Bag Machine Operator

Pratt Industries; Vandalia (OH); On-site; USD 34,000 - 52,000; Full time

Job summary

Pratt Industries is seeking a hands-on manufacturing operator in Ohio to safely set up, adjust, and run paper bag machinery and flexographic presses. You will support production, maintain high quality, and help meet customer deadlines in a demanding, 24/7 environment.

Responsibilities include machine setup, materials handling, quality checks, and continuous improvement of setup times. Strong mechanical aptitude and GMP adherence are essential for success.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or GED preferred.
• Minimum: 6+ months manufacturing/production experience.
• 2 to 4 years of prior experience operating paper bag, envelope, or flexo-folder gluer machines within the packaging/converting industry.
• Basic reading comprehension and ability to read work order packets.
• Working knowledge of flexographic printing and paper converting machinery.
• Proficient with touch-screen controls and basic mechanical troubleshooting.
• Ability to apply practical high school math concepts (percentages, rates, measurements).
• Certifications: Lift Truck Operator License (or ability to obtain/maintain one).

Responsibilities

• Set up, adjust, and operate paper bag machinery, printing presses, and auxiliary equipment according to work orders and job packets.
• Prepare raw materials for production (e.g., stripping, preparing, setting, and changing paper rolls and ink).
• Mount photopolymer flexo plates to cylinders/sleeves and adjust machines for job changes or print specifications.
• Maximize machine speed and capacity while maintaining zero-defect quality and reduce set-up time and downtime.
• Perform preventative maintenance, basic troubleshooting, repairs, and reset/adjust machinery.
• Identify mechanical concerns and report escalations to supervision or maintenance staff.
• Assist in developing Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).
• Perform first bag out quality checks and inline inspections for packaging integrity and print quality.
• Isolate non-conforming product and waste to prevent defects from reaching customers.
• Adhere to GMPs and plant safety rules.
• Gather, count, and package finished bags; complete daily production entries and safety records.
• Train and mentor operators and helpers; participate in plant safety initiatives.
• Maintain a clean, organized work area and accommodate overtime and rotating shifts as needed.

Skills

Manufacturing/Production

Reading comprehension

Flexographic printing

Paper converting machinery

Touch-screen controls

Mechanical troubleshooting

High school math

Lift truck operation

Education

High School Diploma or GED

Tools

Lift Truck Operator License

Job description

Job Summary Safely operate, set up, adjust, and maintain paper bag machines and flexographic printing presses. This role is responsible for ensuring efficient production, maintaining high-quality standards, carrying out routine mechanical adjustments, and supporting team operations to satisfy customer orders on schedule.

Job Summary Safely operate, set up, adjust, and maintain paper bag machines and flexographic printing presses. This role is responsible for ensuring efficient production, maintaining high-quality standards, carrying out routine mechanical adjustments, and supporting team operations to satisfy customer orders on schedule. Key Responsibilities Machine Setup & Operation

• Set up, adjust, and operate paper bag machinery, printing presses, and auxiliary equipment according to work orders and job packets.
• Prepare raw materials for production (e.g., stripping, preparing, setting, and changing paper rolls and ink).
• Mount photopolymer flexo plates to cylinders/sleeves and make precise machine adjustments for job changes or print specifications.
• Maximize machine speed and capacity while maintaining zero-defect quality; actively work to reduce set-up time and operational downtime.

Maintenance & Technical Support

• Perform preventative maintenance, basic troubleshooting, repairs, and reset/adjust machinery following minor malfunctions or performance issues.
• Identify mechanical concerns and report escalations to the Production Supervisor, Production Manager, or Maintenance Specialists.
• Assist in developing Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).

Quality Control & Compliance

• Perform initial ("first bag out") quality checks and continuous inline inspections to ensure packaging integrity, proper dimensions, correct weights, and accurate print quality.
• Immediately isolate non-conforming product/waste to prevent defective bags from reaching the customer.
• Strictly adhere to plant safety rules, company policies, and Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs).

Material Handling, Packaging & Reporting

• Gather, count, and package finished bags into boxes/bags; stack and secure pallet loads in an orderly manner using pallet jacks or lift trucks.
• Complete accurate daily production entries, including status reports, safety records, scrap counts, and quality tracking.

Teamwork, Training & Flexibility

• Train, assist, and mentor Assistant Operators, Machine Operators, Machine Helpers, and Production Utility personnel on setup, safe operation, and quality control.
• Actively participate in the Plant Safety Committee and cross-train across various plant machines/roles to support operational growth.
• Maintain a clean, organized work area (5S/housekeeping) including equipment, breakrooms, and shared spaces.
• Work overtime, short-notice shift variations, and holiday schedules as required by customer demand (24/7/365 environment).

Preferred Qualifications & Requirements

• Education: High School Diploma or GED preferred
• Preferred Experience:
  • Minimum: 6+ months manufacturing/production experience.
  • Preferred: 2 to 4 years of prior experience operating paper bag, envelope, or flexo-folder gluer machines within the packaging/converting industry.
• Technical & Math Skills:
  • Basic reading comprehension and ability to read work order packets.
  • Working knowledge of flexographic printing and paper converting machinery.
  • Proficient with touch-screen controls, basic mechanical troubleshooting, and using a tape measure with speed and accuracy.
  • Ability to apply practical high school math concepts (percentages, rates, measurements, volumes).
• Certifications: Lift Truck Operator License (or ability to obtain/maintain one).

Physical Demands & Work Environment

• Physical Capabilities: Regularly required to stand, walk, reach, stoop, kneel, crouch, crawl, and talk/hear. Frequently uses hands and fingers to handle or feel materials. Must be able to regularly lift and move up to 50 lbs.
• Vision: Close, distance, color, and peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus.
• Environment: Active manufacturing plant. Regular exposure to moving mechanical parts, loud noise environments, wet/humid conditions, occasional airborne particles, fumes, or machinery vibration.