Bag Machine Operator

Pratt Industries•Butler Township, OH

About The Position

Safely set up, operate, adjust, and maintain paper bag machinery, flexographic printing presses, and auxiliary equipment to meet work orders and customer schedules. The role supports efficient production, high-quality standards, routine mechanical adjustments, and team operations in an active manufacturing plant. The operator prepares production materials, mounts photopolymer flexo plates, and adjusts equipment for job changes and print specifications. They perform preventive maintenance and basic troubleshooting, conduct first-bag and ongoing quality checks, isolate non-conforming products, and maintain production and quality records. The position also includes packaging finished bags, training and assisting coworkers, participating in safety activities, cross-training, and maintaining a clean work area. The role requires flexibility to work overtime, short-notice shift variations, and holiday schedules as customer demand requires in a 24/7/365 environment. The work involves regular exposure to moving machinery, loud noise, wet or humid conditions, and occasional airborne particles, fumes, or vibration. Regular lifting and moving of up to 50 pounds is required.

Requirements

High school diploma or GED preferred.
At least 6 months of manufacturing or production experience preferred.
Ability to read and understand work order packets.
Working knowledge of flexographic printing and paper converting machinery.
Proficiency with touch-screen controls and basic mechanical troubleshooting.
Ability to use a tape measure with speed and accuracy.
Ability to apply practical high school math concepts, including percentages, rates, measurements, and volumes.
Lift Truck Operator License, or ability to obtain and maintain one.
Ability to regularly lift and move up to 50 pounds.
Ability to perform physical activities including standing, walking, reaching, stooping, kneeling, crouching, crawling, and handling or feeling materials.
Ability to meet the role's vision requirements, including close, distance, color, and peripheral vision, depth perception, and focus adjustment.

Nice To Haves

Two to four years of experience operating paper bag, envelope, or flexo-folder gluer machines in the packaging or converting industry.

Responsibilities

Set up, adjust, and operate paper bag machinery, flexographic printing presses, and auxiliary equipment according to work orders and job packets.
Prepare production materials, including stripping, preparing, setting, and changing paper rolls and ink.
Mount photopolymer flexographic plates to cylinders or sleeves and adjust machinery for job changes and print specifications.
Maximize machine speed and capacity while maintaining quality and reducing setup time and operational downtime.
Perform preventive maintenance, basic troubleshooting, repairs, and machinery resets or adjustments following minor malfunctions or performance issues.
Identify mechanical concerns and report escalations to the Production Supervisor, Production Manager, or Maintenance Specialists.
Assist in developing Standard Operating Procedures.
Perform first-bag quality checks and ongoing inline inspections for packaging integrity, dimensions, weights, and print quality.
Isolate non-conforming product and waste to prevent defective bags from reaching customers.
Follow plant safety rules, company policies, and Good Manufacturing Practices.
Gather, count, and package finished bags; stack and secure pallet loads using pallet jacks or lift trucks.
Complete daily production entries, including status reports, safety records, scrap counts, and quality tracking.
Train, assist, and mentor Assistant Operators, Machine Operators, Machine Helpers, and Production Utility personnel on setup, safe operation, and quality control.
Participate in the Plant Safety Committee and cross-train across plant machines and roles.
Maintain a clean and organized work area, including equipment, breakrooms, and shared spaces.
Work overtime, short-notice shift variations, and holiday schedules as required by customer demand.