Press Helpers

Job Summary

The Web Press Helper is responsible for assisting Web Press Operators and Pressmen with the setup, operation, monitoring, and maintenance of web press equipment to ensure jobs are completed safely, accurately, efficiently, and according to established quality standards. The Web Press Helper must adhere to all company policies and represent the organization in a professional and ethical manner.

Duties/Responsibilities

• Read and understand job tickets, work orders, production instructions, specifications, and other job-related documentation.
• Review job requirements with the Web Press Operator or Pressman prior to production.
• Absorb and assist with the setup, start-up, operation, and shutdown of web press equipment.
• Assist with staging paper, ink, plates, rolls, supplies, and other materials required for upcoming jobs.
• Verify that the correct materials and supplies are being used according to job specifications.
• Assist with loading and changing paper rolls and preparing materials for press operation.
• Assist with webbing the press and making necessary preparations for job start-up and changeovers.
• Assist the Press Operator with plate changes, ink changes, paper changes, and other job changeover activities.
• Maintain proper registration, color, print quality, and overall job specifications.
• Perform quality checks on printed materials to identify defects, inconsistencies, or other quality concerns.
• Immediately notify the Press Operator or supervisor of quality issues, equipment problems, safety concerns, or production delays.
• Remove finished product from the press as required and properly stack, package, label, or stage materials for the next production process.
• Ensure finished materials are handled carefully to prevent damage, contamination, or unnecessary spoilage.
• Absorb and assist with completing required production paperwork, checklists, quality documentation, and job-related records accurately and timely.
• Absorb and assist in identifying and controlling waste, spoilage, and unnecessary material usage.
• Absorb and assist with troubleshooting equipment issues and performing minor adjustments or repairs as directed and within the employee's level of training.
• Absorb and assist in maintaining adequate supplies at the press and notifying management when materials or supplies need to be replenished or ordered.
• Absorb and assist in improving production efficiencies, reducing downtime, and meeting established production standards.
• Absorb and assist in participating in training and cross-training opportunities to develop knowledge of web press equipment and operations.
• Absorb and assist in training new and temporary employees when directed.

Required Skills/Abilities

• Ability and willingness to work effectively as part of a production team.
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to producing quality work.
• Good verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to follow written and oral instructions.
• Ability to read and understand job tickets, production instructions, and basic job specifications.
• Ability to identify quality concerns and communicate them promptly to the Press Operator or supervisor.
• Basic mechanical aptitude and willingness to learn web press equipment and processes.
• Basic computer skills.
• Ability to perform basic math and measurements as required for production.
• Ability to multitask and work effectively in a fast-paced production environment.
• Ability to maintain accuracy while meeting established production expectations.
• Ability to work safely around moving machinery and production equipment.
• Willingness to learn press setup, operation, troubleshooting, quality control, and routine maintenance procedures.
• Ability to work independently when appropriate while following the direction of the Press Operator, Pressman, or supervisor.
• Ability to work overtime, weekends, or varying schedules as required by production needs.

Education and Experience

• G.E.D. or High School Diploma preferred.
• Previous experience in printing, manufacturing, production, or machine operation preferred.
• Previous web press or commercial printing experience preferred but not required.

Physical Requirements

• Must be able to consistently lift and carry up to 50 pounds.
• Must be able to stand and walk for extended periods throughout the shift.
• Regularly required to bend, stoop, squat, reach, push, pull, twist, and move throughout the production facility.
• Must be able to use both hands and arms repetitively for gripping, grasping, lifting, pushing, pulling, and handling materials.
• Must be able to safely work around moving machinery, printing equipment, paper rolls, and other production equipment.
• Must be able to operate manual equipment and material-handling equipment after appropriate training.
• Must be able to perform repetitive movements for extended periods.
• Must be able to work in a manufacturing environment where noise levels may require hearing protection.