Adhesive Laminator Operator, Durban

To operate and maintain adhesive laminating machinery to produce high-quality laminated packaging materials used in the manufacture of woven and flexible packaging. The incumbent will ensure production targets, quality standards, safety requirements, and operational efficiencies are consistently achieved.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Machine Operation

1. Set up, operate, and monitor adhesive laminating machines according to production specifications.

2. Prepare and load substrates, films, adhesives, and other materials required for lamination.

3. Ensure correct machine settings for speed, tension, temperature, coating weight, and curing requirements.

4. Conduct machine start-ups, changeovers, and shutdown procedures.

5. Continuously monitor the laminating process to ensure optimal machine performance.

Production Control

1. Interpret and execute production orders, job cards, and work instructions.

2. Ensure production schedules and daily output targets are achieved.

3. Minimise downtime and material wastage during production runs.

4. Monitor adhesive consumption and report variances.

5. Maintain accurate production records and documentation.

Quality Assurance

1. Perform in-process quality inspections and checks.

2. Measure bond strength, adhesive application, laminate appearance, and product specifications.

3. Identify and correct defects such as delamination, wrinkles, bubbles, misalignment, and contamination.

4. Ensure finished products comply with customer and company quality standards.

5. Work closely with the Quality Department to investigate and resolve quality issues.

Equipment Maintenance

1. Perform routine machine inspections and preventative maintenance.

2. Conduct daily cleaning and housekeeping of laminating equipment and surrounding work areas.

3. Identify equipment faults and report maintenance requirements promptly.

4. Assist maintenance personnel during breakdown repairs and servicing.

Health, Safety and Environmental Compliance

1. Adhere to all company health and safety procedures.

2. Ensure safe handling and storage of adhesives, solvents, and raw materials.

3. Wear and maintain required PPE at all times.

4. Report safety hazards, incidents, and near misses immediately.

5. Maintain compliance with environmental and waste disposal procedures.

Teamwork and Communication

1. Liaise with Production Supervisors, Quality Controllers, Maintenance Technicians, and Warehouse personnel.

2. Participate in shift handovers and production meetings.

3. Provide feedback on process improvements and operational efficiencies.

4. Assist in training and mentoring junior operators when required.

REQUIREMENTS

1. Grade 12 (Matric).

2. Technical qualification in Manufacturing, Production, Mechanical Engineering, or related field will be advantageous.

3. Minimum 3 years' experience operating adhesive laminating machines within the flexible packaging industry.

4. Experience in woven sacks, BOPP laminated sacks, or flexible packaging manufacturing preferred.

5. Experience working with solvent-based, solventless, or water-based adhesive lamination processes.

6. Knowledge of adhesive lamination processes and packaging materials.

7. Understanding of films, substrates, woven polypropylene fabrics, and laminates.

8. Ability to read production specifications and technical documentation.

9. Knowledge of quality control procedures and testing methods.

10. Basic mechanical troubleshooting skills.

11. Understanding of manufacturing KPIs and production targets.

RUMUNERATION

Market Related – depending on qualification and experience