Production Assistant - Bar Lines bei Ohio Gratings, Inc.

The Production Assistant supports plant operations by assisting with material handling, machine setup, and general production tasks. This entry-level role provides exposure to multiple areas of fabrication and production while establishing a foundation for future advancement.

SUMMARY: The Production Assistant is responsible for supporting production processes through material movement, equipment assistance, basic setup activities, and general shop support as directed. This position provides broad exposure across plant operations and develops essential skills in safety, quality, and efficiency. The Production Assistant role establishes the foundation for career growth within fabrication, laser operations, press operations, or other specialized positions.

As a faith-based organization rooted in biblical principles, we strive to reflect these values in our work, relationships, and decision-making. We expect all associates to learn, embrace, and actively model our core values through their actions, choices, and collaboration with others. This commitment is essential to sustaining our culture and achieving shared success.

This job description does not describe all activities, duties, responsibilities, or physical demands that are required of the employee for this job.  Likewise, the work environment described is merely representative. Duties, responsibilities, activities, physical demands, and work environment may change at any time with or without notice.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES/RESPONSIBILITIES: 

• Assist with material handling, staging, and loading/unloading of steel and other materials to support assigned production areas.
• Provide support during machine setup and operation across multiple production departments.
• Perform basic tasks such as part inspection, deburring, sorting, labeling, and packaging of materials or finished goods.
• Support production flow by moving parts, scrap, and consumables between workstations and storage areas.
• Assist operators and fabricators in routine duties while learning fundamental machine processes and plant operations.
• Maintain a clean and organized work area to promote safety, efficiency, and production flow.
• Complete accurate ERP transactions for material usage, production reporting, and time tracking to support inventory accuracy and cost control.
• Meet or exceed established productivity and quality standards that support departmental Key Performance Indicators (KPIs), ensuring efficient and accurate job performance.
• Consistently apply safe work practices in accordance with company policies to promote a zero lost time environment and maintain a safe workplace.

EDUCATION, WORK EXPERIENCE, AND PROFICIENCIES: A high school diploma or equivalent is required. One to two years of prior manufacturing experience is preferred, with an emphasis on material handling, machine support, or general production tasks. Candidates should have the ability to follow instructions, learn processes, and work effectively under supervision. Basic math skills and familiarity with measurement tools are expected. The role requires the physical capability to safely perform tasks such as lifting, moving materials, and operating shop equipment as trained. A strong work ethic, reliability, and willingness to cross-train across multiple production areas are essential for success.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS: The physical demands described here 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 will encounter repetitive movement tasks, requiring standing, walking, stooping, bending, reaching, grasping, pushing, and pulling grating material of various sizes and weights for long periods of time. The employee must regularly lift or move up to 50 pounds and occasionally lift or move up to 75 pounds, using proper lifting techniques, help from another employee, or other available resources such as lifting or moving equipment. The role also requires the ability to take stairs, work around constantly moving machinery, and exposure to weather elements.

WORK ENVIRONMENT: The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. The employee will be regularly working on the production floor, requiring the use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE). Exposure to noise, dust, heat, and cold is regular, as is exposure to machine and tool hazards requiring care and attention to safety rules and standards.

EEO STATEMENT: Our company provides equal employment opportunities to all applicants without regard to race, color, religion, gender, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic or status protected under local, state, or federal laws.