Job Description: Extrusion Operator – APET / rPET Sheet Manufacturing
Job Title: Extrusion Operator
Department: Production / Manufacturing
Reports To: Operations Manager
Location: Bradford, West Yorkshire
Shift Pattern: Continental Shift Pattern, 12 hours per shift: 4 days on, 4 off, 4 Nights on, 4 off
Overview
We are seeking a skilled and safety-focused Extrusion Operator to support the manufacture of high-quality APET and rPET sheet products supplied into the thermoforming packaging sector. The successful candidate will be responsible for operating, monitoring, and optimising sheet extrusion lines to ensure consistent product quality, efficient production performance, and compliance with food packaging and recycling standards.
This role requires experience in polymer processing, extrusion operations, process control, and quality assurance within a fast-paced manufacturing environment.
Key Responsibilities
Set up, start up, operate, and shut down APET/rPET sheet extrusion lines safely and efficiently.
Monitor and control extrusion parameters including:
· temperatures
· pressures
· screw speeds
· melt quality
· gauge/profile control
· line speeds
· Ensure sheet products meet customer specifications for:
· thickness tolerance
· clarity
· colour
· surface finish
· mechanical performance
· Carry out product changeovers, material changes, and process adjustments to minimise downtime and waste.
· Monitor raw material handling systems including PET resin, regrind, and additives.
· Support recycling and reprocessing activities associated with rPET production.
· Perform routine quality inspections and record production/process data accurately.
· Identify and troubleshoot extrusion, downstream, and quality issues in a timely manner.
· Work closely with Quality, Maintenance, and Production teams to maximise OEE and line efficiency.
· Maintain housekeeping standards in accordance with GMP and food packaging requirements.
· Follow all health, safety, environmental, and operational procedures.
· Assist with preventative maintenance activities and basic mechanical troubleshooting.
· Ensure compliance with food-contact packaging standards and customer requirements.
· Contribute to continuous improvement initiatives relating to productivity, waste reduction, and process stability.
Required Skills & Experience
Essential
· Previous experience operating plastic sheet extrusion equipment, ideally within PET, APET, or rPET processing.
· Good understanding of extrusion process controls and polymer behaviour.
· Ability to interpret production specifications and quality standards.
· Experience using measurement and inspection equipment such as micrometers, thickness gauges, and visual quality systems.
· Strong problem-solving and fault-finding skills.
· Ability to work independently and as part of a production team.
· Good numeracy and record-keeping skills.
· Awareness of health & safety requirements within a manufacturing environment.
· FLT Licence (counterbalance) or competency.
Desirable
· Experience within food-grade packaging manufacturing.
· Knowledge of thermoforming sheet requirements and downstream converting processes.
· Familiarity with:
o co-extrusion systems
o vacuum systems
o crystallisers and drying systems
o gravimetric blending systems
o inline trimming and winding systems
Personal Attributes
· Safety-conscious with strong attention to detail.
· Reliable and quality-focused.
· Able to work under pressure in a continuous manufacturing environment.
· Proactive approach to process improvement and waste reduction.
· Flexible and willing to support operational requirements across shifts.
Working Environment
This role is based within small manufacturing facility producing APET/rPET sheet for thermoformed packaging applications. The environment includes:
· continuous extrusion processing equipment
· moving machinery
· elevated temperatures
· forklift traffic
· shift-based operations
· Appropriate PPE and training will be provided.
About the Company
A&K Ecofilm is a manufacturer of high-quality APET / rPET sheet products supplying the thermoforming packaging market. We are committed to product quality, sustainability, operational excellence.
Pay: £34,000.00-£40,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- Free parking
- On-site parking
Work Location: In person
