Material Handler

Milliken & Company is a global manufacturing leader whose focus on materials science delivers tomorrow’s breakthroughs today. From industry-leading molecules to sustainable innovations, Milliken creates products that enhance people’s lives and deliver solutions for its customers and communities. Drawing on thousands of patents and a portfolio with applications across the textile, flooring, chemical and healthcare businesses, the company harnesses a shared sense of integrity and excellence to positively impact the world for generations. Discover more about Milliken’s curious minds and inspired solutions at Milliken.com and on Facebook , Instagram and LinkedIn . Why Join Us? We are a leading manufacturer of industrial fabrics serving diverse markets including automotive, construction, military, and medical applications. Our team-focused environment emphasizes safety, quality, and long-term career growth. Build the Foundation of the Fabric We Manufacture! Have you ever wondered how the fabric used in automobiles, roofing materials, medical products, and other industrial applications gets its start? It begins with the preparation of thousands of individual yarns that must be carefully organized and prepared before they can be woven or knitted into fabric. We are looking for a dependable, mechanically inclined individual to join our Preparation Department as a Warp Preparation Operator ( Warp and Smash ). We are currently seeking to hire a detail-oriented and dependable " Warp and Smash" Operator , for second or third shift (Hours are 4pm – 12:00am or 12am to 8am), to assist in the manufacturing of various types of industrial fabrics; the position is located in our Highland Plant , in Cheraw, SC . Schedules are customer driven and subject to change. We are currently working 5 days per week on average in this department. Weekend work is sometimes required. We prefer someone that already has Textiles experience but no experience necessary . Candidates without direct textiles experience may be considered and trained based on mechanical aptitude and work history. You do not need previous textile manufacturing experience to apply! We are willing to train the right individual who has a strong work ethic, enjoys working with machinery, pays attention to detail, and takes pride in producing quality work. We are willing to train someone who can meet the essential functions of the job and wants to learn a new skill. What Does This Job Do? Position Summary: In simple terms, this position prepares the yarn that will eventually become the fabric we manufacture here. The operator works with industrial machinery to organize individual yarns, arrange them in the correct sequence, and prepare them onto large rolls or beams. These prepared beams are then used by our weaving and knitting departments to manufacture industrial fabrics. The Warp and Smash Operator is responsible for maintaining warp integrity on weaving machines by repairing warp defects, replacing broken or damaged warp ends, correcting smash conditions, and restoring looms to production in a safe and efficient manner. This position supports weaving operations by minimizing downtime, maintaining fabric quality, and responding quickly to weaving interruptions across assigned weaving machines. Lease and remove old warp from loom, replace with new warp and pull over. Hang new warp at style change. Repair smashes and breakouts. Follow procedures for inventory control. Think of this job as preparing the raw materials and setting the foundation for everything that happens next in the manufacturing process. If the yarn is not properly prepared, the downstream production equipment cannot operate efficiently or produce quality fabric. What Will You Do? Maintain your personal safety at all times; wear required PPE, immediately report all unsafe conditions, accidents, or near misses; attend required safety meetings and training; follow all safety rules for this location. Operate and monitor industrial textile preparation equipment. Lease and remove old warp from loom. Replace with new warp and pull over. Hang new warp for style change. Lay in new beam for tie back. Work with yarn and thread to prepare large beams used in the fabric manufacturing process. Repair smashes and breakouts. Follow production instructions to ensure yarns are arranged correctly and meet production specifications. Monitor equipment for proper operation and identify potential problems. Inspect yarn and finished beams for defects, inconsistencies, or quality concerns. Assist with machine setup, changeovers, and material handling. Pull over Warps when tied. Make spools as required. Maintain a clean and organized work area. Follow procedures for inventory control. Work closely with team members and other departments to ensure production requirements are met. Assist machine operators and technicians as needed to support production goals and perform various other duties as specified by your Lead / Supv., or Dept. Manager. What Makes Someone Successful in This Position? We are looking for someone who: Has good mechanical aptitude and enjoys working with machinery. Pays close attention to detail. Can follow written and verbal instructions. Understands the importance of quality and consistency. Can recognize when equipment or materials are not operating as expected. Is dependable, safety-conscious, and willing to learn. Works well independently and as part of a team. Qualifications Previous manufacturing or machine operating experience is preferred but not required. Textile manufacturing experience is a plus but is not required. Mechanical aptitude or experience working with industrial equipment is beneficial. Ability to learn and follow production procedures. Strong attendance and a commitment to working safely. Why Join Our Team? You will have the opportunity to learn a specialized manufacturing skill and become part of a team that produces industrial fabrics used in a wide variety of applications. We believe in developing our employees and providing opportunities to learn new skills, grow professionally, and contribute to our manufacturing operation. If you enjoy hands-on work, operating machinery, and learning how things are made, we encourage you to apply! Milliken is an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to actual or perceived race, color, creed, religion, sex or gender (including pregnancy, childbirth or related medical condition, including but not limited to lactation), sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression (including transgender status), ancestry, national origin, citizenship, age physical or mental disability, genetic information, marital status, veteran or military status or any other characteristic protected by applicable law. To request a reasonable accommodation to complete a job application, pre-employment testing, a job interview, or to otherwise participate in the hiring process, please contact [email protected].