Our Story

KLN Family Brands is a 3rd generation family-owned business that started in 1964 with its corporate headquarters located in Perham, MN, in the heart of MN lakes country. Together, our companies manufacture a diverse and expanding range of high-quality human and pet food products.

At KLN Family Brands, our vision is that “We are a proud people-first company. We are successful because of trust-based relationships and first-rate products for our families and friends. We better the world by caring for others. We challenge. We grow. We inspire.”

Some companies have to “fudge the story” a little. Some need the extra “spin” to shine a positive light on themselves. That’s not who we are at KLN Family Brands, and that’s not what we do. We tell the story of our brand – our people, the quality of our products, our spirit & moxie, our tradition, and the way we treat our community & beyond. We do it in a genuine way because we genuinely believe we’re a pretty amazing company.

The Opportunity

Extruder Operator

RESPONSIBILITIES

Essential Duties:

• Review and follow daily production schedule verifying against their product information sheets for accuracy

• Communicate with dry ingredient personnel as to which materials should be used for their immediate production needs

• Coordinate with slurry operators to verify which liquid products are being made

• Operate the extruder and monitor ancillary equipment to produce products that meet the desired specifications set forth by the Quality Assurance Department

• Visually inspect and save samples throughout all runs to be taken to the Quality Control Lab for final analysis

• Responsible to record operation parameters and turn in at the end of each shift

• Monitor all feed formulas presented to them for color, odor and grind notifying supervisor of anything that looks out of specification

• Cleaning systems as required between production runs

• Setting up die plates for each different run and monitoring knife wear

• Proficient in using batch logic system

• Able to operate cutters, grillers, ovens and other equipment used in the extrusion department

• Calibrate process flow monitors prior to each run

• Daily clean up and sanitation of extruder area

• Involved in weekly cleaning of extrusion area

• Notify maintenance of any unusual equipment noises or failures

• Train new departmental employees

• Will perform miscellaneous duties as assigned by Supervisor

Additional Responsibilities:

• Cross Train in dry ingredient receiving on operation of dry ingredient system

• Cross Train in slurry room to understand general operation of slurry making process

SAFETY

• Attend safety trainings

• Follow all safety instructions and policies

• Report any injuries or near miss accidents to supervisor

• Report any unsafe acts or conditions to supervisor

• Wear required PPE that is determined by site

ENVIRONMENTAL

• Keep work area clean and free of debris

FOOD SAFETY

• Maintain all sanitation schedules

• Attend food safety trainings

• Follow all GMPs and food safety instructions

• Report food safety non-conformances to supervisor

JOB QUALIFICATIONS

• General mathematical ability

• Experience or training up to 1 month or more

• Self-motivation

• Learning, memorizing and executing a sequence of procedures

• Good hand – eye coordination

• Willing and able to get along with others – Good team player

• Good judgment and reasoning abilities

• Ability to drive forklift and pass certification exam

• Basic computer skills

PHYSICAL SPECIFICATIONS

• Lifting up to 80 pounds

• Continuous standing and walking

• Continuous bending, stooping, carrying, lifting, pushing and pulling

• Frequently climbing and reaching above shoulder level

• Occasionally squatting

• Working at times in a hot or cool environment