Value Stream Mapping Intern

Job Title: Value Stream Mapping (VSM) Internship (Summer 2026)Location: Benton, KYDepartment: OperationsReports To: EngineeringJob Type: InternshipThis role is fully on site daily in Benton, KY.About 3A Composites:3A Composites USA specializes in the manufacturing of leading substrates for the graphic display, architectural and framing markets in North America, South America and Central America. With manufacturing facilities in Benton, KY, Statesville, NC, and Glasgow, KY, and sales and marketing offices in Davidson, NC, our industry leading brands include: FOME-COR, SINTRA, GATOR, DISPA, DIBOND, LUMEX G and ALUCOBOND PLUS. 3A Composites is part of the international 3A Composites Group, which belongs to the listed company Schweiter Technologies headquartered in Steinhausen, Switzerland. At 3A Composites we share common values of integrity and accountability, teamwork, trust & transparency that guide us in our dealings with customers, suppliers, and other stakeholders. More information about 3A Composites can be found at http://www.3acompositesusa.com.Purpose of this role:We are seeking a motivated and detail-oriented Value Stream Mapping (VSM) Intern to support our Benton facility operations team. This internship provides a hands-on opportunity to analyze and improve material flow, facility layout, and operational efficiency within a manufacturing environment.The intern will play a key role in updating facility layouts, documenting material movement, and identifying opportunities to streamline processes. This position is ideal for students pursuing careers in manufacturing, industrial engineering, operations, or continuous improvement.In this position, you will...Update and maintain an accurate AutoCAD layout of the facility, including equipment, storage areas, and material staging locationsObserve and document material flow from receiving through production to shippingAnalyze employee movement, forklift traffic, and material handling processesIdentify inefficiencies, congestion points, and opportunities for process improvementEvaluate storage locations, pallet usage, and space utilizationMap current-state operations and workflowsAnalyze material handling and staging practicesIdentify opportunities to reduce unnecessary movement and improve organizationContribute to data-driven recommendations for operational improvementsSupport development of recommendations to improve workflow, organization, and efficiencyCompile findings and present actionable recommendations to plant leadershipThe knowledge, skills, and abilities you will bring...Currently pursuing a Bachelor's degree in Industrial Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Operations Management, or a related fieldExpected graduation date between December 2026 and May 2028Basic knowledge of AutoCAD or similar CAD softwareStrong analytical and problem-solving skillsAbility to observe, document, and analyze processesBasic understanding of manufacturing or industrial operationsProficiency in Microsoft Excel and general computer applicationsStrong communication and organizational skills