Bag Machine Operator - 2nd Shift

Pratt Industries, Inc.; Vandalia (OH); On-site; USD 36,000 - 48,000; Full time

Job summary

Pratt Industries, Inc. in Vandalia, Ohio is seeking a Bag Machine Operator to safely operate, set up, and maintain paper bag machinery and flexographic presses, ensuring on-time production and strict quality standards.

You will prepare materials, adjust equipment for print specs, run test prints, and perform routine maintenance while coordinating with team members in a 24/7 plant environment. The role requires basic math, familiarity with flexographic printing, and a Lift Truck License; physical

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or GED preferred.
• Minimum 6+ months manufacturing/production experience.
• 2–4 years operating paper bag or flexo-folder gluer machines.
• Reading work orders and basic math required.
• Familiarity with flexographic printing and paper converting equipment.
• Proficiency with touch-screen controls and basic mechanical troubleshooting.
• Ability to measure and apply basic math concepts.
• Lift Truck Operator License or ability to obtain one.

Responsibilities

• Set up, adjust, and operate paper bag machinery and printing presses per work orders.
• Prepare raw materials, including changing rolls and inks.
• Mount plates and adjust machines for print specs.
• Maximize speed while maintaining zero-defect quality and minimize downtime.
• Perform preventative maintenance and basic repairs.
• Report issues to supervisor; assist in SOP development.
• Run first-bag-out quality checks and inline inspections.
• Document daily production entries and safety records.
• Train and mentor junior operators; participate in safety committees.

Skills

Reading comprehension

Mathematical skills

Touch-screen controls

Reading work orders

Basic mechanical troubleshooting

Lift up to 50 lbs ability

Education

High School Diploma or GED

Tools

Paper bag machinery

Flexographic printing presses

Tape measure

Forklift/Lift truck

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.