Press-1st Operator

At Graphic Packaging International, we produce the paper cup that held your coffee this morning, the basket that transported those bottles of craft beer you enjoyed last weekend, and the microwave tray that heated your gourmet meal last night. We’re one of the largest manufacturers of paperboard and paper-based packaging for some of the world’s most recognized brands of food, beverage, food service, household, personal care and pet products.

Headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia, we are collaborative, diverse, innovative individuals who create inspired packaging while giving back to our communities.

With over 25,000 employees working in more than 130 locations worldwide, we strive to be environmentally responsible in our industry and in the communities where we operate. We are committed to workplace diversity and offer compensation and benefits programs that are among the industry’s best to reward the talented people who make our company successful.

If this sounds like something you would like to be a part of, we’d love to hear from you.

A World of Difference. Made Possible.

Position Title:

Press – 1st Operator

Reports to:

Printing Manager

Location:

Elk Grove Village, IL

Date:
May 2025

The person who occupies this position is responsible for running printing presses as efficiently and safely as possible. Pressman is also responsible for overall quality of sheets printed. Operators understand and align business operations and Finishing Department as he/she executes their role to exceed customer expectations and align with GPI business, cultural, financial and operational objectives.

• Responsible for overall quality of printed sheets. Pressman selects random sheets from each load and checks that they have appropriate color, register, type and are void of unnecessary markings.
• When problems are encountered, pressman is to determine cause and adjust press to correct error.
• Pressman responsible for removing full pallets from press with hand truck and placing a new pallet on press.
• Must maintain written records of production and quality. Records include production time, amount produced, time wasted on corrections and waiting for materials and number of defective materials. Records of color quality are also recorded and graphed.
• Responsible for performing duties of second pressman or feeder when needed in order to keep press running.
• Responsible for press make-ready (adjust press to accommodate for new printing job to be done). (Refer to manual on quick change over procedure).
• Must assist second pressman and feeder with monthly cleaning of press. Press is thoroughly cleaned, oiled and greased. Rollers are changed if necessary.

• Manufacturing experience preferred
• Mechanical/technical aptitude
• Must be able to speak, read and write English. Must have basic math skills. Mechanical aptitude is preferred. Needs working knowledge of printing press.
• Must have Feeder/Operator and Second Pressman experience.

• Schedules are up to 8 or 12-hour shifts on alternate days with rotating weekends off. However, employees must have the ability to work alternate schedules and overtime that may include early mornings, nights, and/or weekends and be punctual while doing so.
• Some Departments/Jobs may run a M-F 8-hour Shift Schedule.
• Must be willing and able to work overtime.

• Sitting or standing, depending on changing job assignment, for extended periods.
• Awkward and/or repetitive movements.
• Physical and visual activities that are commonly associated with the performance of the functions of this job:
  • Standing, walking, lifting (up to 40 lbs. without assistance and up to 100 lbs. with assistance), carrying (same as lifting), pushing (empty pallets onto press), pulling (loaded pallets from press delivery), stooping, bending, reaching, handling (pulling samples from press, communicating with other press members), visual acuity (far and near), color vision.
  • Function 3 requires ability to pull full pallet weighing between 1500 and 2000 pounds with hand truck.
  • Function 3 also requires ability to lift empty pallets (weighing 25-40 pounds) from stack of pallets (typ.…