Press Operator

Graphic Packaging International Spain SA; Shelbyville (IL); On-site; USD 33,000 - 39,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive Pay

401(k) with employer matching

Health & Welfare Benefits

Medical, dental, vision coverage

Job summary

Graphic Packaging International is seeking a Printing Press Operator to set up, adjust, and operate a high-speed flexographic press, ensuring color accuracy, quality, and efficient production. You will handle plates, inks, and maintenance tasks while adhering to safety and SQF procedures.

The role requires 3–5 years of press experience, strong mechanical aptitude, and the ability to work in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.

Qualifications

• 3–5 years experience as Lead or 2nd Press Operator on heatset web press or 3–5 years as Lead on 40" sheetfed offset press.
• Must pass Ishihara color vision test.
• Strong mechanical background with ability to use hand and power tools safely; mechanical troubleshooting skills.

Responsibilities

• Set up, adjust, and operate high-speed multi-color flexographic printing press.
• Mount/demount printing plates to sleeves and cylinders; adjust ink to meet standards.
• Ensure safety, sanitation, and quality standards are followed; maintain press area clean and orderly.
• Train others when qualified and manage workloads to meet production requirements.
• Communicate effectively with oncoming shift and assist in other areas as needed.

Skills

Press operator experience

Ishihara color vision

Mechanical skills

Hand & power tools

Math skills

Computer skills

Communication skills

Physical stamina

Tools

Hand tools

Power tools

Job description

At Graphic Packaging International, we produce the paper cup that held your coffee this morning, the basket that transported those bottles of craft beer you enjoyed last weekend, and the microwave tray that heated your gourmet meal last night. We’re one of the largest manufacturers of paperboard and paper-based packaging for some of the world’s most recognized brands of food, beverage, foodservice, household, personal care and pet products. Headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia, we are collaborative, diverse, innovative individuals who create inspired packaging while giving back to our communities.

With over 25,000 employees working in more than 130 locations worldwide, we strive to be environmentally responsible in our industry and in the communities where we operate. We are committed to workplace diversity and offer compensation and benefits programs that are among the industry’s best to reward the talented people who make our company successful.

A World of Difference. Made Possible.

Job Details

Printing Press Operator
$1,500 Retention Bonus for New Hires and Qualifying Rehires
Starting At $24.76, progressing to $27.71 at 24 months
$1.15/Hour Shift Differential for Night Shift
Benefits Start on the 1st Of the Month Following Your Start Date

Job Summary:

Set up, adjust, and operate high-speed multi-color Flexographic printing press. Duties include: mounting/demounting printing press plates to sleeves and cylinders, adjusting ink to meet printing standards, correcting paperwork for each assigned job and press.

Work Devices:

Air hose, air mount sleeves, banding machine, doctor blades, flexo cylinders, hoist, ink pumps, inks, knives, grease guns, masking tape, open-end wrenches, splicing tape, paper roll stock, paper waste, press gears, printing plates, rags, rubber plates, ruler, screwdrivers, tape measure, other devices as needed.

Description of tasks

• Perform all duties in a safe and orderly manner.
• Actively engaged, and involved; Participate in safety meetings and safety tours.
• Ensure production of products consistent with established food safety, sanitation, and quality standards.
• Observe and report any unsafe acts or conditions, notify individual and/or supervisor to prevent accidents.
• Set up and maintain continuous operation of multi-color flexographic printing press, producing standard quality units of various types and sizes with proper color, coverage, and registration.
• Adjust ink flow and replenish inks. Maintain ink chemistry by adjusting P.H. and viscosity.
• Wash plates, ink fountains and ink rollers.
• Lubricate, maintain (PM) and clean press according to schedule; clean and change doctor blades.
• Mount and/or demount printing plates and adjust plates for proper registration. Clean plates, periodically.
• Splice and/or thread paper through a press.
• Remove jams and/or web breaks.
• Inspect paper roll stock for adherence to specifications and reject paper obviously defective.
• Notify appropriate personnel when materials are required.
• Remove rolls from rewind stand, put on proper identification flags, and band rolls.
• Segregate waste into appropriate containers.
• Continuously check quality of product being printed.
• Keep assigned area and equipment clean and orderly.
• Once qualified, instruct and train others.
• Manage workload as necessary to ensure production requirements are met.
• Communicate effectively with oncoming shift.
• Fulfill overtime requirements necessary to ensure production requirements are met.
• Assist in other areas or perform other duties, as assigned.

Special Qualifications

• 3-5 years experience (preferred) as a Lead or 2nd Press Operator on a heatset web press (offset or flexo), or 3-5 years (preferred) as Lead Press Operator on 40" sheetfed offset press.
• Must pass Ishihara Color Vision Test.
• Strong mechanical background and skill level to perform technical tasks:
  • Strong knowledge of and able to use hand and power tools properly and safely (reference “Work Devices” section of this job posting)
  • Working knowledge of mechanical components and equipment
  • Strong troubleshooting skills
• Basic mathematical skills.
• Basic computer skills, Word, Excel, QAD, Access.
• Well-developed verbal and written communication skills, organizational skills, and interpersonal skills. Must be detail- oriented. Must be able to work well with all levels of personnel, individually or in a team environment; Must be able to interface and communicate with others to assist with repairs and troubleshooting. Must be self-motivated; work well on own with minimal supervision and/or take direction from others to accomplish goals.
• Experience and ability to work in a fast-paced/multi-tasked manufacturing environment.
• Ability to perform the essential physical functions of the position, with or without accommodation. This includes: Walking or standing for extended periods of time, up to 12-hours; lifting up to 50lbs; carrying up to 30 lbs; lowering up to 30 lbs from a height of 4 feet, visual acuity, depth perception and ability to distinguish color; working in various temperatures & humidity levels.

Safe Quality Food Responsibilities:

Follow all Plant rules, Processes, Hygiene, and Allergens procedures, related to production of Safe Quality Foods.
Report to person of authority to record any potentially unsafe conditions which may result in unsafe foods or noncompliance to SQF related procedures.
Participate in SQF Root Cause and Corrective Actions (from customer complaints, SQF audits, validation, and verification activities) as required.
Follow all procedures related to producing Safe Quality Foods (SQF).
Report any potentially unsafe SQF conditions or customer complaints to a person of authority to record and/or correct the situation.

GPI’s Benefit Program

• Competitive Pay
• 401(k) w/employer matching
• Health & Welfare Benefits
  • Medical, dental, vision, and prescription drug coverage
  • Short and Long-Term Disability
  • Life Insurance
  • Accidental Death & Dismemberment (AD&D) Insurance
  • Flexible Spending and Health Savings Accounts
• Various Voluntary benefits
• Adoption Assistance Program
• Employee Discount Programs
• Employee Assistance Program
• Tuition Assistance Program
• Paid Time Off + 11 paid company holidays each year

Applications accepted on an ongoing basis and there is no deadline.

Graphic Packaging is an equal opportunity employer and abides by all applicable federal, state provincial and local laws with respect to the recruitment and hiring process. We are committed to an inclusive, barrier-free recruitment and hiring process free from discrimination or harassment based upon race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or veteran status. Should you require an accommodation for a disability, please contact your Human Resources representative or email [e-mail].