Join our team! As a Mold Change 2 at our Whitewater, Wisconsin facility, you’ll play a key role in supporting efficient, high-quality production in a clean, climate-controlled environment. Reporting to the Maintenance Supervisor, you will lead and perform mold setups, changeovers, and start-ups on injection molding machines. This position works closely with cross-functional teams, supports technician training, and helps drive best practices for safe, efficient mold changeovers. 

At Lavelle Industries, we’re not just making parts, we’re building careers, and your expertise plays a vital role in our continued success. Proudly known as the “Toilet Geniuses,” Lavelle Industries is a leading innovator in plastic and rubber components for the plumbing industry, best known for our Korky® brand products that improve millions of bathrooms every day. 

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES: 

1.Mold Changeover Coordination 

• Plan, prepare, and execute mold changeovers, ensuring minimal downtime. 
• Work with production scheduling to optimize mold change installation that aligns with production and Preventive maintenance requirements. 
• Start-up after mold changes 

2. Start-up After Mold Change 

• Verify setup, settings and material 
• Purge, apply mold release, run test cycles 
• Check part quality and ejection 
• Perform QC checks transition to auto, log changes 

3. Quality Assurance 

• Perform quality checks and troubleshooting to ensure all molds meet specified requirements. 
• Identify and address quality issues related to setup and mold performance, conducting root cause analysis as needed. 

4. Training and Development 

• Train technicians and support staff on proper mold changeover techniques and safety protocols. 
• Promote adherence to safety standards and ensure all team members are aware of standard operating procedures (SOPs). 

5. Documentation and Reporting 

• Document all setup parameters, machine adjustments, and changeover activities in a consistent and thorough manner. 
• Provide regular reports to management on mold changeover efficiency, machine utilization, and any issues encountered. 

6. Maintenance Coordination 

• Work with maintenance teams to ensure all molds and machines are in optimal working condition before production begins. 
• Assist with predictive and preventive maintenance efforts to reduce unexpected breakdowns. 

7. Continuous Improvement Initiatives 

• Drive continuous improvement in setup procedures, focusing on reducing waste, downtime, and defect rates. 

8. Utilize CMMS 

QUALIFICATIONS:  

Education and Experience

• High school diploma or GED required; technical certifications in mechanics or maintenance preferred. 
• 2+ years of experience in mold change operations or related manufacturing roles. 

Skills and Competencies

• Strong mechanical aptitude with experience using hand and power tools.
• Familiarity with injection molding machines, auxiliary equipment, and related systems. 
• Strong attention to detail and problem-solving skills.
• Proficiency in using CMMS software (e.g., MaintainX) to track work orders and maintenance activities. 

Physical Requirements

• Ability to lift and move heavy molds and equipment (up to 50 lbs). 
• Comfortable working in confined spaces, at heights, and in varying environmental conditions. 
• Prolonged standing, bending, and climbing ladders may be?required.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience with mold heaters, temperature controllers, and troubleshooting temperature-related issues. 
• Knowledge of Lean Manufacturing principles and SMED techniques for reducing changeover times.