Company Overview

Gemstar Manufacturing® has been a leading manufacturer of custom plastic parts and protective hard cases for over 60 years and operates under two business unit brands. Gemstar Custom Part Solutions is a full-service manufacturer providing solutions to unique custom plastic part needs. Gemstar Protective Hard Cases offers four rugged case lines: Stronghold®, RoboRack®, Sentinel®, and VersaPro®. For more information, visit www.gemstarmfg.com.

Gemstar Manufacturing is a division of Gemini, Inc., a second-generation, family-owned wholesale manufacturer of dimensional signage.

Gemstar is looking for an experienced 1st Shift - Machine Operator to join the team at our location in Cannon Falls, MN! The position is responsible for the set up and operation of Gemstar's roto-molding equipment to produce parts per specifications pertaining to size, warpage, and aesthetics.. Come be a part of a positive, people-first culture that is focused on leveraging each team members’ strengths to help bring our customer’s unique products to life.

Wage Range: USD $20.75 - $27.47 per Hour

Location: Cannon Falls, MN

Type: Full Time – On-site
Schedule: 5/8 hour days 6:00 AM to 2:30 PM (Monday through Friday)

- Overtime is scheduled as needed.

A day in the life of a Thermoform Machine Operator at Gemstar includes:

- Sets up and operates thermoforming machines, including inserting proper molds and vacuum boxes, establishing proper heating and cooling cycles to ensure uniform part structures as indicated by work order and/or blueprints.
- Ensures that the selected mold has all required options such as stacking ribs, feet, name plates and logos.
- Sets up operations for various processes including routing, drilling, and trimming.
- Places plastic sheets in comet machine, and activates heating, forming, and cooling cycles.
- Removes formed sheet from the press, and places additional material in the press for further cycling.
- Trims the formed material to prescribed size by use of band or table saws and cleans edges by a deburring process.
- Visually inspects completed parts to ensure acceptable quality and may apply bondo to holes or scars on shells in order to repair or improve the appearance of the part.
- Returns molds to the proper storage area after completion of the production cycles.
- Maintains an accurate count of parts produced and rejected during the shift and makes appropriate entries on production records.
- Places parts in an orderly pile and forwards parts to the next following production stage.
- Cuts scrap material for disposal and maintains a neat and orderly work area at all times.
- Provides maintenance on presses including lubricating and replacing cylinders as necessary.
- Constantly looks for means of improving the efficiency of the process in terms of inventory or use of materials.
- Cuts blanks from sheet stock as required in preparation for daily production requirements.
- Boxes and marks all ABS parts as required.
- Performs duties in a safe manner and always follows approved safety procedures.
- Maintains an effective working relationship with fellow employees.
- Always maintains department in a neat and orderly manner.
- Aware of ISO standards and Gemstar’s quality management system.
- May perform reasonably similar or related duties as assigned.

Skills and Abilities

High level of mechanical aptitude

Education and Experience

High School Diploma/GED

Preferred Qualifications

Previous manufacturing experience preferred.

This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee. Other duties, responsibilities and activities may change or be assigned at any time with or without notice.

The actual title and individual compensation packages are dependent upon various factors unique to each candidate including skillset, training, transferable skills, work experience, qualifications, business needs, market demands, and other job-related reasons. The base pay range is subject to change and may be modified in the future. This role is eligible for other benefits.

How we show we care

$0 Health Insurance Premium for Employee-Only Coverage (Plus low-cost premiums for other coverage levels!)
4% Retirement Match with Profit Sharing
Generous Paid Time Off (Vacation, Holiday, Parental, Volunteer, and Sick)
Dental, Vision, Disability and Life Insurance
Get Paid Weekly
Use of Company Owned Resort in Hayward, WI
Tuition Reimbursement Program

About Us

As a leader in the signage manufacturing industry, Gemini, Inc. has been providing stability to our employees since 1963. We know what it means to be human, and we strive to make sure our employees feel valued. Due to our incredible family of employees, we have grown substantially and are looking to grow our team further with like-minded individuals that share in our company values: Customer Commitment, Teamwork, Respect, Diversity, Stability, Stewardship. At the heart of our work is a simple but powerful vision: Successful Partners. Engaged People. Thriving Communities. This vision guides how we show up every day for our customers, for one another, and for the communities we call home.