Production Associate/Finishing Helper

Smurfit Westrock; Saint Cloud (MN); On-site; USD 32,000 - 33,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Great starting pay

Career development

Comprehensive benefits

Job summary

Smurfit Westrock in Minnesota is hiring a Production Associate for the St. Cloud facility. The role supports manufacturing operations, performs quality checks, handles corrugated products, and maintains an orderly workspace.

Training is provided during the first three weeks on first shift, with opportunities to rotate to second shift and potentially third shift. The ideal candidate has a background in heavy industrial manufacturing and a willingness to learn.

Qualifications

• Heavy industrial manufacturing experience preferred.
• Basic math and computer skills.
• Ability to lift, push and pull 50 lbs., stand for shift.
• Ability to operate various manufacturing equipment and read instructions.

Responsibilities

• Safely perform a wide range of tasks supporting manufacturing areas (handling corrugated products, quality checks, setup).
• Maintain a clean and organized workspace.
• Read and interpret product specification sheets and document production records.
• Inspect finished product to ensure quality specifications are met.

Skills

Mechanical aptitude

Computer skills

Safety compliance

Physical strength

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

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.

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.

Production Associate

• Work Location: St. Cloud, MN
• Work environment: Manufacturing non-climate controlled
• Pay Rate: $23.44 with a shift differential of $0.55
• Shift: Rotate 1st & 2nd Shift, every other week. Ability to flex to 3rd Shift.
• Will train for the first 3 weeks on first shift

Area Of Focus

We are currently looking for experienced Production Associates to join our team who can excel in our fast-paced, high-performing team-oriented environment. No experience? We will train you to succeed and play to win! Attitude is everything and Opportunity is Everywhere! Primary duties include safely performing a wide range of tasks supporting the manufacturing areas, that include handling corrugated products, conducting quality checks, materials set-up, and maintaining a clean and organized workspace.

The ideal candidate will have a strong commitment to working safely, demonstrated ability to work in a fast-paced environment, a strong desire to learn manufacturing processes and operating complex machinery, and have a desire to advance within the company.

We are a major, recognized, and growing company within the Paper/Packaging/Recycling manufacturing industry.

You will have a direct impact on our ability to safely deliver quality products at a competitive cost.

How You Will Impact Smurfit Westrock

• Follow all safety procedures and promote safety & safety programs throughout the facility.
• Maintain full compliance with all Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs).
• Maintain housekeeping excellence.
• Participate and ensure the department is compliant with SQF audit regulations.
• Ability to read and understand product specification sheets.
• Inspect finished product to ensure quality specifications are being adhered to by performing.
• All departmental quality checks and accurately document same.
• Accurately identify and prepare completed material for movement to the next operation.
• Accurately and thoroughly fill out daily production records and enter in the computer system.
• Participating in product make readies as directed by Operator
• Demonstrate a progressive learning process of the corrugated and die cutting process with full intent to become an operator.
• Demonstrate consistent ability to relieve the Operator in a temporary capacity.
• Participate in daily and weekly preventive maintenance activities, as directed by management.
• Ability to record safety or mechanical concerns to maintenance through Maintenance.

What You Need To Succeed

• Heavy industrial manufacturing or prior box plant experience preferred.
• Intermediate computer skills preferred.
• Demonstrated mechanical aptitude through prior work experience.
• Experience with manufacturing equipment and machine maintenance.
• Ability to work safely and comply with all safety regulations.
• Ability to operate various manufacturing equipment, follow specific direction, and other duties as assigned.
• Read and interpret documents such as safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions, and procedural manuals.
• Ability to read a tape measure and have basic math and computer skills.
• Ability to lift, push and/or pull 50 lbs., stand, walk, bend, and kneel throughout the entire shift. Ability to perform all essential functions of this job with or without reasonable accommodation.
• Flexibility to work longer hours, which include days, nights, and weekends.
• Ability to work overtime as needed; overtime may be required during busy periods.
• At least 18 years old and high school diploma or equivalent.

What Do We Offer

• Great Starting Pay
• We focus on career development and internal promotions
• If you are looking for a career and not just a job you are in the right place.
• Amazing opportunities for career progression
• Safety and Quality are the foundation we build on
• Recognition by celebrating Team accomplishments
• Extensive OSHA safety training program
• We invest a phenomenal amount into our employees on the job training program, which is one of the things that make us so fantastic to work for
• Very competitive benefit packages which include vacation time, health insurance, dental, life insurance, tuition reimbursement and 401k plan with company match
• Corporate culture based on integrity, loyalty, respect, and safety
• An attractive salary reflecting skills, competencies and potential
• Comprehensive training with numerous learning and development opportunities
• A career with a global packaging company where sustainability, safety and inclusion are business drivers and foundational elements of the daily work

The starting rate is $23.44 per hour, depending on your role, level, and location. The benefits for this role may include short-term bonus incentive, health, dental and vision insurance, flexible spending accounts or health savings accounts, retirement savings plans, life and disability insurance programs, and paid sick leave as required by applicable state/local law, 10 days of paid vacation, and 11 days of paid holidays, subject to annual change. Your actual pay will be based on your work location and other factors, such as your skills, experience, and education. The application window is expected to close by 11/30/26.

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.