Production Associate

Smurfit Westrock; Nicholasville (KY); On-site; USD 32,000 - 42,000; Full time

Job summary

Smurfit Westrock in Kentucky is seeking a hands-on production helper to support feeding materials, operate simple equipment, and maintain safe, quality-focused output in a fast-paced facility.

You will work as part of a team, perform physical tasks, assist with make-ready and changeovers, and help keep the production area organized and compliant with 5S standards. Candidates should have a high school diploma or GED and be able to lift, stand, and walk for extended periods.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED.
• Ability to read and understand instructional materials such as operating procedures and work instructions.
• Strong attention to safety and quality standards.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced, team-oriented environment.
• Ability to perform all essential job functions with or without reasonable accommodation.

Responsibilities

• Supply production equipment with necessary materials, including large paper rolls, and transport finished goods using pallet jacks.
• Manage machine feeding operations for assigned equipment, ensuring consistent output and efficiency.
• Perform physical tasks including lifting, standing, walking, and material handling with appropriate equipment assistance.
• Operate and monitor equipment; load materials, assist with make-readies, and support changeovers.
• Stack, palletize, label, and transfer finished products to designated staging areas.
• Conduct quality checks on finished products and incoming materials to ensure compliance with specifications.
• Assist with troubleshooting minor equipment or process issues to minimize downtime.
• Perform all job duties safely and efficiently, maintaining accountability for food packaging safety and product quality.
• Maintain housekeeping and organization, adhering to 5S standards and supporting routine preventive maintenance.
• Follow all policies and procedures, report safety or quality concerns, and participate in training and continuous improvement initiatives.

Skills

Reading instructions

Safety awareness

Teamwork

Quality mindset

Education

High school diploma or GED

Job description

Description & Requirements

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.

Description & Requirements

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.

This role can include: feeder packer, aerator, cutting assistant, material handler and feeder operator.

The Opportunity

This role supports production operations by supplying materials, assisting with machine operation, and ensuring efficient and high‑quality output. The position plays a key role in maintaining workflow, supporting make‑ready activities, and upholding safety and quality standards in a fast‑paced manufacturing environment.

General Responsibilities

• Supply production equipment with necessary materials, including large paper rolls, and transport finished goods using pallet jacks.
• Manage machine feeding operations for assigned equipment, ensuring consistent output and efficiency.
• Perform physical tasks including lifting, standing, walking, and material handling with appropriate equipment assistance.
• Operate and monitor equipment; load materials, assist with make‑readies, and support changeovers.
• Stack, palletize, label, and transfer finished products to designated staging areas.
• Conduct quality checks on finished products and incoming materials to ensure compliance with specifications.
• Assist with troubleshooting minor equipment or process issues to minimize downtime.
• Perform all job duties safely and efficiently, maintaining accountability for food packaging safety and product quality.
• Maintain housekeeping and organization, adhering to 5S standards and supporting routine preventive maintenance.
• Follow all policies and procedures, report safety or quality concerns, and participate in training and continuous improvement initiatives.

What You Need To Succeed

• High school diploma or GED.
• Ability to read and understand instructional materials such as operating procedures and work instructions.
• Strong attention to safety and quality standards.
• Ability to work in a fast‑paced, team‑oriented environment.
• Ability to perform all essential job functions with or without reasonable accommodation.

What We Offer

• A workplace culture built on integrity, respect, accountability, and excellence.
• Comprehensive training with opportunities to grow and develop within operations.
• Competitive compensation based on experience and performance.
• A career with a global packaging leader where Safety, Sustainability, and Inclusion are core to daily operations.

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.