What are the responsibilities and job description for the Production Lead- Panel Fabrication position at Aetna Building Solutions?
Aetna Building Solutions is one of the largest wholesale distributors of wood, wood-related, laminate, solid surface, and other industrial products in the country. We are a premier Midwest distributor with over 85 years in the industry. We are seeking a Production Lead- Panel Fabrication for a full-time position in our Rockford, IL location.
Production Lead- Panel Fabrication
Full-Time, Hourly
Rockford, IL location
Job Summary:
The Production Lead oversees the panel fabrication department, ensuring efficient production of high-pressure laminate panels consisting of HPL layers, substrate material and HPL backers. This role includes managing daily fabrication processes, verifying materials against work orders ("remans"), overseeing panel saw operations, and maintaining safety and quality standards.
Duties and Responsibilities:
Production Oversight & Coordination
- Lead and oversee the HPL panel fabrication department, ensuring production schedules align with material availability and customer requirements.
- Coordinate daily production activities, including laminate bonding, core preparation, and backer application.
- Read, interpret, and execute production work orders ("remans") accurately to ensure product specifications are met.
- Verify raw materials and components to match work orders before starting production.
- Monitor inventory levels, ensuring the necessary materials are available for scheduled production.
- Adjust production schedules dynamically based on material availability and changing customer priorities.
Panel Saw Operation & Cutting Oversight
- Supervise the panel saw operation, ensuring full-sized completed panels are cut to exact specifications as per customer orders.
- Ensure accurate measurements and quality control during the cutting process to prevent defects and material waste.
- Train and guide employees on safe and efficient panel saw operation, including troubleshooting issues.
Quality & Safety Compliance
- Maintain strict adherence to safety protocols and operational procedures to prevent workplace injuries.
- Ensure all fabrication processes meet industry standards and company quality control guidelines.
- Conduct inspections to verify panel consistency, edge quality, and proper bonding of HPL layers.
- Identify defects or production inconsistencies and take corrective actions to maintain product integrity.
- Keep the work environment safe, clean, and organized to comply with safety regulations.
Team Leadership & Training
- Manage, mentor, and train production staff on HPL fabrication techniques, material handling, and machine operation.
- Monitor and evaluate employee performance, providing coaching and support as needed.
- Enforce company policies and ensure all team members adhere to safety, quality, and production protocols.
- Foster a culture of teamwork, accountability, and continuous improvement.
Process Improvement & Troubleshooting
- Identify inefficiencies in the production process and implement strategies for improvement.
- Work closely with maintenance teams to ensure production equipment, including panel saws, is operating at peak performance.
- Troubleshoot fabrication and cutting issues quickly to minimize downtime and production delays.
Inventory & Material Management
- Oversee raw material handling, including HPL sheets, composite particle board cores, and backers.
- Ensure proper stock rotation and usage to reduce material waste and improve efficiency.
- Work with the supply chain team to track material levels, forecast needs, and prevent shortages.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:
- Strong knowledge of cold press/laminate fabrication, material verification and panel saw operations.
- Ability to read and understand production work orders.
- Experience with production scheduling and material / inventory management.
- Excellent problem solving, organizational and multitasking abilities.
- Strong communication and interpersonal skills to effectively lead and collaborate with teams.
- Experience with lean manufacturing, six sigma, ERP/MRP systems a plus.
- Prior work experience in automated or high-volume production setting helpful.
Supervisory Responsibilities:
- This position has no direct supervisory responsibilities.
Education and Experience:
- High School Diploma or equivalent; relevant experience preferred.
- 2 years of work experience in a manufacturing environment; panel fabrication or wood-based products a plus.
- Forklift experience preferred, forklift certification a plus.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and production-related software.
Physical Requirements:
- Ability to sit, stand walk and reach with hands and arms.
- Ability to work in a physically demanding environment, with varying hours as needed to meet production needs.
- Ability to lift, push or move up to 50 pounds.
Other Duties:
Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.
The hourly pay range for this position is $23.00 to $28.00 per hour, based on relevant experience. Aetna Plywood provides a comprehensive benefits package, including Major Medical, Dental, Vision, Life Insurance, a 401(k) plan, and Profit-Sharing opportunities
Salary : $23 - $28