Bag Machine Operator

Pratt Industries, Inc.; Vandalia (OH); On-site; USD 22,000 - 30,000; Full time

Job summary

Pratt Industries, Inc. in Vandalia, OH is seeking a Bag Machine Operator to safely set up, run, and adjust paper bag machines and flexographic presses to meet production targets while maintaining quality standards.

You will perform routine maintenance, document production data, and support team members in a 24/7 environment, with emphasis on safety and GMP compliance.

Ideal candidates have 6+ months in manufacturing, basic math, and lift truck certification; HS diploma or GED preferred.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or GED preferred.
• 6+ months manufacturing/production experience.
• 2–4 years operating paper bag or related flexo equipment.
• Basic reading comprehension and ability to read work orders.
• Knowledge of flexographic printing and paper converting machinery.
• Proficient with touch-screen controls and basic troubleshooting.
• Ability to use a tape measure accurately.
• Apply basic high school math concepts.

Responsibilities

• Set up, adjust, and operate paper bag machinery and presses per work orders.
• Prepare raw materials for production (stripping, setting, changing rolls, ink).
• Mount photopolymer plates and adjust for job changes or print specs.
• Maximize speed and capacity while maintaining zero-defect quality; reduce setup time.
• Perform preventative maintenance, basic troubleshooting, repairs, resets.
• Identify mechanical concerns and report escalations.
• Assist in developing SOPs.
• First bag out quality checks and inline inspections.
• Isolate non-conforming product to prevent defects.
• Adhere to GMPs and safety rules.
• Gather, count, and package finished bags; stack pallets.
• Complete daily production entries and safety records.
• Train and mentor other operators.
• Participate in Plant Safety Committee and cross-train.
• Maintain 5S housekeeping.
• Work overtime and shift variations as required (24/7/365).

Skills

Manufacturing experience

Flexographic printing

Reading work orders

Basic math

Tape measure

Lift truck operation

Education

High School Diploma or GED

Job description

Bag Machine Operator 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.