Utility

OVERVIEW:

The Utility role is responsible for performing various activities in a fast-paced, repetitive environment necessary in the production of pillows and comforters across multiple departments with accuracy and speed to achieve company expectations necessary in order to meet and exceed customer demands. Associates in this role may function as a pillow bagger, making boxes, packing, filling tanks or hoppers with correct materials for production, using a pillow stuffer device, or other similar roles. 

This position places a strong significance on effective teamwork, clear communication, sound judgment, safety orientation, achieving and maintaining production efficiency and a dedication to the quality of our product.  

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Ensure that the quality of the product meets the product specifications. 
• Observes all Safety Rules and responsible for maintaining a clean and safe work area.
• Performs duties of general help and job assignments as required. 

All Live Comfortably associates play a crucial role in meeting our customer requirements and are expected after initial training to perform with minimal supervision. Associates may be asked to assist with other duties and work in other departments when needed to meet those requirements.

Bagger:

Insert polyester or blown fiber tic into plastic pillow cover.  

• Ensures bag in hand is designated for product being bagged or packed.
• Labels are facing proper direction.
• Soiled or inferior product is placed aside, and if is excessive, supervisor is immediately notified.
• Hits pillow on flat surface to ensure smooth and even fiber distribution in tic.
• Places zipper covers and poly bags over filled interlinings or cores.  Distributes feather or down in filled comforter shells, folds and places in vinyl bags.
• When required, perform metal detection with wand for applicable customers. 

Fiber Filler:

Inserts pillow cover and/or bag on pillow stuffing device which allows fiber bat or completed pillow to slide into cover and or bag from machine. Places filled pillow on additional conveyor to send to sewing stations. May work in tandem with another fiber filler or alone based on machine speed. 

• Ensures proper filling product is being used.
• Being observant of foreign matter in filling material and reporting same to supervisor.
• Responsible for overall appearance of pillow being filled.

Packer:

A Packer is responsible for Packing/Boxing Finished Goods (FG) in cardboard boxes of various sizes, so they can be scanned and moved to the Finished Goods Warehouse or directly onto container or trailer.

• Meet productivity standards
• Neatly pack various styles and sizes of pillows and/or comforters in proper carton with correct pillow count, close flaps, and properly tape carton closed – or – place in box in correct manner needed for auto packing process based on location 
• Makes certain finished product in hand is designated for product being packed.
• Place any soiled or inferior product aside and if excessive, notify supervisor immediately.
• May use the compression machine based on product specifications May be required to mark and label boxes using marking tools and/or stamps.
• Place scannable content label in proper location based on customer specifications. 
• May oversee the auto-packing process Stack cartons four to six feet high (depending on carton size) and move to designated location or place individual box on conveyor based on plant process.

REQUIREMENTS, SKILLS & QUALIFICATIONS   

• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision
• Ability to read, write and follow directions 
• Ability to work repetitive jobs at a fast pace.
• Physical stamina in order to stand and handle materials for extended periods

Experience and Proficiency in Competencies necessary to be successful in role:

• Strong teamwork with ability to Establish and Maintain Relationships in a professional manner
• Exhibits a High Sense of Urgency and works well under pressure
• Possess a Positive Manner and Approach
• Practices Sound Judgement
• Adaptable and Flexible
• High level of Reliability to include maintaining good attendance.

Disclaimer: The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this classification. They are not to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of personnel so classified. All associates may be required to perform duties outside of their normal responsibilities from time to time, as needed.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS 

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an Associate to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.  

While performing the duties of this job, the associate spends most of time standing. Also required to walk; use hands to finger, handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms and maneuver around production equipment throughout the shift.  The Associate is occasionally required to balance., stoop and bends regularly to move/lift material or equipment (typically less than 50 lbs). 

Specific vision abilities required for this job include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and ability to adjust and focus.

WORK ENVIRONMENT 

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an Associate encounters while performing the essential functions of this job.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Manufacturing / Production Floor: While performing the duties of this job, the Associate is frequently exposed to moving mechanical parts.  The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate however there may be areas designated as Hearing Protection required and provided earplugs are mandatory in those areas. 

Not all areas of the plant and warehouse are climate controlled and exposure to heat and/or cold can occur. The Associate is frequently exposed to dust and floating particles used in the manufacturing, storage and inventory of raw materials and finished goods. 

Safety Statement:

It is the policy of this company to ensure a safe, healthy workplace for all its associates.   All associates are expected and encouraged to participate in safety and health program activities including the following: reporting hazards, unsafe work practices and accidents immediately to their supervisors or a safety committee representative; wearing required personal protective equipment; and participating in and supporting safety committee activities.

EEO/Vet Disabled:

Live Comfortably is a drug free workplace and an equal opportunity employer. Live Comfortably is committed to providing equal employment opportunity in all employment practices, including but not limited to, selection, hiring, promotion, transfer, and compensation to all qualified applicants and associates without regard to age, race, color, national origin, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, handicap or disability, genetics, citizenship status, service member or veteran status, or any other category protected by federal, state, or local law.