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.)