Thank you for applying with Blair Companies.  Please read below for general information on Blair's policies and benefits.  A full job description for this position is at the very bottom. 
-------

WHAT DOES BLAIR DO?
Since its inception as Central Blair Electric in 1959, Blair Companies has expanded into 21 diverse businesses, including the Image Group with signs, fixtures, lighting and architectural imaging; the Development Group with electrical, construction, coal resources and real estate; and the Venture Group, with stakes in a wide variety of local businesses. Blair's nearly 2000 associates are heavily concentrated in Central PA, and together serve the largest companies around the world.  We believe our greatest asset is our hard-working loyal team of local people.  With a view of four generations and growing, we see our company and community as a deeply intertwined family.

Our Image Group main manufacturing plant is located in Altoona, PA, however we have offices in other parts of the country.  We also have a business relationship with partners in Germany, Australia, and China.  We have approximately 450 employees, on two or three shifts.  We provide the following products and services:

    Interior and exterior signage
    Fixtures and Millwork
    Lighting and Logistics
    Architectural Imaging
    Project Management
    Permit Procurement
    Engineering
    Manufacturing
    Installation and Service

WILL YOU FIT INTO BLAIR'S CULTURE?
We strive at Blair Companies to create a culture that provides ongoing rewards and career opportunities for our employees.  Feedback from our employees has demonstrated that there are many things within a job that contribute to employee satisfaction.  Does the employee feel fairly compensated with an opportunity to share in the company's success?  Does the employee feel there are opportunities for advancement?  Does he or she feel respected?  Does the company provide benefits that are meaningful to the employee and enriches their lives?  Does the employee have a supervisor who supports them?  All these, and more, contribute to overall satisfaction.  With this in mind, please see below for a brief overview of the benefits and policies that exist at Blair:

Training
Blair focuses heavily on career development for our employees, providing both internal and external training to help further our employees' professional growth.  We most often promote from within to provide a rich career environment.  

Drugs and Alcohol
Blair does not tolerate drugs and alcohol on the premises, or the use of either while working.  We have the following polices in place: Pre-Employment Testing, Post-Accident Testing , Reasonable Suspicion Testing,  CDL Driver Testing, Random Screening

Health Insurance
Eligible to join the first day of the month after 90 days of employment.  Blair shares cost of premium for family or individual coverage.

Life Insurance
Eligible to join the first day of the month after 90 days of employment.  Company funded life insurance, with the option to sign up for additional insurance paid for by the employee.  Includes spouse and children also.

Flexible Spending Account
Eligible to join the first day of the month after 90 days of employment.  Reimburses employees for qualifying healthcare and/or dependent care expenses with pre-tax dollars.

Paid Leave
Blair provides Paid Leave to regular, full-time and part-time employees based upon their length of service with the Company.  Employees may use accrued Paid Leave for vacation, personal business or time off for a personal health condition in accordance with established policy.

Paid Holidays
Eligible after 90 days of employment.  Up to 9 paid holidays for regular, full time and part time employees.

Retirement Plan
Eligible after one year of employment. Employees can contribute up to 15% of salary. Plan includes various, self-directed investment options.  Blair matches 1:3 of the first 6% of salary contributed.  Eligible to participate after one year of employment.
 
Blair Companies is an Equal Opportunity Employer.  We consider applicants for all positions without regard to race, color, religion, creed, gender, national origin, age, disability, marital or veteran status, or any other legally protected status.

---------------------

JOB DESCRIPTION:

VACUUM FORM OPERATOR
REPORTS TO:  Area Supervisor
LOCATION:  5107 Kissell Avenue, Altoona PA  16601


GENERAL:

• Observe all safety rules and policies at all times with materials and tools.
• Receive and follow instructions from team leaders and supervisors.
• Maintain quality standards as well as time standards.                                                  
• Maintain clean and organized work areas.
• Notify Supervisor of any discrepancies on BOMs, BOOs, Prints, and Products.

                                                                        
JOB RESPONSIBILITIES:           
      
Training

• Must be able to accurately read, understand, and demonstrate how to use a tape measure on materials used daily.
• Operate basic hand and power tools such as drills, hand routers, and orbital sanders.
• Read, understand, and follow print and book job information.
• Assist Senior Vacuum formers and Hand cut workers with loading and unloading dryer ovens at beginning and end of shift.
• Assist more experienced vacuum formers in mold fabrication, prep-sanding, and applying clear-coats to molds.

 Certified

• Know how to operate one of the vacuum form machines and the dryers.
• Proven competency in at least one fork truck operation.
• Maintain all records pertaining to department.
• Have molds put in storage as required.
• Assist Senior Vacuum formers with placement of properly sized clamps for current day's production.
• Work with Senior level Vacuum formers to follow a daily quality check on molds to avoid debris traps, warpage, etc.
• Ensure product is transferred to next department clean and complete, with necessary installation patterns and hardware.
• Must be able to measure and cut basic pan and logo faces to correct size.
• Must show complete proficiency with panel saws, pin routers and hand router usage.

 Senior

• Run, setup both vacuum machines.
• Proven competency in all types of fork truck operation.
• Must be able to build and troubleshoot any mold.
• Identify clamp sizes, material size build vacuum tables required to perform job.
• Work with vinyl department to cover any material with vinyl as needed. 
• Work with engineering or project managers as needed to solve any issues pertaining to vacuum form department.
• Assist and train newer or less experienced employees.
• Guide less experienced employees on safety and quality principles such as safe handling of “HOT” material, body mechanics, and quality standards of proper curing time, proper air relief hole placement, trapped debris, and correct material usage.
• Senior employees are responsible for conveying any above mentioned discrepancies, as well as ECR/ ECN forms.                                                               

Advanced

• Assume departmental responsibilities and/or leadership role in absence of supervisor.
• Demonstrate proficiency with air relief hole placement and how it applies to male vs. female molds.
• Determine proper types and amounts of material needed for the curing oven for next day's production demands.
• Train all newer employees in set-up, and pulling molds as well as fabrication and modifications to molds.
• Communicate quality and safety concerns of mold conditions to General Supervisor as well as Safety Manager.
• Must be able to independently complete a job from start to finish with no supervision.
• Must be able to interact constructively with project managers and engineering personnel when necessary.

WORK ENVIRONMENT DESCRIPTION:                                                                                                 

• Manufacturing environment - appropriate safety equipment and precautions required such as safety glasses, face shields, gloves, ear plugs, etc.                     
• Lifting product up to 50 pounds; assist with moving large pieces of material safely.
• Fast-paced work as needed.  Tobacco free facility.                                                                                                                                                  

ADDITIONAL NOTES:                                                                                                                    
Mandatory overtime occasionally as production requires.