Overview
Salary Range $18.00 - $18.00 Hourly
Description
Job Title : Production Operator Department: Production
Classification: Hourly Non-Exempt Reports To: Production Supervisor
Job Summary:
As a Production Operator, you will work as part of a collaborative team to perform essential functions in the fabrication of garments within the apparel industry. Your role will involve operating machinery, preparing materials, and assembling components to ensure high-quality production output. You will cross-train in various tasks across different departments, enabling you to contribute to effective workflow management and flexibility in staffing. This cross-training will enhance your skill set and ensure that team members can support each other, particularly during peak production periods or staff shortages.
Education and Experience:
• None required for most positions. On-the-job training provided.
• Note: Prior sewing experience in industrial sewing required for sewing positions.
Primary Responsibilities:
• Follow verbal and written instructions to manipulate garment pieces according to orders.
• Follow production instructions and measurements appropriate for garment pieces.
• Operate Industrial machine(s) to produce quality results.
• Monitor and adjust industrial machinery for quality results.
• Adjust machines and clear jambs for optimal machine performance.
• Adjust garment pieces following product guidelines as needed.
• Report any defects or mechanical problems.
• Complete paperwork as needed.
• Follow all company policies and procedures regarding safety.
• All tasks assigned by production leadership team members.
Note: Production Operator positions are categorized in levels (L1, L2, L3, Lead) based upon the level of skills possessed by incumbents.
Focus Area
Specific Responsibilities
Marker Making
• Create markers for the patterns of all product lines within Elite, using Lectra software, maximizing use of fabric spread.
• Record and electronically maintain marker information pertaining to each order.  This includes color coded body parts and several fabric ply.
• Complete Marker Analysis.
• Read Tech Pack
• Create markers for all styles using Marker Manager
• Fabric Deductions in M3
• Team up with Cutting, Patterns, Bundling, plotting to problem solve if needed
• Maintain Electronic file space on network
Bundling
• Sort, group, and stack garment pieces by quantity, size, and color.
• Read and identify bundle sizes.
• Ability to read and recognize Bundle packets.
Spread and Cut
• Spread 1 or 2 pieces at a rate of 50 one pack orders per day.
• Proficiency in operating cutting machines and understanding fabric types
and patterns.
• Ability to lift and move fabric rolls, stand for long periods, and perform
repetitive tasks.
Sublimation Press/Sublimation Print
• Count and cut print paper against cut order.
• Separate sizes.
• Read cut orders, one printer machine.
• Press quality artwork on fabric for sublimation.
• Maintain machines to get optimal production.
Heat Seal
• Heat press to affix applications to garments.
• Read TechPack (recognize correct logo and piece, correct placement).
• Identify stock versus special order (heat seal or printing).
Stock with Embellishment Production
• Responsible for preparing, embellishing, and finishing stock items to meet production standards and customer specifications. This role involves operating machinery, applying decorative elements, and ensuring quality control throughout the production process. Check heat press machines for correct settings according to fabric.
Heat Transfer
• Place heat transfers on garments and operate a heat press machine to affix jewels to garments.
• Place stock placing (200/day) or heating, trim jewels.
• Pattern work.
• Differentiate jewels.
Jewels and Cams
• Operate the Cams machine or Spangle machine that create the jewel patterns that go on the garments.
• Run basic orders with simple colors and one number.
• Selection of correct patterns on the computer program.
• Ability to troubleshoot jewel patterns.
• Experience in working with computers.
Sewing
• Operate an industrial sewing machine to construct quality garments from bundled fabric pieces, based on the color picture or sample garment for each order.
• Perform thread changes, sewing machine adjustments and simple cleaning of sewing machine.
• Possess knowledge of linear measurements.
• Visual acuity to differentiate between colors.
Laser Jewels
• Use a specified laser jewelling machine.
• Apply jewels to garments while following pattern.
Glue
• The Fabric Gluer is responsible for applying adhesives to various types of fabrics, ensuring high-quality adhesion and finishing in accordance with production specifications. This role requires attention to detail, adherence to safety protocols, and the ability to operate gluing machinery effectively.
ZigZag
• Ability to operate an industrial zig zag sewing machine to sew appliques onto garments.
• Ability to operate merrow machine.
Laser Cut
• Run laser machine at ½” standard.
• Run 1-ply.
• Receive one-piece orders from Fabric pulling.
• Spread fabric, cut, enter order number into computer.
Embroidery/Bridge Laser
• Operate computerized embroidery machine to apply applications to garments.
• Ability to measure and frame garments.
• Load logos, identify colors.
• Identify correct measurements.
• Hoop garment.
• Apply customized applications to the garment.
QC –
Inspection
Trimming/Packer
Inspection
• Meticulous examination of garments.
• Confirm embellishment design matches paperwork (placement, adherence, color, consistency.
• Common knowledge of measurements for confirmation per design.
Trimming/Packer
• Complete all trim work on garments by trimming access threads before final inspection.
• Ability to work with an electric trimming machine.
• Packer – process sizing sample garments that were returned by customers.
• Organize garments by size to be pulled or stored.
Stock with Embellishment Order Processing
• Run schedule of orders that are received.
• Process incoming orders for stock garments with embellishments.
• Monitor and manage inventory levels of stock garments and embellishment materials.
• Work with the production and embellishment teams to schedule and prioritize orders.
Skills and Abilities:
• Basic reading and math skills, including knowledge of linear measurements.
• Computer skills.
• Ability to interpret construction information from garment paperwork and samples.
• Ability to accurately count items.
• Visual acuity to differentiate between colors.
• Ability to complete tasks assigned in a timely manner, with moderate supervision.
• Ability to communicate effectively with peers and management.
• Reliable, with a track record of good attendance.
Physical Demands:
• Frequently sitting or standing.
• Frequent lifting up to 5 pounds; infrequent lifting up to 15 pounds.
• Occasional bending.
• Occasional standing, walking, and carrying up to 2 pounds.
• Infrequent pushing and pulling of cart, up to 10 pounds of force.
• Manual de+xterity of fingers and hands.
Work Environment:
• This job is performed in a warehouse environment.
• Exposure to varying warehouse temperatures and distractions.