What are plastic pallets used for?

Plastic pallets are used to transport, store, and ship products across warehouses, manufacturing operations, and distribution networks. They support cleaner handling, repeatable performance, and long-term durability in reusable material handling programs.

What are the benefits of plastic pallets?

Plastic pallets offer several advantages over traditional wood pallets, especially in operations that require consistency, cleanliness, and long service life. Benefits include improved durability (plastic resists splintering, cracking, and moisture absorption), better sanitation (easy to clean, ideal for food, beverage, and pharmaceutical applications), consistent dimensions (supports automation systems and repeatable supply chain performance), reduced product damage (smooth nail-free design protects products during shipping and handling), and long-term value (higher upfront cost is offset by reduced replacement frequency over time).

Why choose plastic pallets instead of wood pallets?

Plastic pallets eliminate common issues associated with wood pallets such as nails, splinters, and moisture absorption. They provide longer service life, improved sanitation, and more consistent performance across reusable and automated material handling applications.

Are plastic pallets ISPM 15 exempt for export shipping?

Yes. Plastic pallets are exempt from ISPM 15 requirements, so they do not require heat treatment or fumigation like wood pallets. This makes them a reliable option for export programs and international shipments.

Are TriEnda plastic pallets recyclable?

Yes. TriEnda plastic pallets are manufactured from recyclable HDPE and designed for long-term reuse. At the end of their service life, the material can often be recycled to support sustainability initiatives and reduce landfill waste.

How long do plastic pallets last?

Plastic pallets are engineered for long service life and can remain in use for years depending on the application, load conditions, and handling environment. Their durability often helps reduce replacement frequency and improve total value over time.

Can plastic pallets help reduce shipping and storage costs?

Yes. Lightweight and nestable plastic pallet designs can improve storage density and reduce empty return space. Their durability can also help lower long-term replacement costs compared with disposable pallet options.

What industries use plastic pallets?

Plastic pallets are used across automotive, food and beverage, retail distribution, pharmaceutical, agriculture, and industrial manufacturing environments where durability, sanitation, and repeatable performance are important.

CNC Programmer & Pattern Maker

At Kruger Family Industries, parent company of Penda Corporation and TriEnda Holdings, our passion is to bring great products to life through an exceptional area of thermoformed solutions. We are the North America leader in heavy gauge thermoformed plastics. We are committed to delivering highly engineered, high quality material handling products and automotive accessories that reduce the weight and cost of traditional composite, fiberglass, wood and metal products, making this an opportunity to work in an innovative environment during an exciting growth phase.

Summary

The CNC Programmer / Pattern Maker is the key technical resource responsible for leading KFI's

in-house pattern-making operation at the Portage facility. This person owns the entire pattern build

process from start to finish, including schedule management, CAM programming, CNC machining,

3D printed pattern trimming, finishing, and inspection. The role carries full accountability for pattern

completion dates and is expected to proactively communicate schedule status to Engineering and

Operations stakeholders.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES include, but are not limited to, the following:

Wood & Ren Board Fabrication: Build, construct, and CNC machine master patterns, plugs, and molds from scratch using hardwood, plywood, Ren Shape/polyurethane tooling boards, and epoxy.
CNC Machining of 3D Printed Tools: Set up and operate 3-axis and 5-axis CNC routers and mills to precisely machine, trim, and finish 3D-printed polymer patterns into production-ready thermoforming plugs.
Aluminum Mold Maintenance & Modification: Modify, repair, and rework existing cast aluminum molds when engineering changes or production wear require updates; perform precise drilling, milling, and manual bench work on aluminum tooling.
Post-Processing & Surface Finishing: Sand, fill, polish, and apply heat-resistant coatings to machined 3D prints, wood, Ren board, and aluminum surfaces to achieve optimal, defect-free finishes.
Apply Draft & Venting: Inspect all tooling to guarantee proper draft angles for clean part release, and drill or clear precise vacuum vent holes to optimize production airflow.
CNC Programming & G-Code: Load, test, and optimize CNC programs; perform basic G-code edits at the controller to accommodate variations in wood, printed polymers, and cast aluminum.
Inspect & Verify: Use calipers, micrometers, and depth gauges to inspect finished tools, ensuring they maintain tight engineering tolerances (± 0.005").
Engineering Collaboration: Partner with the on-site design engineering team to provide feedback on 3D print machining allowances, material stock, and aluminum mold design updates.
Perform all duties in compliance with regulatory requirements as well as company policies and procedures

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES None

Qualification Requirements

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE

High school diploma/GED required; CNC machining certification, tool & die certification, or trade apprenticeship preferred.
3+ years of experience in CNC machining, pattern making, mold making, or precision tool/die fabrication.
Proven experience machining and working with a wide range of materials, including wood, Ren shape/tooling board, plastics (ABS), and metals (cast aluminum).
Proven track record setting up and running CNC mills or large-format routers. Strong traditional model shop bench-work skills are essential.
Strong ability to read 3D engineering files, blueprints, and geometric dimensioning and tolerancing (GD&T).

Language Skills

Fluency in English is required. The ability to read, analyze, and interpret documents and the ability to effectively present information to all levels of employees including top management in a variety of settings is required.

Reasoning Ability

Ability to define problems, collect data, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions. Ability to interpret an extensive variety of technical instructions in mathematical or diagram form and deal with several abstract and concrete variables.

Physical Demands

The physical demands described in this section are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to stand, talk, walk, hear, reach with hands and arms, stoop and bend. The employee must seldom lift and/or move more than 25 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, depth perception, color vision, and the ability to adjust focus. This position requires work around machinery, aluminum/wood chips, shop dust, and finishing resins.

Work Environment

The work environment characteristics described in this section are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job.

The production area temperatures can fluctuate significantly based on the time of year. The noise levels can be moderate to high. The use of hearing protection and safety eyewear is required while on production floor. The use of additional specific safety equipment may be required. The noise level in the office is usually quiet. The noise level in production is usually moderate.

Work Availablity And Travel

Must have the ability to work all shift schedules, periodic overtime and be available for periodic weekend work. Travel requirements: <10%

***Don't meet every single requirement? KFI is dedicated to building a diverse, well-rounded team and appreciate authentic backgrounds and experiences.. so if you think you'd be a good fit for what you just read, but your past experience doesn't align perfectly with every qualification listed, we encourage you to apply anyways! We are always willing to train those who are motivated to learn and you may be just the right candidate for a position with our growing company!***

KFI is an equal opportunity employer. All applicants will be considered for employment without attention to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran or disability status.

This is a direct-hire opportunity with KFI. KFI is interested in every qualified candidate who is eligible to work in the United States. However, we are not able to sponsor visas.