Bag Machine Operator - 2nd Shift

Pratt Industries, Inc.; Vandalia (OH); On-site; USD 21,000 - 30,000; Full time

Job summary

Pratt Industries in Vandalia, OH is hiring a Machine Operator to set up and run paper bag machinery, flexo printing presses, and related equipment. You will prepare materials, mount plates, and adjust machines to meet print specs while chasing high efficiency and zero-defect quality.

You will perform preventive maintenance, troubleshoot issues, and keep accurate production records in a 24/7 manufacturing environment, with a strong emphasis on safety and GMP compliance.

Qualifications

• Education: High School Diploma or GED preferred.
• Minimum: 6+ months manufacturing/production experience.
• Preferred: 2–4 years operating paper bag, envelope, or flexo-folder gluer machinery.

Responsibilities

• Set up, adjust, and operate paper bag machinery, printing presses, and auxiliary equipment per work orders.
• Prepare raw materials for production and change paper rolls and ink as needed.
• Mount photopolymer flexo plates and optimize machine adjustments for changes.
• Maximize speed while maintaining zero-defect quality and minimizing downtime.
• Perform preventive maintenance, troubleshoot, and repair minor issues.
• Identify mechanical concerns and report escalations to supervision.
• Conduct first-bag-out quality checks and inline inspections for packaging integrity.
• Isolate non-conforming product to prevent defects reaching customers.
• Adhere to GMPs and plant safety rules; maintain 5S housekeeping.
• Train and mentor junior operators; participate in plant safety initiatives.
• Maintain accurate daily production entries and safety records.
• Work overtime and varying shifts as customer demand requires.

Skills

Reading comprehension

Basic math

Mechanical troubleshooting

Tape measure proficiency

Education

High School Diploma or GED

Tools

Lift Truck Operator License

Job description

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.

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).

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.

Additional Information

Pratt Industries is America's 5th largest paper and packaging company with more than 9,000 highly skilled green collar employees dedicated to the environment and sustainability. Pratt Industries is one of the largest corrugated packaging companies in America, with sophisticated manufacturing facilities in more than twenty states. The company operates several of the most modern, cost effective paper mills in the country, as well as a series of sheet and box plants strategically placed throughout the United States offering a wide range of creative packaging solutions. Pratt Industries is committed to recycling and the environment by harvesting the urban forest.

EEOC Statement

Pratt Industries provides equal employment opportunities to applicants and employees without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, protected veteran status, or disability.

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