Press Operator

At Graphic Packaging International, we produce the paperboard and paper-based packaging for some of the world’s most recognized food, beverage, foodservice, household, personal care, and pet product brands. Headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia, we are a collaborative, diverse, and innovative team with over 25,000 employees working in more than 130 locations worldwide. We are committed to environmental responsibility and workplace diversity, offering competitive compensation and benefits.

About the role

We are seeking a Press – 1st Operator for our Food Service folding carton manufacturing operation in Chicago, IL. This position is responsible for running printing presses efficiently and safely while ensuring the overall quality of printed sheets. The role involves color management, meeting production targets, and maintaining a safe work environment. Operators will align business operations with GPI’s objectives to exceed customer expectations.

Responsibilities

• Ensure overall quality of printed sheets by selecting random samples and checking for appropriate color, register, and absence of unnecessary markings.
• Identify and correct press errors when problems are encountered.
• Remove full pallets from the press using a hand truck, flag skids correctly, record production data, and replace empty pallets.
• Maintain written and/or electronic records of production, including time, quantity produced, time wasted on corrections, and defective materials.
• Use ColorMeasure to keep color within specifications and log records of color quality.
• Perform duties of second pressman or feeder as needed to keep the press running.
• Lead press make-ready, including adjusting the press for new jobs (refer to quick changeover procedure manual).
• Supervise weekly, monthly, and yearly preventive maintenance and cleaning of the press, including oiling, greasing, and roller changes.
• Train and support the development of 2nd Pressman and Feeder-Operators for future succession opportunities.
• Follow Safe Quality Food (SQF) procedures, report unsafe conditions, and participate in root cause and corrective actions as required.

Requirements

• Manufacturing experience preferred.
• Mechanical/technical aptitude and strong working knowledge of computer systems.
• Ability to speak, read, and write English; basic math skills required.
• Working knowledge of printing presses.
• Feeder/Operator and Second Pressman experience required.
• High School Diploma or equivalent required.

Schedule

• Up to 8 or 12-hour shifts on alternate days with rotating weekends off.
• Ability to work alternate schedules and overtime, including early mornings, nights, and/or weekends.
• Some departments/jobs may run a Monday–Friday, 8-hour shift schedule.
• Willingness and ability to work overtime as required.

Physical Requirements

• Extended periods of sitting or standing, depending on job assignment.
• Awkward and/or repetitive movements.
• Lifting up to 40 lbs. without assistance and up to 100 lbs. with assistance.
• Pushing empty pallets onto the press and pulling loaded pallets from the press delivery.
• Stooping, bending, reaching, and handling (e.g., pulling samples from the press).
• Talking and hearing to communicate with press team members.
• Visual acuity (far and near) and color vision to inspect printed sheets and detect color variances.
• Ability to pull full pallets weighing 1,500–2,000 pounds with a hand truck.
• Ability to lift empty pallets (25–40 lbs.) from a stack (typically 5 ft. high) and place them at the end of the press.
• Acute vision at distances up to 40 ft. to communicate with feeder and second pressman.
• Acute vision at short distances (20 inches or less) to inspect print quality.
• Ability to lift rollers weighing up to 100 lbs. (assisted when needed).
• Ability to lift and carry ink buckets (up to 35 lbs.) upstairs (3 ft.) and lift approximately 4 ft. high.
• Reading computer screens or other electronic devices.

Machines, Tools, Equipment, Software

• Printing press and CPC (Color Printer Control) for Heidelberg presses.
• Various wrenches and related tools.
• Work environment includes climate-controlled printing areas, noise from presses, vibration, odors, and dust.

Pay

$36.78 - $43.85 per hour, plus shift differential and progressive pay increases.

Benefits

• Paid Vacation & Holidays.
• Optional Health, Dental, and Life Insurance, including health spending accounts and a progressive healthy lifestyle program.
• 401(k) with company matching and standard supplemental contributions.
• Voluntary benefits, including Pet Insurance, Home & Auto Insurance Programs, Purchasing Power, Tuition Reimbursement, Aflac, Lifelock Identity Protection, and Hyatt Legal Services.
• Tobacco Cessation and Employee Assistance/Referral Program.
• Uniform Service, Safety Shoe, and Safety Prescription-Eyewear benefits.