all production made during the shift against the production plan and be able to supply the Shift Supervisor with an update
- Track Grade 2, off quality and other waste levels during shift production to look for trends and work with the Shift Supervisor to find long term solutions

Stakeholder relationships
- Attend daily shift team briefings and relay critical information to the Shift Supervisor to be constantly updated of issues requiring attention
- Constantly update the shift supervisor on quality standards and product specific issues during the shift
- Work with the other shift operators to implement solutions to quality defects or product specification issues detected

Reporting and Documentation
- Ensure that all processes, recipes, and production specifications are **documented** into required SOP and process flow formats and stored centrally as per agreed document management system.
- Ensure the most up to date SOPs and _transactional documentation_ are followed to ensure consistency of process
- Work with the Shift Supervisor to implement **continuous improvement** processes to improve output, reduce variability and manage operational constraints

Safety, Health, Environment - We Tread Softly
- Perform all shift activities that ensure compliance with applicable safety, health and environment legislation and audit requirements
- Report any safety defects to the Shift Supervisor
- Clean the Needle Punch department to ensure that housekeeping standards are always maintained
- Ensure housekeeping is kept to **5S standards**

Follow any reasonable work instruction as may be required from time to time.

**REQUIREMENTS**:
Knowledge and skill
- Ability and skill to operate the Needle Punch machine according to quality standards and product specifications
- Must not be colour blind
- General understanding of the Needlepunch process
- Must have good vision (to see the finer details in carpet manufacturing)
- Working knowledge of ISO 9001, 14001,18001 is an advantage
- At least 6 months production experience in Needlepunch.

Competencies (at an individual contributor level)
- **Valuing Differences** - Working effectively with individuals of diverse cultures, interpersonal styles, abilities, motivations, or backgrounds; seeks out and uses unique abilities, insights, and ideas from diverse individuals.
- **Work standards** - Setting high standards of performance for self and others; assuming responsibility and accountability for successfully completing assignments or tasks; self-imposing standards of excellence rather than having standards imposed.
- **Earn