Larry Colburn

Dependable manufacturing and production professional with 35+ years of experience at Conagra Brands in roles ranging from forklift operation and spice mixing to production lead and quality assurance. Certified forklift operator with a strong record of safety compliance, equipment maintenance, and team leadership. Skilled in warehouse operations, inventory management, and process improvement. Known for a strong work ethic, attention to detail, and the ability to train and motivate team members.

Shipping Forklift Operator - Conagra Brands - Russellville, AR

(2007-01 - 2022-09)

• Operated forklifts to safely transport, load, and unload materials throughout a large manufacturing facility over 15 years.
• Maintained accurate inventory records using warehouse management systems and RF scanners; verified physical counts and reported discrepancies.
• Performed daily equipment inspections and scheduled maintenance to minimize downtime and ensure safety compliance.
• Trained new forklift operators on safe practices and company SOPs; supported team during peak periods.
• Managed loading dock operations, ensuring damage-free handling and on-time shipment of all orders.
• Secured loads on pallets, checked shipments for accuracy, and reported quality or safety issues to management.

Spiceroom Attendant - Conagra Brands - Russellville, AR

(2004-12 - 2007-01)

• Retrieved, scanned, and staged bulk spices and materials in the spiceroom based on daily production schedules.
• Monitored production line changes and adjusted spice requirements in real time to prevent downtime or late starts.
• Weighed, packaged, labeled, and staged spices for each production line; returned unused materials to inventory at shift end.
• Maintained cleanliness, sanitation, and organization standards; trained new crewmembers and worked independently.

Bulk Spice Mixer - Conagra Brands - Russellville, AR

(1999-01 - 2004-12)

• Mixed spice blends accurately per established recipes using large-scale mixing machinery; conducted quality checks for consistency.
• Calibrated instruments and adjusted equipment controls based on daily work orders; recorded yields, weights, and production data.
• Monitored inventory of spices and ingredients; performed equipment maintenance including cleaning and lubrication.
• Trained junior staff on mixing processes, safety protocols, and equipment operation.

Spiceroom Lead - Conagra Brands - Russellville, AR

(1997-03 - 1999-01)

• Led spiceroom crew, assigning duties, tracking hours, and coordinating coverage for absences and vacations.
• Analyzed production schedules daily to determine spice and blend requirements for all shifts across all lines.
• Maintained complete inventory of bulk and prepped spices; recorded all incoming and outgoing materials.
• Collaborated with production managers and supervisors to ensure all spice needs were met; identified and implemented cost-saving process improvements.

Quality Assurance Sampler - Conagra Brands - Russellville, AR

(1996-03 - 1997-03)

• Collected, prepared, and documented samples from production lines for quality evaluation; ensured compliance with safety standards.
• Conducted quality control tests, compared products to templates, and coordinated with supervisors to resolve production concerns.
• Oversaw disposal of non-conforming products and maintained accurate records of all sampling activities.

Bulk Spice Mixer - Conagra Brands - Russellville, AR

(1989-01 - 1996-03)

• Mixed and blended spices in large vats using paddles, agitators, and mixing equipment; followed recipes with precision for flavor and texture consistency.
• Completed batch production documentation, performed equipment maintenance, and maintained sanitary standards throughout.
• Used forklift to transport bulk totes; conducted daily/weekly inventory to support facility production requirements.

Production Lead – Enchilada Prep - Conagra Brands - Russellville, AR

(1987-10 - 1989-01)

• Supervised production staff, assigned tasks, coordinated workflow, and led team meetings to meet quality standards and deadlines.
• Established SOPs, monitored equipment, performed minor maintenance, and escalated issues to maintenance personnel.
• Analyzed production data to identify trends; prepared reports on output, waste, and cost; implemented process improvements.

Fill Control Operator – Burrito Line - Conagra Brands - Russellville, AR

(1983-09 - 1987-10)

• Operated control panels to manage fill temperature, flow rate, and line speed on the burrito production line; monitored fill weight within quality parameters.
• Executed startup/shutdown procedures, adjusted process variables, and responded to equipment malfunctions promptly.
• Maintained timely production records; cleaned and sanitized line on all breaks and product changes.

Manager / Cook / Server - Whistle Stop Cafe - Russellville, AR

(1982-06 - 1983-08)

• Managed daily operations of a small restaurant; led a team of 6–8 employees, handled hiring, scheduling, payroll records, and performance reviews.
• Prepared menu items, ensured food safety and sanitation compliance, and resolved customer complaints to maintain service quality.

Crew Foreman - Hickey Maintenance for Dow Chemical - Russellville, AR

(1981-05 - 1982-06)

• Supervised crew operations at a Dow Chemical facility; assigned tasks, conducted safety inspections, and ensured compliance with regulations.
• Trained new hires, diagnosed equipment malfunctions, and coordinated with management on performance and project progress.

General Equivalency Diploma (GED)

Some College (No Degree) - Executive Management - Capital City Business College