Material Handler (Labor Pool)

The Material Handler is responsible for the safe, efficient movement, receipt, storage, and staging of raw materials and finished goods within the tissue/paper/pulp mill. This position requires a highly experienced forklift operator with strong skills in dock receiving , automated palletizers , and Automated Guided Vehicles (AGVs) . The role supports continuous production, inventory accuracy, shipping accuracy, and overall mill efficiency.

Key Responsibilities Forklift & Material Handling Operations

• Safely operate industrial forklifts (sit‑down, stand‑up, reach, clamp/roll-handling, or high-capacity trucks)
• Transport raw materials, paper rolls, packaging supplies, and finished goods throughout production, warehouse, and dock areas
• Load and unload materials from trailers, railcars (if applicable), conveyors, palletizers, and production lines
• Stage materials to ensure uninterrupted production and shipping flow

Dock Receiving & Inbound Logistics

• Receive inbound raw materials, packaging, and supplies at shipping/receiving docks
• Unload trailers using forklifts while ensuring load stability and product integrity
• Verify deliveries against bills of lading, packing slips, and purchase orders
• Inspect incoming materials for damage, shortages, or quality issues and report discrepancies
• Accurately scan, label, and record received materials into the warehouse or inventory management system (WMS/MES/SAP)
• Assign and transport received materials to correct storage locations or production staging areas
• Maintain dock organization, traffic flow, and housekeeping standards
• Coordinate with shipping, production, and procurement teams regarding delivery schedules and material availability

Palletizer, AGV & Automated Systems Operation

• Operate and monitor automated palletizer systems supporting finished goods production
• Interface with AGVs (Automated Guided Vehicles) to ensure proper routing, staging, and material flow
• Clear palletizer jams, replenish pallets/stretch wrap, and perform minor troubleshooting
• Communicate equipment or system issues promptly to maintenance and supervision

Inventory & Production Support

• Perform cycle counts, inventory verification, and material reconciliations
• Ensure proper product identification, labeling, and traceability
• Support shipping operations by staging outbound loads and assisting with trailer loading
• Communicate effectively with production operators, warehouse staff, and supervisors

Safety, Quality & Compliance

• Follow all Kruger Products safety standards, OSHA regulations, and site-specific procedures
• Conduct pre‑shift forklift and equipment inspections
• Adhere to traffic patterns, dock safety procedures, and lock-out/tag-out awareness
• Handle all materials in accordance with quality and damage-prevention standards
• Maintain clean, organized work areas using 5S and lean manufacturing principles
• Participate in safety meetings, audits, and continuous improvement initiatives

Required Qualifications

• Minimum 2–3 years of forklift experience in a manufacturing, warehouse, or mill environment
• Demonstrated experience with dock receiving and unloading operations
• Proven ability to safely handle high-volume or large-format materials (paper rolls, pallets, bulk packaging)
• Experience operating or working around palletizers and automated material handling systems
• Ability to read and interpret shipping documents, labels, and work orders
• Willingness to work rotating shifts, overtime, weekends, and holidays

Preferred Qualifications

• Previous experience in a tissue, paper, or pulp mill environment
• Forklift certification (or ability to achieve certification upon hire)
• Clamp truck or roll-handling experience
• Familiarity with WMS/SAP or manufacturing execution systems
• Strong mechanical aptitude and problem-solving skills

Physical & Work Environment Requirements

• Ability to lift up to 50 lbs and handle bulky or awkward materials
• Prolonged periods of sitting, standing, walking, bending, and operating powered equipment
• Work in a manufacturing environment with noise, dust, heat, and moving machinery
• Required use of PPE (safety shoes, hearing protection, gloves, hard hat, etc.)