Bag Machine Operator

Pratt Industries•Vandalia, OH

5d•Onsite

About The Position

Safely set up, operate, adjust, and maintain paper bag machinery, flexographic printing presses, and auxiliary equipment. The role supports efficient production, high-quality output, routine mechanical adjustments, and on-time fulfillment of customer orders. Work takes place in an active manufacturing plant and may involve overtime, short-notice shift variations, and holiday schedules as customer demand requires in a 24/7/365 operating environment. The operator prepares materials, makes job and print-specification adjustments, performs preventative maintenance and basic troubleshooting, conducts first-bag and ongoing quality inspections, and isolates non-conforming product. The role also involves packaging finished bags, documenting production and quality information, supporting and training coworkers, cross-training on plant equipment, and maintaining a clean and organized work area. Pratt Industries describes itself as a paper and packaging company with more than 9,000 employees and manufacturing facilities in more than twenty states. The company states that it is committed to recycling and the environment by harvesting the urban forest.

Requirements

High School Diploma or GED preferred.
At least 6 months of manufacturing or production experience preferred as the stated minimum experience.
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 quickly and accurately.
Ability to apply practical high school math, 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 stand, walk, reach, stoop, kneel, crouch, crawl, talk, and hear regularly; frequently use hands and fingers to handle or feel materials.
Close, distance, color, and peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus.

Nice To Haves

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

Responsibilities

Set up, adjust, and operate paper bag machinery, 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 flexo plates to cylinders or sleeves and adjust machinery for job changes and print specifications.
Maximize machine speed and capacity while maintaining quality, and work to reduce setup time and operational downtime.
Perform preventative maintenance, basic troubleshooting, repairs, and machinery resets or adjustments after minor malfunctions or performance issues.
Identify mechanical concerns and escalate them to the Production Supervisor, Production Manager, or Maintenance Specialists.
Assist in developing Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).
Perform first-bag quality checks and continuous inline inspections for packaging integrity, dimensions, weights, and print quality.
Immediately isolate non-conforming product and waste to prevent defective bags from reaching customers.
Follow plant safety rules, company policies, and Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs).
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 on plant machines and roles.
Maintain a clean and organized work area, including equipment, breakrooms, and shared spaces, following 5S and housekeeping practices.
Work overtime, short-notice shift variations, and holiday schedules as required by customer demand.