Machine Feeders and Offbearers

About the Role

Machine feeders and offbearers are responsible for supplying materials to machines and removing finished products or materials as part of a manufacturing process.

Other Common Titles

Production Line Operator
Machine Operator
Manufacturing Assistant
Equipment Loader
Material Handler

Typical Tasks

Load materials into machines for processing or manufacturing.
Monitor the functioning of machines and report any malfunctions.
Remove finished products from machines and prepare them for packaging or further processing.
Ensure that all materials are in proper condition before being fed into machines.
Clean and maintain work areas and machinery to prevent contamination.
Keep inventory of supplies and materials used in production.
Perform quality checks on products at various stages of production.

Notable People

Virginia Apgar – An American obstetrical anesthetist, known for creating the Apgar Score, she also worked on improving medical equipment safety and functionality. Though primarily in medicine, her work highlights the importance of handling machinery in critical environments.
Henry Ford – Founder of Ford Motor Company, he revolutionized manufacturing processes and highlighted the significance of assembly line efficiency, which relates to the principles of feed and offbear tasks in mass production.

Recommended Resources

The Lean Startup
A book that discusses efficient production and startup methodologies that highlight the importance of process management.
Production and Operations Management
A textbook that covers the fundamentals of managing production processes and operations within manufacturing.
Manufacturing and Industrial Engineering Blog
A blog dedicated to sharing insights and trends in manufacturing, helpful for understanding the industry better.
The Modern Manufacturer Podcast
A podcast focusing on current practices in manufacturing, featuring interviews and discussions with industry experts.