Inseamer

Description

Position summary

Sew the inseam that joins the upper, the insole rib and the welt. This is the most skill-dependent operation in the plant and the one the structural integrity of the boot depends on. It is also one of the highest-paid hourly jobs here, and the plant will train the right person into it.

Essential functions

• Operate the inseaming machine to attach the welt to the upper and the insole rib.
• Hold stitch consistency, seam allowance and tension across the full perimeter of the last.
• Verify rib adhesion before you sew. Reject any unit where the rib has lifted.
• Inspect the inseam around the full perimeter. A gap at the waist is a boot that comes apart in the field.
• Trim, level and prepare the seam for welt beating and sole lay.
• Crosstrain at least one other operator to Level 2 or above.

Requirements

Minimum qualifications

• Two or more years inseaming, or five or more years in Goodyear bottoming with demonstrated inseam capability.
• Fine motor control and sustained concentration. Inseam quality does not survive a distracted operator.
• Available for a full 40-hour schedule.

Preferred qualifications

• Current Bottoming operators who certify at Level 2 or above on inseam are eligible to post into this grade. Talk to your supervisor.

Physical requirements and work environment

This position works on the production floor. Standing for the full shift on a concrete floor. Occasional lifting up to 40 pounds; frequent lifting up to 20 pounds. Repetitive use of hands, wrists and arms. Exposure to leather dust, adhesive vapor and machine noise. Hearing protection, eye protection and steel-toe footwear are required. Reasonable accommodation is available to qualified individuals with disabilities. Cut and puncture risk at the awl. Cut-resistant gloves are required.

How performance is measured

Pairs inseamed per shift. Seam failures. Whether inseam is ever the reason the line stops.