Operator — Flexo-Folder-Gluer (2 or 3 Color)

Tavens Packaging and Display – Mansfield, Ohio

Pay

$18-$22 Depending on Experience

Reporting To

Lead Operator – Flexo-Folder-Gluer

Purpose of Role

As a Operator on the Flexo-Folder-Gluer, you will be responsible for the independent setup, operation, monitoring and producing of high-quality corrugated boxes with efficiency and responsiveness. You serve as a crucial link between the Production Associate and the Lead Operator—able to run most jobs autonomously, maintain machine performance, contribute to change-over speed and minimize waste.

Key Responsibilities

Safety & Compliance

• Adhere to all plant safety policies, lock-out/tag-out procedures, and maintain a clean and orderly machine area (5S/lean housekeeping).
• Immediately report unsafe conditions, machine faults or process deviations to Lead Operator or Supervisor.
• Participate in shift-handover safety briefings and support team-based safety culture.

Machine Setup & Operation

• Review job tickets, specifications, substrate details and print requirements before preparation begins.
• Set up and configure print plates, inks, cutting dies, folding guides, glue systems, stacker, machine feeder, print decks, glue systems, scoring and slotting sections.
• Mount print plates, mix/adjust inks, verify registration, ensure glue application system is calibrated and functional.
• Initiate make-ready/test run, inspect first pieces, adjust settings to achieve correct quality, then ramp to full production.

Monitoring & Performance

• Monitor machine performance throughout the run: keep track of speed, substrate feed, print registration, glue bond, folding accuracy, stacking quality while watching for problems, pile ups, jams, glue that is not sticking.
• Detect and remedy minor issues immediately – e.g., mis-registration, glue voids, sheet mis-feeds, fold/faults – escalate complex mechanical/electrical issues appropriately.
• Aim to minimize waste and downtime by ensuring setup quality and in-run stability. Identify and correct defects in real time to minimize waste and downtime.
• Input accurate production data: run time, waste, downtime codes, shift hand-over notes.

Quality & Output

• Ensure that box output meets or exceeds specification for print, structural integrity, fold, glue and overall appearance (i.e., “Perfect Boxes”).
• Maintain consistency throughout the run and ensure change-over to next job is communicated promptly to Lead Operator and scheduling.
• Support the three key production principles:
• Perfect Boxes — Every box meets customer spec.
• Fast, Accurate Set-Ups — Change-overs and job starts happen with speed and precision.
• Responsive Manufacturing — Able to pivot to new jobs, respond to schedule changes, react to quality or volume issues rapidly.

Collaboration & Continuous Improvement

• Work closely with Lead Operator to ensure substrate/tooling availability, machine readiness, and job execution.
• Suggest improvements to setup checklists, change-over routines, waste reduction initiatives, and overall machine center performance.
• Train or mentor Production Associates when assigned, sharing learned best practices and supporting their development toward Certified Operator level.

Qualifications & Experience

• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• Minimum of 2 – 3 years experience in corrugated converting or printing machine operations.
• Strong mechanical aptitude and ability to read job tickets/specifications and interpret machine setup requirements and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to set up and operate flexographic printing print plates, ink mixing and color matching.
• Good communication skills and ability to work with crew and machine teamwork.
• Physical ability to stand for long periods, lift up to ~50 lbs, work around industrial manufacturing conditions including noise, dust, adhesives.

Performance Measures / Key Metrics

• Set-up time: achieve or beat target benchmark for job change-over and machine start-up.
• Machine uptime / availability: maintain high percentage of scheduled run time.
• Waste / scrap rate: keep within target percentage of total throughput.
• Quality metrics: minimal customer rejects, internal rework, mis-prints, fold/glue failures.
• Prompt communication of operating issues.
• Responsiveness: ability to support schedule changes, quickly adjust machine setup, maintain flow.

Certifications & Pathway

Preferred Certifications:

• Basic Box-Maker — foundational competence in corrugated box making.
• Advanced Box-Maker — demonstrates deeper process knowledge.
• Printer— recognized proficiency in print set-up & color registration.

Progression Pathway:
Production Associate → Certified Operator → Lead Operator → Cross-Functional Lead Operator → Machine Operations Supervisor

Why This Role Matters at Tavens

As an Operator on the Flexo-Folder-Gluer, you are the backbone of one of our primary converting machine centers. Your technical skill and process discipline enable us to deliver Perfect Boxes, set up jobs Fast and Accurately, and remain Responsive to our customers’ and market needs. You’ll operate independently, contribute to continuous improvement, and help the team elevate its performance. Your role positions you for growth into leadership while delivering high-value output for the business.

Pay: $18.00 - $22.00 per hour

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance

People with a criminal record are encouraged to apply

Experience:

• Corrugated machine operator: 1 year (Required)

Ability to Commute:

• Mansfield, OH 44905 (Required)

Work Location: In person