Forklift Operator

Printpack; Rhinelander (WI); On-site; USD 38,000 - 52,000; Full time

Job summary

Printpack is seeking an experienced Forklift Operator/Material Handler to join our team in the Wisconsin facility. You will move materials with stand-up and sit-down forklifts, support press operations, and help maintain quality, safety, and cleanliness in a fast-paced production environment.

Ideal candidates will have a High School diploma or equivalent and manufacturing experience, with strong teamwork, reliability, and attention to detail.

Qualifications

• Basic Mechanical Aptitude is required.
• Ability to safely operate material handling equipment.
• Basic mathematical skills for measurements and calculations.
• Ability to follow written and verbal instructions accurately.
• Strong teamwork and communication skills.
• Reliable attendance and punctuality.
• Strong attention to detail.
• Strong organizational skills.
• Basic computer literacy.
• Multi-tasking capabilities.
• Problem identification skills.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment.
• Willingness to learn and adapt to new procedures.

Responsibilities

• Support press operator with quality monitoring, machine efficiency optimization, and future job staging for changeovers.
• Manage ink and coating systems including viscosity control, filling, and maintenance of inks, varnishes, adhesives, and cold seals.
• Execute material handling duties including roll preparation, loading, splicing, and removal of finished products and waste materials.
• Perform equipment maintenance including doctor blade changes, machine cleaning, and participation in scheduled Preventative Maintenance programs.
• Safely operate elevator and handle press components during changeovers, including management of print cylinders, aniloxes, doctor blade chambers, and ink pans.
• Prepare and organize pre-setup materials such as sleeves, mandrels, anilox rolls, and inks for efficient job transitions.
• Maintain waste management procedures including weighing startup rolls and waste materials, and emptying refuse containers.
• Ensure compliance with Food Safety standards and 5S methodology through proper housekeeping and workplace organization.
• Monitor and replenish operational supplies including inks, adhesives, and other consumables while maintaining inventory levels.
• Support quality control processes by assisting with inspection procedures and maintaining cleanliness standards while following all safety protocols.

Skills

Mechanical Aptitude

Operate MHE

Math Skills

Follow Instructions

Teamwork

Reliability

Detail Orientation

Organization

Basic Computer Skills

Multi-tasking

Problem Solving

Adaptability

Willingness to Learn

Education

High School diploma or equivalent

Manufacturing experience

Job description

Printpack is a leading manufacturer in the packaging industry, committed to delivering innovative solutions and exceptional customer service. We are seeking a highly skilled and experienced Forklift Operator/Material Handler to join our dynamic team.

Key Responsibilities

• General understanding of rack numbering systems, tags, raw materials, and WIP
• Willing to work overtime when required
• Efficient operation of stand-up and sit-down forklifts to move materials
• Performance of routine safety inspections of lift equipment
• Loading and unloading trucks
• Moving material and general support of warehouse, shipping/receiving, and material handling functions
• Responsible for maintaining the area or areas that they work in and around
• Material Handler must be willing to work with others to fulfill the key measures of the facility
• Must possess skills and knowledge to complete forms and paperwork that will properly account for material being moved andsupplied to each machine

Education & Experience

• High School diploma or equivalent preferred
• Manufacturing experience preferred

Required Skills

• Basic Mechanical Aptitude
• Ability to safely operate material handling equipment
• Basic mathematical skills for measurements and calculations
• Ability to follow written and verbal instructions accurately
• Strong teamwork and communication skills
• Reliable attendance and punctuality
• Strong attention to detail
• Strong organizational skills
• Basic computer literacy
• Multi-tasking capabilities
• Problem identification skills
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment
• Willingness to learn and adapt to new procedures

Key Responsibilities

• Support press operator with quality monitoring, machine efficiency optimization, and future job staging for changeovers
• Manage ink and coating systems including viscosity control, filling, and maintenance of inks, varnishes, adhesives, and cold seals
• Execute material handling duties including roll preparation, loading, splicing, and removal of finished products and waste materials
• Perform equipment maintenance including doctor blade changes, machine cleaning, and participation in scheduled Preventative Maintenance programs
• Safely operate elevator and handle press components during changeovers, including management of print cylinders, aniloxes, doctor blade chambers, and ink pans
• Prepare and organize pre-setup materials such as sleeves, mandrels, anilox rolls, and inks for efficient job transitions
• Maintain waste management procedures including weighing startup rolls and waste materials, and emptying refuse containers.
• Ensure compliance with Food Safety standards and 5S methodology through proper housekeeping and workplace organization
• Monitor and replenish operational supplies including inks, adhesives, and other consumables while maintaining inventory levels
• Support quality control processes by assisting with inspection procedures and maintaining cleanliness standards while following all safety protocols

Education & Experience

• High School diploma or equivalent preferred
• Manufacturing experience preferred

Required Skills

• Basic Mechanical Aptitude
• Ability to safely operate material handling equipment
• Basic mathematical skills for measurements and calculations
• Ability to follow written and verbal instructions accurately
• Strong teamwork and communication skills
• Reliable attendance and punctuality
• Strong attention to detail
• Strong organizational skills
• Basic computer literacy
• Multi-tasking capabilities
• Problem identification skills
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment
• Willingness to learn and adapt to new procedures

Additional Requirements

• Must be 18 years of age
• Must pass pre-employment assessment
• Drug screening required
• Background check required

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Basic understanding of printing processes and equipment
• Material handling requirements
• Troubleshooting Skills
• Cleaning and maintenance procedures
• Food safety standards
• Safety compliance with protocols and procedures
• Time management
• Following standard operating procedures
• Basic mathematical calculations

Physical Demands

• Capability to lift and move up to 50 pounds
• Capacity to stand and walk for extended periods
• Ability to climb, kneel, bend, reach, stoop and squat
• Proficiency in grasping, pushing, pulling, and fine motor skills
• Ability to pass Ishihara color test
• Ability to climb ladders and stairs safely
• Ability to work at heights
• Ability to wear required PPE (hearing protection, steel-toe shoes, safety glasses)
• Ability to become certified in material handling equipment

Work Conditions

• Noise levels above 80 dB
• Operation of complex machinery
• Solvents, fumes and inks
• Variable Temperatures
• Must be able to work flexible shifts
• May require nights, weekends, and holidays.
• An additional $2.50/hr premium for hours worked on NIGHT Shift only (qualifying hours vary by location).

Printpack is proudly an equal-opportunity employer. We are committed to creating an inclusive environment. Embracing diversity enhances our work culture and is vital to our success. We do not discriminate based on race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy), national origin, gender identity, sexual orientation, marital/parental status, genetic information, age, national origin, ancestry, ethnicity, disability, marital status, military or veteran status or affiliation, or any other characteristic protected under applicable law.

To view your rights and government notices, please see the links below:

Know Your Rights - Conozca sus Derechos - Your Rights Under USERRA (dol.gov) - FMLA - FMLA (Spanish) - Polygraph Protection - Right to Work - Right to Work (Spanish)

Printpack is committed to helping individuals with disabilities participate in the workforce and ensure equal opportunity to compete for jobs. If you need a reasonable accommodation to assist you with your application for employment or job search, please get in touch with us by sending an email to [e-mail]. Please include in your email a brief description of the accommodation you are requesting and the position for which you are interested in applying.