Material Handler

Winpak; Pekin (IL); On-site; USD 25,000 - 30,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical benefits

Dental & Vision coverage

Travel coverage

Disability coverage

Voluntary life insurance

AD&D insurance

Tuition assistance program

Retirement savings plans

Employee assistance program

Job summary

Winpak Heat Seal in Pekin, IL is seeking a Material Handler/Forklift Operator to support die cutting operations and safely move materials across the plant. The role requires lifting up to 50 lbs, standing for long periods, and working all three shifts.

Responsibilities include handling materials, packaging finished goods, and ensuring a clean, organized work area while adhering to GMP and food safety regulations. Prior forklift experience is preferred.

Qualifications

• 1+ year in a production/manufacturing environment.
• Basic mechanical aptitude.
• 1+ year following safety protocols in industrial settings.
• Ability to lift up to 50 lbs and stand/walk for extended periods.
• Willingness to work all three shifts (1st, 2nd, 3rd).

Responsibilities

• Support Die Cutting Operations: assist machine operators with materials and roll changes.
• Move raw materials, printed stock, and finished goods using forklifts between warehouse, bindery, and staging areas.
• Seal, label, palletize, shrink-wrap, and weigh finished cartons according to specs.
• Remove defective material and maintain scrap/recycling areas per procedures.
• Follow safety, GMP, and food safety regulations; wear PPE.
• Maintain clean die cutting area and store equipment/materials properly.
• Coordinate with operators, supervisors and team members to meet production goals.

Skills

Mechanical aptitude

Safety protocols

Industrial experience

Team collaboration

Tools

Forklift operation

Press machinery familiarity

Material handling equipment

Job description

Winpak Heat Seal is looking to add a Material Handler/Forklift Operator position on their team based out of Pekin, Illinois.

Key Responsibilities

• Support Die Cutting Operations: Assist machine operators by preparing materials, performing roll changes, and ensuring smooth press operations throughout the shift.
• Material Handling: Safely move raw materials, printed stock, and finished goods using forklifts and material handling equipment between warehouse, bindery, and staging areas.
• Packaging & Palletizing: Seal, label, palletize, shrink-wrap, and weigh finished cartons according to customer specifications and production requirements.
• Quality & Waste Management: Remove defective material, handle scrap properly, and maintain organized scrap and recycling areas in compliance with plant procedures.
• Safety & Compliance: Follow all safety, GMP, and food safety regulations; wear required PPE; and actively promote a clean, safe, and efficient work environment.
• Housekeeping & Equipment Care: Maintain a clean and organized die cutting area by sweeping floors, emptying bins, and ensuring all equipment and materials are stored correctly.
• Communication & Teamwork: Coordinate with machine operators, supervisors, and team members to ensure production goals are met efficiently and accurately.

Additional Details

• Wage: $19.66/hour
• Shifts: must be available for all three 8 hour shifts (1st, 2nd, 3rd)

Required Qualifications

• 1+ with basic mechanical aptitude and familiarity with printing press components.
• 1+ years of experience in a production or manufacturing environment
• 1+ years of experience following safety protocols, and cleaning procedures in industrial environment
• Ability to lift up to 50 lbs, stand and walk for extended periods, and cleaning equipment

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with maintenance of sanitation equipment
• Knowledge of safety equipment operation such as eyewash stations and emergency showers.
• Previous experience in a manufacturing environment with hands‑on cleaning or maintenance duties.

Benefits

• Medical, dental, vision & prescription coverage
• Travel coverage
• Disability coverage
• Voluntary life insurance
• Life and accidental death & dismemberment insurance
• Tuition assistance program
• Retirement savings plans
• A comprehensive employee and family assistance program which includes short term counselling, wellbeing coaching, financial and legal consultations services.

Winpak’s vision

Winpak is committed to providing comprehensive benefits to support the physical, mental, financial and social well-being of our employees and their families. Our benefit package includes the following:
Medical, dental, vision & prescription coverage
Travel coverage
Disability coverage
Voluntary life insurance
Life and accidental death & dismemberment insurance
Tuition assistance program
Retirement savings plans
A comprehensive employee and family assistance program which includes short term counselling, wellbeing coaching, financial and legal consultations services.

At Winpak, inclusion is one of our core values.

We believe that an inclusive culture fosters a sense of belonging, drives innovation, and provides our brand a competitive advantage. Our goal is to create an environment free from harassment and discrimination, and where every individual feels respected, valued, and appreciated.

As an Equal Opportunity Employer,

we are committed to an equitable and inclusive recruitment process, evaluating applicants based on merit, capability, and qualifications related to the job - never on identity factors such as race, color, gender, age, sexual orientation, religion, disability, national origin, or any other protected status. To support this commitment, if you require any accommodations during the recruitment process, please let us know and we will work with you to ensure your needs are met.

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