Millwright

Job Description

Nature of the Work

THG millwrights install, repair, replace, and dismantle the machinery and heavy equipment used in many industries. Responsibilities require a wide range of skills—from blueprint reading and pouring concrete to diagnosing and solving mechanical problems.

THG millwright’s responsibilities begin when machinery arrives at the job site. New equipment must be unloaded, inspected, and moved into position. To lift and move light machinery, millwrights use rigging and hoisting devices, such as pulleys and cables. In other cases, they require the assistance of hydraulic lift-truck or crane operators to position the machinery. Although these pieces of equipment are available for use, some heavy lifting may be required.

Because millwrights often decide which device to use for moving machinery, they must know the load-bearing properties of ropes, cables, hoists, and cranes. THG millwrights are also required to operate aerial lift equipment such as scissor lifts and boom lifts.

THG millwrights consult with project managers and others to determine the optimal placement of machines in a plant. In some instances, this placement requires building a new foundation. THG millwrights either prepare the foundation themselves or supervise its construction, so they must know how to read blueprints and work with building materials, such as concrete, wood, and steel. THG millwrights are expected to perform any job assigned to them to the best of their ability.

When assembling machinery, THG millwrights fit bearings, align gears and wheels, attach motors, and connect belts, according to the manufacturer’s blueprints and drawings. Precision leveling and alignment are important in the assembly process; THG millwrights must have good mathematical skills, so they can measure angles, material thickness, and small distances with tools such as squares, calipers, and micrometers. When a high level of precision is required, devices such as lasers and ultrasonic measuring tools may be used. THG millwrights also work with hand and power tools, such as cutting torches, welding machines, and soldering guns. Some of our workers use metalworking equipment, such as lathes or grinders to modify parts to specifications. All THG millwrights are required to possess their own basic hand tools.

In addition to installing and dismantling machinery, THG millwrights repair and maintain equipment. This includes preventive maintenance, such as lubrication and fixing or replacing worn parts.

Increasingly sophisticated automation means more complicated machines for our millwrights to install and maintain. For example, THG millwrights may install and maintain numerical control equipment—computer controlled machines that produce products in the baking and snack industry. This machinery requires special care and knowledge, so our millwrights often work closely with computer or electronics experts, electricians and manufacture’s representatives to install it.

Working Conditions

Working conditions vary by project. THG Millwrights are employed in bakeries often work in a manufacturing setting and use protective equipment to avoid common hazards. For example, protective devices, such as safety belts, protective glasses, and hard hats may prevent injuries from falling objects or machinery. Other projects may require workin goutdoors in uncomfortable weather conditions.THG millwrights are required to comply with all plant level GMP’s (Good Manufacturing Practices) this includes wearing hairnets and beard covers if required. Also no tobacco products or chewing gum is allowed while in these facilities. It is the responsibility of each employee to observe safety regulations and to use the safety equipment provided. Failure to comply with these rules could result in immediate termination.

THG millwrights may work independently or as part of a team. They must work quickly and precisely, because disabled machinery costs our customers time and money. Many of our millwrights work overtime; most always our millwrights work more than 40 hours during a typical week. During shutdowns, millwrights are assigned shift work, because of downtime requirements laid out by our customers.