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Plastic Extrusion Jobs in Michigan (NOW HIRING)

Extruder Operator

Beaverton, MI ยท On-site

$14.50 - $18.25/hr

Experienced Plastics Thermoforming Operator Extrusion / Thermoforming We are seeking a skilled and experienced Plastics Thermoforming Operator to join our production team. This role is responsible ...

Extruder Operator

Beaverton, MI ยท On-site

$18.52 - $26.31/hr

Experienced Plastics Thermoforming Operator Extrusion / Thermoforming We are seeking a skilled and experienced Plastics Thermoforming Operator to join our production team. This role is responsible ...

The Process Technician supports plastic extrusion and injection molding operations on by diagnosing and correcting production issues such as burns, splays, discolorations, and shorts * This role ...

Experience working on plastic extrusion equipment is a plus. * Necessary math skills - Addition, subtraction, and multiplication to record accurate reports. * Ability to read and write in English.

Production Shift Lead

Detroit, MI ยท On-site

$17.25 - $23.50/hr

... plastic extrusion and/or expansion processes * 3+ years' experience in leading problem solving teams, conflict management and negotiation. * 3+ years' of supervisory, leadership or mentoring ...

... plastic extrusion and/or expansion processes * 3+ years' experience in leading problem solving teams, conflict management and negotiation. * 3+ years' of supervisory, leadership or mentoring ...

Set up and start up plastic molding/extrusion machines and auxiliary equipment according to specifications. * Optimize process parameters to maintain consistent part quality and minimize cycle time ...

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Plastic Extrusion information

See Michigan salary details

$10

$16

$23

How much do plastic extrusion jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 12, 2026, the average hourly pay for plastic extrusion in Michigan is $16.43, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.23 and $18.85 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a plastic extrusion operator?

To excel as a Plastic Extrusion Operator, you need a solid understanding of mechanical processes, attention to detail, and a high school diploma or equivalent, with on-the-job training or vocational certification preferred. Familiarity with extrusion machinery, quality control systems, and tools such as micrometers and calipers is typically required. Strong problem-solving skills, teamwork, and effective communication help operators quickly address production issues and collaborate with colleagues. These skills ensure the consistent production of high-quality plastic products while maintaining safety and efficiency in a manufacturing environment.

What is plastic extrusion?

Plastic extrusion is a manufacturing process where raw plastic materials are melted and formed into a continuous profile, such as pipes, tubes, or sheets. The process involves feeding plastic pellets or granules into an extruder, where they're melted and pushed through a shaped die to create a specific product shape. This method is widely used for making products like window frames, plastic films, and wire insulation due to its efficiency and versatility. The final product can be cut to length or wound onto spools, depending on the application.

What are some common challenges faced by plastic extrusion operators, and how can they be addressed?

Plastic extrusion operators often encounter challenges such as maintaining consistent product quality, managing machine downtime, and troubleshooting process issues like uneven thickness or surface defects. These challenges can be addressed by closely monitoring process parameters, performing regular equipment maintenance, and staying up-to-date with safety and quality standards. Effective communication with team members and supervisors is also essential, as collaboration helps quickly identify and resolve production issues.

What is the difference between Plastic Extrusion vs Plastic Fabricator?

AspectPlastic ExtrusionPlastic Fabricator
Primary RoleProcesses raw plastic materials into continuous shapes like pipes, sheets, or profilesAssembles, cuts, and finishes plastic components into final products
Skills & CertificationsKnowledge of extrusion machinery, material properties, safety protocolsSkills in cutting, welding, assembly, and finishing plastics
Work EnvironmentManufacturing plants with extrusion linesWorkshops or factories assembling plastic parts
Industry UsagePlastic manufacturing and processingPlastic product assembly and customization

While Plastic Extrusion involves creating continuous plastic shapes through specialized machinery, Plastic Fabricators focus on assembling and finishing plastic parts into final products. Both roles require knowledge of plastics, but they differ in process and end goals.

What are popular job titles related to Plastic Extrusion jobs in Michigan? For Plastic Extrusion jobs in Michigan, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What cities in Michigan are hiring for Plastic Extrusion jobs? Cities in Michigan with the most Plastic Extrusion job openings:
Infographic showing various Plastic Extrusion job openings in Michigan as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 82% Full Time, 11% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 3% Contract, and 2% Nights. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $34,173 per year, or $16.4 per hour.

Plant Manager - Plastic Extrusion

Cornerstone Management Solutions

Cass City, MI โ€ข On-site

$100K - $140K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Re-posted 4 days ago


Job description

Plant Manager - Plastic Extrusion


A well established manufacturer of custom plastic extrusion products is seeking a hands on Plant Manager to lead a manufacturing operation in Michigan. This company supports demanding OEM and supplier customers with engineered plastic profiles used in applications such as sealing systems, trim components, electrical channels, wire management, closures, construction related products, and other custom extruded plastic components.


This is a strong opportunity for a manufacturing leader who understands extrusion, people leadership, operational discipline, safety, quality, production efficiency, and customer expectations. The right person will bring a practical plant floor leadership style, strong follow through, and the ability to lead supervisors, operators, maintenance, quality, engineering, scheduling, and support teams in a fast moving manufacturing environment.


Position Overview

The Plant Manager will have full responsibility for daily plant operations, including safety, production, quality, maintenance, labor performance, cost control, employee development, customer support, and continuous improvement. This person will be expected to create structure, drive accountability, improve communication, and make sure the plant is performing to expectations in safety, quality, delivery, productivity, and profitability.

This is not a corporate desk role. The ideal candidate will be visible on the floor, engaged with the team, comfortable with technical manufacturing issues, and capable of balancing customer demands with operational realities. Experience in plastic extrusion, profile extrusion, coextrusion, thermoplastics, engineered plastic products, or a closely related manufacturing environment would be highly valuable.


Key Responsibilities

  • Lead all day to day plant operations, including production, safety, quality, maintenance, materials, scheduling, shipping, receiving, and employee performance.
  • Build a strong safety culture and ensure compliance with company standards, OSHA requirements, training expectations, and safe work practices.
  • Drive operational performance through measurable improvement in throughput, scrap, downtime, labor efficiency, quality performance, on time delivery, and overall plant productivity.
  • Lead, coach, and develop supervisors, leads, operators, technicians, maintenance personnel, and support staff.
  • Create clear expectations for performance, accountability, communication, and problem solving across all departments.
  • Partner with quality and engineering teams to resolve production issues, customer concerns, process problems, dimensional issues, material concerns, tooling challenges, and repeat defects.
  • Support new product launches, process changes, tooling trials, material changes, customer requirements, and production readiness activities.
  • Work closely with scheduling, materials, and customer service teams to make sure production plans are realistic, resources are aligned, and customer delivery commitments are met.
  • Oversee plant financial performance, including labor cost, overtime, scrap, waste, maintenance spending, production efficiency, inventory control, and operating expenses.
  • Lead continuous improvement activities focused on waste reduction, process stability, uptime, standard work, employee engagement, and stronger plant execution.
  • Support maintenance planning, preventive maintenance, equipment reliability, tooling readiness, and equipment improvement efforts.
  • Develop a strong leadership bench and create a culture where employees are trained, supported, held accountable, and treated with respect.
  • Communicate effectively with senior leadership regarding plant performance, staffing, production challenges, customer needs, capital needs, and improvement priorities.
  • Maintain a clean, organized, disciplined, and professional manufacturing environment.


Ideal Background

  • Plant Manager, Operations Manager, Production Manager, Value Stream Manager, or senior manufacturing leadership experience in a plastics, extrusion, automotive supplier, engineered products, or industrial manufacturing environment.
  • Strong preference for experience with plastic extrusion, profile extrusion, coextrusion, thermoplastic processing, custom plastic products, or similar continuous manufacturing processes.
  • Experience leading a manufacturing plant or a significant manufacturing department with responsibility for safety, quality, delivery, cost, people, and production performance.
  • Strong understanding of plant metrics, production planning, labor management, scrap reduction, downtime reduction, quality systems, and continuous improvement.
  • Ability to lead both people and process. This person must be comfortable coaching employees, managing conflict, making decisions, and driving accountability.
  • Experience working with OEM customers, Tier suppliers, or high expectation industrial customers is preferred.
  • Working knowledge of Lean manufacturing, root cause analysis, corrective action, 5S, standard work, KPI management, and structured problem solving is helpful.
  • Ability to work in a smaller community manufacturing environment where relationships, credibility, communication, and leadership presence matter.


Leadership Style Needed

  • Hands on, visible, practical, and direct.
  • Strong communicator who can work with hourly employees, supervisors, technical staff, customers, and senior leadership.
  • Calm under pressure and capable of making decisions without creating unnecessary noise.
  • Accountable and fair, with the ability to raise expectations while still earning trust from the team.
  • Comfortable stepping into a plant that needs leadership, structure, consistency, and steady operational execution.


Why This Role Matters

This plant supports custom engineered plastic profile products for demanding customers where quality, consistency, delivery, and responsiveness are critical. The Plant Manager will play a key role in strengthening the operation, developing the team, improving performance, and making sure the plant continues to meet customer and business expectations.


Keywords

#PlantManager #OperationsManager #ManufacturingManager #ProductionManager #PlasticsManufacturing #PlasticExtrusion #ProfileExtrusion #Coextrusion #ThermoplasticExtrusion #CustomExtrusion #EngineeredPlastics #ExtrudedProfiles #PlasticProfiles #AutomotiveSupplier #TierSupplier #OEMManufacturing #ContinuousImprovement #LeanManufacturing #SafetyLeadership #QualityManagement #ProductionLeadership #PlantOperations #ManufacturingLeadership #ExtrusionLeadership #ProcessImprovement #ScrapReduction #DowntimeReduction #LaborEfficiency #OnTimeDelivery #RootCauseAnalysis #CorrectiveAction #5S #KPIManagement #MaintenanceLeadership #PreventiveMaintenance #ToolingSupport #MaterialsManagement #Scheduling #EmployeeDevelopment #SanduskyMichigan #MichiganManufacturing

Company Description

A well established manufacturer of custom plastic extrusion products is seeking a hands on Plant Manager to lead a manufacturing operation in Michigan.