Production Team Member

WestRock Company; Knoxville (TN); Hybrid; USD 22,000 - 30,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical benefits

Dental benefits

Vision benefits

401K with match

Paid time off

Paid holidays

Disability insurance

Life insurance

Tuition assistance

Training and development

Global packaging company

Job summary

Smurfit Westrock in Knoxville, TN, is hiring immediately for a Nightshift Production Associate in Printing and Finishing. You will operate presses and gluers, prepare starts, and ensure material readiness for multiple jobs while maintaining safety and quality standards.

The role requires strong communication, mechanical aptitude, and the ability to read safety documents. We offer comprehensive benefits, paid time off, holidays, retirement matching, and ongoing training within a global leader in

Qualifications

• Excellent communication skills and professionalism.
• Ability to pass a mechanical aptitude test or demonstrate mechanical experience.
• Willing to work overtime during busy periods.
• Able to read and interpret safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions.
• Basic arithmetic skills (addition, subtraction, multiplication, division).

Responsibilities

• Operate printing presses and gluers to produce conforming cartons.
• Maintain safe and efficient production with minimal waste.
• Complete hourly quality checks and production records.
• Set up presses and make-readies; ensure materials ready for upcoming jobs.
• Maintain 5S standards and keep work areas clean.
• Assist with maintenance and basic repairs as needed.

Skills

Communication

Mechanical aptitude

Safety compliance

Reading technical docs

Basic arithmetic

Job description

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.

Hiring Immediately

Production Associate - Printing and Finishing

Nightshift

Positions for this role could include - Pre Stage Printing & Assistant Operators in Finishing

What We Offer:

• Medical, Dental and Vision benefits available immediately
• 401K with company match
• 80 hours of Paid Time Off
• 12 Paid Holidays
• Other benefits such as company paid Long-Term & Short-Term Disability, Term Life Insurance, Tuition Assistance and more
• 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 Opportunity:

• Execute all job duties in a safe and efficient manner.
• Each employee, regardless of role, is responsible for Food Packaging Safety, Quality, and GMP compliance.
• Operate and support printing presses and gluers to produce conforming cartons at required production rates with minimal waste.
• Assist with press and gluer make‑readies, set‑ups, and Start‑Up Checklist completion prior to sign‑off and start‑up.
• Ensure presses and gluers are staged with required materials (ink, plates, board stock, blankets, cases, etc.) for at least three upcoming jobs.
• Determine and monitor machine speed, production output, remaining quantities, and completion needs.
• Complete all hourly quality checks, production records, and process control documentation.
• Continuously inspect flat stock and finished product for quality defects; identify scrap and nonconforming material.
• Understand and monitor detection systems, electronic counters, sensors, and safety devices.
• Assist operators with machine adjustments to maintain safety, quality, and production standards.
• Perform preventive maintenance and basic equipment repairs when possible.
• Store, maintain, and create coating blankets as needed.
• Pull, stage, count, label, and inventory materials and finished goods accurately.
• Clean and maintain work areas, presses, gluers, waste rooms, ink drums, chemical drums, and surrounding platforms.
• Swap floor plates and safely operate motorized pallet jacks.
• Maintain work areas within 5S standards at all times.
• Relieve crew members for breaks and lunches and communicate effectively to resolve issues quickly.
• Promote teamwork to minimize downtime and improve overall efficiency.
• Report any issue or event that poses a risk to employee safety, the environment, facilities, or food packaging safety and quality.
• Participate in continuous improvement initiatives, corrective actions, and training.
• Train and support successors as assigned.
• Perform heavy manufacturing duties, including walking throughout the plant and communicating with various teams.
• Complete computer and basic desk work as required.
• Complete end‑of‑shift cleanup to ensure smooth transition between shifts.
• Follow all applicable policies, procedures, and instructions.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

What You Need to Succeed:

• Must have excellent communication skills, including the demonstration of tact, sensitivity, and professionalism.
• Ability to meet and/or pass the minimum requirement on a mechanical test or have demonstrated mechanical aptitude through prior work experience.
• Willing to work overtime as needed, significant overtime may be required during busy periods.
• Must have the ability to read and interpret documents such as safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions, and procedure manuals.
• Ability to perform basic arithmetic including addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division.

Safe Work Requirements:

• PPE: Safety Glasses, Ear Plugs, Safety Shoes, Gloves.
• Compliance with Safety expectations as listed in Employee Handbook.

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.