Jobs at Lassonde Pappas & Company, Inc. (Now Hiring) — 11 open

PAY INCENTIVES:

Lassonde Pappas & Co. is a US Leader in beverage manufacturing dedicated to our team members, customers and consumers satisfaction. We remain committed to our small-town roots and rural values. Hardworking and caring are qualities that make our teams special. Since 1942, we’ve been producing delicious products for our customers across the country!

To provide the best for our customers, we focus on building the best team by creating and advancing an inclusive environment amongst our diverse workforces. If you’re passionate about customer satisfaction, reliable, and committed to being and doing better, join us! 

We value each of our employees’ total wellbeing. To support employees in all stages of their wellness journey, we have a robust benefits program including medical, dental, and vision coverage options, growth and development potential, along with 401-K, Life & Disability Insurance, PTO, Tuition Reimbursement, Health Fairs, Gym Membership Discounts, and so much more!

POSITION SUMMARY

The Production Machine Operator reports to the Production Supervisor and is based out of our Hendersonville, North Carolina location. This individual will be responsible for ensuring the hot fill production equipment runs smoothly, functions within specification, and produces the products scheduled for the shift while ensuring a quality product is produced and all safety and food safety requirements are followed.

The primary function of this position is to operate hot fill downstream equipment, including fillers, cappers, labelers, cooling systems, conveyors, and palletizers.

The operator must always wear and/or use all prescribed safety equipment, procedures, and processes.

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES (essential functions of the job)

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Operate the hot fill line equipment

  • Verify proper product temperature, fill levels, flow rates, and cooling parameters
  • Monitor and adjust equipment to maintain product quality and safety standards
  • Follow cleaning schedules and replenish materials as needed

• Operate the labeling equipment on the hot fill line

  • Load labels and verify label application accuracy
  • Enter production data in Sherlock
  • Verify printer operation, ink levels, coding accuracy, and application speed
  • Follow changeover, shutdown, and cleaning (CIP) procedures

• Operate the filling and capping systems

  • Verify correct recipe selection, bottle type, caps, and packaging materials
  • Ensure proper sealing, torque, and container integrity
  • Monitor for leaks, defects, or contamination risks

• Operate the palletizer on the hot fill line

  • Verify packaging size, correct film, case coding/labels, pallet patterns, and wrapping
  • Ensure correct pallet type and accurate case counts per pallet
  • Confirm finished pallets are properly labeled and ready for distribution

• Ensure compliance with company policies and standards for cost control, waste reduction, product quality, food safety (GMP, HACCP, SQF), and employee safety

• Detect equipment malfunctions or out-of-tolerance conditions and adjust machine controls accordingly

• Perform equipment setup for daily production, including mechanical setup and recipe verification

• Monitor critical control points (CCPs), including temperature, hold times, and cooling processes

• Hear alarms and respond quickly to prevent downtime or product loss

• Monitor machine operations to prevent downtime and maintain efficiency

• Troubleshoot machinery when product quality issues or equipment malfunctions occur

• Follow startup and shutdown procedures for all equipment related to hot fill production systems

• Communicate issues with supervisors, maintenance, quality control personnel, and other operators

• Record production data such as cycles, downtime, faults, and quality checks in Sherlock

• Inspect finished product to ensure it meets quality and safety standards

• Follow GMP protocols in and around the hot fill production area

• Follow all safety rules and requirements

• Perform general housekeeping duties to maintain a clean work environment

• Clean and sanitize floors and equipment as required during shifts

• Perform other similar or related duties as requested or assigned

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

Minimum Required Qualifications

• High School diploma or equivalent
• 5 years of manufacturing experience as a machine operator

Additional Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in the food/beverage industry (hot fill experience preferred)
• Excellent time management skills
• Strong verbal and written communication skills (English)
• Mechanically inclined
• Comfortable with technology and computers
• Detail-oriented with the ability to multi-task
• Proven organizational skills