Folder Gluer Operator

WestRock Company; Hendersonville, Northern (NC, KY); Hybrid; USD 42,000 - 60,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Job summary

Smurfit Westrock is seeking a Gluer Operator to set up gluers, interpret job orders and ensure precise folding and gluing. You will run production, monitor quality, and maintain equipment while complying with safety and SQF guidelines.

The role requires problem solving, color vision, and 3 years of gluer experience or formal training. The position emphasizes teamwork and accurate measurement, with responsibilities including line clearances, barcode setup, and maintenance support.

Qualifications

• Basic computer skills to operate manufacturing systems.
• Strong problem-solving abilities.
• Ability to follow written and verbal instructions.
• Effective communication to coordinate with finishing team.
• Working knowledge of finishing machine (gluer) and mechanical aptitude.
• Ability to work in a team and with little supervision.
• Must pass color vision test.
• Strong math skills for measurement and tolerances.
• Minimum 3 years experience operating a gluer or completed formal training.
• Able to perform all essential functions with or without reasonable accommodation.

Responsibilities

• Prepare and set up gluer according to job specifications.
• Review job orders and approved samples for gluing and folding areas.
• Perform line clearance and quality checks.
• Set and adjust gluers to meet specifications.
• Determine carton counts and ensure consistent case counts.
• Check glue pot levels and maintain glue supply.
• Set up barcode and vision systems where applicable.
• Monitor carton folding and glue application for consistency.
• Identify non-conforming materials.
• Assist in repair and preventive maintenance.
• Follow all safety and SQF guidelines and report concerns.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Skills

Gluer operation

Teamwork

Problem solving

Computer skills

Attention to detail

Color vision

Instruction following

Mathematical ability

Mechanical aptitude

Self-supervision

Tools

Finishing machine (gluer)

Job description

Smurfit Westrock (NYSE:SW) is the go-to leader and partner of choice in sustainable packaging. We are dedicated to creating efficient and scalable paper and packaging solutions to help solve complex packaging challenges. Guided by our values of safety, loyalty, integrity and respect, we are committed to delivering meaningful value for shareholders, customers, employees and the communities where we operate.

Relocation Assistance May Be Available

The Gluer Operator makes ready gluer based on carton size and style and completes production run for maximum quality and efficiency. The Gluer Operator is accountable for all aspects of gluer performance; will lead, give directions, monitor work of their machine crew and compliance with PPE and safety guidelines.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

• Demonstrates competency in all basic and advanced folds, straight line, auto bottom, internals, and inner partitions.
• Reviews job order to determine specifications and/or special instructions for job and examines approved sample to determine gluing areas, folding areas and pre-breaks required to produce carton.
• Performs line clearance according to established QOP.
• Reviews job order to determine specifications and/or special instructions for job and examines approved sample to determine gluing areas, folding areas and pre-breaks required to produce carton.
• Sets and makes adjustments to gluer to achieve specifications.
• Makes determination as to the number of cartons to pack in case to provide consistent case counts.
• Examines glue pot and if necessary, clean, check level of glue in glue pot on all gluers and in drum for extrusion.
• Sets barcode scanner; challenges barcode scanner to ensure proper function and Vision system when applicable.
• Sets glue scanner; challenges glue scanner to ensure proper function.
• Throughout production run, perform checks to ensure cartons are folding properly and glue application is consistent and accurate. Monitors identification bars on multiple order jobs to prevent mixed items.
• Ensures any non-conforming materials are identified.
• Sets up and runs tag machines for jobs that require tags or labels.
• Assists in the repair and preventative maintenance of gluers.
• Conforms with and abides by all regulations, policies, work procedures, safety rules, security procedures and instructions.
• This position will help keep department in specs within all 5S and SQF guidelines, and immediately report any food safety concerns to management.
• Performs other job duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Good basic computer skills in order to utilize our operating systems.
• Good problem-solving skills.
• Ability to follow written and verbal instructions.
• Good communicator and able to monitor finishing team members to enable them to perform assigned responsibilities accurately.
• Must have working knowledge of finishing machine (gluer) and mechanical aptitude.
• Ability to work in team environment.
• Ability to work with little supervision.
• Must pass color vision test.
• Good mathematical ability, including good understanding of measurement systems and ability to utilize various measuring devices, e.g., calipers, micrometers, etc.
• 3-years' experience operating a gluer or successfully completing a formalized on the job training program or equivalent combination.
• Must be able to perform all essential functions of this job with or without reasonable accommodation.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential job functions.

Employee is required to: stand, talk, see, hear, and be mobile.

Candidates are required to undergo a drug screening after receiving a conditional job offer, but before starting employment.

Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, protected veteran status or other characteristics protected by state or federal law.