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Bale Line Operator Uptakes #3

Bale Line Operator Uptakes #3

Sappi Southern Africa

Country:  South Africa
City:  Ngodwana
Location:  Mill Ngodwana
Department:  Dissolving Pulp
Posting date:  5 Feb 2026
Closing date:  19 Feb 2026

We are hiring!

At Sappi, we are a leading global provider with a reputation for delivering high-quality sustainable Woodfibre products and solutions for the global markets. We lead through our values centred around safety, integrity, courage, making smart decisions which we execute with speed. We are seeking unique people who believe in fostering a diverse and inclusive and safe environment.

 

We’re on the lookout for an Bale Line Operator Uptakes #3 to be Responsible for the safe and efficient operation of the #3 Uptake machine Bale line section from the cross cutter through to where the finished product is sent to the warehouse for despatching.  Ensure a high standard of safety is maintained around the Bale line section and perform autonomous maintenance on operating equipment as and when required.  Responsible to action problems quickly to ensure that downtime is minimised.

 

As an Bale Line Operator Uptakes #3 you will be responsible for:

  • Safe start up and shut down of various operations throughout  the bale line from the cutter to the Unitizer
  • Ensure relevant packaging materials for bales are readily available (wire, wrapper, ink for labelling)
  • Safe operation of overhead crane/hoist for loading wire and wrapper rolls to the respective equipment
  • Effective reporting of problematic equipment affecting process
  • Perform autonomous maintenance on units as and when required to maximise efficiency on plant
  • Maintain a high level of housekeeping (Achieve and maintain 5 S)
  • Ensure that high level of safety standards are maintained in area.
  • Issue clearances and isolations according to isolation procedure standards
  • First line troubleshooting and actioning of defects on the bale line to ensure that downtime is minimised
  • Ensure quality and appearance of wrapped bales are to customer satisfaction
  • Assist with dryer cleaning during sheet breaks and shuts.
  • Coach and Train new employees
  • Perform adhoc duties during incidental and maintenance shuts as requested by the shift supt.

 

What are we looking for?

  • Matric certificate or N3 qualification in Pulp and Paper or Chemical Engineering.
  • Minimum of 3 years’ relevant work experience in a Pulp and Paper or related industrial environment.
  • Baleline Assistant Operator licence will be an advantage.

 

What’s in it for you?

  • Opportunity to work within a global organisation that continues to thrive in a rapidly changing world even after 80 years of existence.
  • Learning and development programmes to fast-track your career within Sappi.
  • Opportunities to travel .
  • Market leading leave benefits.
  • Employee wellbeing benefits.

We are hiring!

At Sappi, we are a leading global provider with a reputation for delivering high-quality sustainable Woodfibre products and solutions for the global markets. We lead through our values centred around safety, integrity, courage, making smart decisions which we execute with speed. We are seeking unique people who believe in fostering a diverse and inclusive and safe environment.

 

We’re on the lookout for an Bale Line Operator Uptakes #3 to be Responsible for the safe and efficient operation of the #3 Uptake machine Bale line section from the cross cutter through to where the finished product is sent to the warehouse for despatching.  Ensure a high standard of safety is maintained around the Bale line section and perform autonomous maintenance on operating equipment as and when required.  Responsible to action problems quickly to ensure that downtime is minimised.

 

As an Bale Line Operator Uptakes #3 you will be responsible for:

  • Safe start up and shut down of various operations throughout  the bale line from the cutter to the Unitizer
  • Ensure relevant packaging materials for bales are readily available (wire, wrapper, ink for labelling)
  • Safe operation of overhead crane/hoist for loading wire and wrapper rolls to the respective equipment
  • Effective reporting of problematic equipment affecting process
  • Perform autonomous maintenance on units as and when required to maximise efficiency on plant
  • Maintain a high level of housekeeping (Achieve and maintain 5 S)
  • Ensure that high level of safety standards are maintained in area.
  • Issue clearances and isolations according to isolation procedure standards
  • First line troubleshooting and actioning of defects on the bale line to ensure that downtime is minimised
  • Ensure quality and appearance of wrapped bales are to customer satisfaction
  • Assist with dryer cleaning during sheet breaks and shuts.
  • Coach and Train new employees
  • Perform adhoc duties during incidental and maintenance shuts as requested by the shift supt.

 

What are we looking for?

  • Matric certificate or N3 qualification in Pulp and Paper or Chemical Engineering.
  • Minimum of 3 years’ relevant work experience in a Pulp and Paper or related industrial environment.
  • Baleline Assistant Operator licence will be an advantage.

 

What’s in it for you?

  • Opportunity to work within a global organisation that continues to thrive in a rapidly changing world even after 80 years of existence.
  • Learning and development programmes to fast-track your career within Sappi.
  • Opportunities to travel .
  • Market leading leave benefits.
  • Employee wellbeing benefits.

Sappi is committed to creating a diverse environment and is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment regardless of race, colour, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or veteran status. At Sappi, we encourage and support vaccination.

Sappi is committed to creating a diverse environment and is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment regardless of race, colour, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or veteran status. At Sappi, we encourage and support vaccination.

ABOUT SAPPI

Sappi is a leading global provider of everyday materials made from woodfibre-based renewable resources. As a diversified, innovative and trusted leader focused on sustainable processes and products, we are building a more circular economy by making what we should, not just what we can.

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