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.

------------------------
If, having read the above, you would like to continue to apply for employment with Blair Companies, please see below for a general description for this position:

AWNING SEWER

POSITION:   Awning Sewer
LOCATION:  5107 Kissell Avenue, Altoona PA  16601
POSITION STATUS: Full time

• 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.

• 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 brass mallet, utility knife, grommet punch.
• Read, understand, and follow print and book job information.
• Assist Lead Cover Fabricator in un-rolling and attaching rope to vinyl.
• Punch holes in vinyl to receive grommets.      
• Connect grommets to vinyl faces using a grommet punch with Lead Cover Fabricator supervision.
• Prep and label all completed vinyl for awning fabricators.
• Transfer all vinyl to next department clean and accurate.

• Lay out vinyl according to print and cut to size for stitching operation.                                  
• Demonstrate how to make specialty cuts for example radiuses, sliders, and domes. 
• Account for proper overhang.
• Cut rope for any style of awning vinyl considering overhang with minimal supervision.        
• Lay out and punch grommet holes based on length and style of awning.                                
• Apply grommets to vinyl with minimal supervision.                                       
• Able to identify common parts of stitching machinery.                                               
• Demonstrate proper “Bobbin” winding                                                                       
• Identify and test appropriate UV coated thread.                                              
• Must be able to set-up and operate stitching machinery with minimal supervision.                 
• Must demonstrate ability to stitch straight lines and back stitch when needed.                        
• Assist awnings fabricators in between cover fabrication jobs for optimal daily performance.            

• Responsible for producing lists for needed materials such as vinyl, UV thread, grommets, grommet cutters, dies, and rope for upcoming production runs.
• Communicate needed supplies to purchasing agent.                                        
• Show total understanding of Awnings prints and carry out required verbal directions.           
• Demonstrate ability to lay out, cut, stitch, stamp, prep and label any style of vinyl needed for awning fabrication.
• Guide less experienced employees on safety and quality principles.                          
• Must have strong training abilities to oversee and assist newer employees.                 
• Communicate quality concerns or shortages to Awnings Area Supervisor.                 
• Must show mechanical ability in order to maintain all moving parts of stitching machinery and replace wear and tear items.
• Assist awnings fabricators in between sewing jobs for optimal daily performance at Certified level.
• Senior employees are responsible for conveying any above mentioned discrepancies, as well as ECR/ ECN forms.                                                               

• Manufacturing environment - appropriate safety equipment and precautions required such as safety glasses, face shields, gloves, ear plugs, etc.                 
• Proper clothing required – no shorts permitted.                                   
• Lifting product up to 50 pounds; Fast-paced work as needed.  Tobacco free facility.