Demo

Pre-Set Associate

Kruger Family Industries
Portage, WI Full Time
POSTED ON 10/31/2026
AVAILABLE BEFORE 11/30/2026

At Kruger Family Industries, parent company of Penda Corporation and TriEnda Holdings, our passion is to bring great products to life through an exceptional area of thermoformed solutions. We are the North America leader in heavy gauge thermoformed plastics. We are committed to delivering highly engineered, high quality material handling products and automotive accessories that reduce the weight and cost of traditional composite, fiberglass, wood and metal products, making this an opportunity to work in an innovative environment during an exciting growth phase. 

SUMMARY               

Responsible for pre-production set up and postproduction tear downs.  Involved with

mechanical set ups when needed and follows the daily tasks that are assigned by the

Set-Up Coordinator. 

 

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES include, but are not limited to, the following:

  • Must be able to work safely and consider the safety of others around them in the workplace at all times.
  • Preparation of tooling, plug assists, clamp frames, fixtures, rails, lift tables, Ibeams and any other job-related items ahead of the actual mold change.
  • Set up all required tools with all the proper fittings and mounting configuration for production.
  • Perform tear down of molds after production run along with anti-freezing and prepping mold for storage.
  • Must be responsible for one’s own work.
  • This position must also work to find ways to improve the set-up process, by reducing time and costs associated with performing set-ups, along with improving the quality of the process and quality of products produced.
  • Must be able to work within a fast-paced environment with multiple priorities.
  • Stage all tooling and required set up components at the in tool ready for production staging area prior to the required mold change.
  • Submit warehouse requests and stage tools in assigned area to be picked up and put into storage
  • Must possess a forklift license.
  • Must use ERP and Microsoft products for communication.
  • Must understand the Master Set Up Sheet process and system.
  • Perform any other assigned duties or job specific requests as required.
  • Follows the applicable Versatility Chart:
  • Perform all duties in compliance with regulatory requirements as well as company policies and procedures

 

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES 

This position has no supervisory responsibilities.  Nevertheless, the position may provide oversight and input to thermoforming, or other personnel involved directly or through the Production Supervisors, as it relates to shop activities for which this position is directly responsible. This position requires the individual to be a strong team player and an excellent communicator with a wide variety of people and positions.

 

QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily.  The requirements listed below 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. 

 

EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE

  • High school diploma or general education degree (GED). One to three years’ related experience and/or training; or equivalent combination of education and experience.
  • Knowledgeable in the basic functions of thermoforming machinery and able to monitor and adjust when needed during operation to optimize production output. 
  • This individual must be able to set up, tune in and run all thermoforming machines and support equipment.

 

LANGUAGE SKILLS

The ability to read, analyze, and interpret technical documents written in English is required.

 

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The physical demands described in this section are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.  While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to stand; use hands to finger, handle, or feel objects, tools, or controls; and talk or hear. The employee frequently is required to walk and reach with hands and arms. The employee must regularly lift and/or move up to 10 pounds, frequently lift and/or move up to 25 pounds, and occasionally lift and/or move up to 80 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.

 

WORK ENVIRONMENT

The work environment characteristics described in this section are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job.

 

The production area temperatures can fluctuate significantly based on the time of year.  The noise levels can be moderate to high.  The use of hearing protection and safety eyewear is required while on the production floor.  The use of additional specific safety equipment may be required.  The noise level in the office is usually quiet. The noise level in production is usually moderate.

 

WORK AVAILABLITY AND TRAVEL

Must have the ability to work all shift schedules, periodic overtime and be available for periodic weekend work.  Travel requirements: <10%

 

 

***Don't meet every single requirement? KFI is dedicated to building a diverse, well-rounded team and appreciate authentic backgrounds and experiences.. so if you think you'd be a good fit for what you just read, but your past experience doesn't align perfectly with every qualification listed, we encourage you to apply anyways! We are always willing to train those who are motivated to learn and you may be just the right candidate for a position with our growing company!***
 
 

KFI is an equal opportunity employer. All applicants will be considered for employment without attention to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran or disability status.

This is a direct-hire opportunity with KFI. KFI is interested in every qualified candidate who is eligible to work in the United States. However, we are not able to sponsor visas.

Salary.com Estimation for Pre-Set Associate in Portage, WI
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