OPERATOR, PRESS

Inovar Packaging Group is one of North America’s premier flexographic and digital printing companies, committed to the success of our customers and employees. We continually invest in advanced equipment, technology, and talent to deliver innovative, high-quality labels and packaging solutions. Our culture is built on teamwork, trust, craftsmanship, safety, and win-win partnerships.

About the role

The Flexographic Press Operator is responsible for setting up, operating, and maintaining a Mark Andy 2200 narrow-web flexographic printing press. This position produces high-quality labels and printed products while meeting customer specifications, production schedules, quality standards, and safety expectations. The ideal candidate has hands-on flexographic printing experience, strong mechanical aptitude, excellent color-matching and registration skills, and the ability to identify and correct print-quality issues throughout the production process.

Responsibilities

• Set up and operate a Mark Andy 2200 flexographic press according to job specifications and production requirements.
• Review job tickets, artwork, proofs, press instructions, materials, and customer specifications before production.
• Install printing plates, dies, cylinders, anilox rolls, doctor blades, inks, and other required tooling.
• Load and thread paper, film, pressure-sensitive label stock, and other substrates through the press.
• Set and maintain proper registration, impression, web tension, color, ink viscosity, and drying or curing settings.
• Perform color matching and make press adjustments to maintain consistent print quality throughout each run.
• Complete in-process quality inspections for color, registration, copy, barcodes, defects, die-cutting, and overall appearance.
• Identify and troubleshoot issues such as dirty print, pinholing, plate bounce, registration variation, ink buildup, web breaks, and inconsistent color.
• Verify finished products meet customer requirements and approved quality standards.
• Minimize waste, downtime, setup time, and material loss while meeting production goals.
• Accurately record production activity, material usage, waste, quality checks, and downtime.
• Perform routine cleaning, preventive maintenance, and basic mechanical adjustments.
• Maintain an organized, clean, and safe work area.
• Follow all safety procedures, quality systems, standard operating procedures, and company policies.
• Communicate effectively with Production, Quality, Prepress, Ink, Maintenance, and Finishing teams.
• Train or assist Press Helpers and other team members as needed.
• Perform additional production responsibilities as assigned.

Requirements

• High school diploma or GED required.
• Previous flexographic press operation experience strongly preferred.
• Experience operating a Mark Andy 2200 or similar narrow-web flexographic press preferred.
• Knowledge of flexographic plates, anilox rolls, inks, dies, substrates, web tension, registration, and color control.
• Ability to read job tickets, proofs, specifications, measurements, and production documentation.
• Strong mechanical aptitude and troubleshooting skills.
• Ability to distinguish colors and identify minor print defects.
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to quality.
• Ability to work independently while contributing to a team environment.
• Willingness to work overtime or flexible hours based on production needs.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to stand and walk for extended periods.
• Ability to frequently bend, reach, push, pull, and use hands to handle materials and tooling.
• Ability to lift and move up to 50 pounds with or without reasonable accommodation.
• Ability to work around moving equipment, inks, solvents, noise, and other conditions commonly found in a manufacturing environment.
• Ability to wear required personal protective equipment.

Benefits

• Competitive pay
• Shift differential, when applicable
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• Company-paid and voluntary life insurance
• Short- and long-term disability coverage
• 401(k) retirement plan with a generous company match
• Paid time off and company holidays
• Career-development and advancement opportunities
• A collaborative environment that values safety, quality, craftsmanship, and teamwork

Pay

$25 to $35 an hour depending on experience.

Schedule

• Weekends: Friday–Saturday 4:00 AM–5:30 PM, Sunday 4:00 AM–2:30 PM
• Overtime may be required based on business and production needs.