Title:  Production Associate

Our Company: Inspired Packaging. A World of Difference. 

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, foodservice, 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.

Our Kalamazoo, Michigan, Facility
We are not your grandfather’s paper mill. We are a modern, high-tech manufacturing facility that produces coated paperboard using 100% recycled materials. Our adjacent conversion facility transforms our paperboard into packaging that supports sustainability and reduces environmental impact.

As the largest manufacturer of coated paperboard in North America, our three world-class paper machines produce 1 million tons of paperboard every year—the equivalent of 14,000 miles of office paper stacked toward the sky.

Our environmentally balanced production process uses corrugated containers sourced from local businesses, overruns of printed newspaper, and box cuttings.

Inside our 1.2 million square-foot facility, 450 engineers, skilled tradespeople, managers, and workers learn and apply advanced technology to ensure we are responsible stewards of the environment.

We recently invested $700 million in a cutting-edge paper machine, creating opportunities for entry-level candidates to learn advanced skills and build long-term careers that reward and respect accomplishments and abilities.

If you are in the middle of making a career decision, and this opportunity interests you, please apply at www.graphicpkg.com.

Role Summary

The Production Associate is an entry level production position in our Kalamazoo, MI, Paperboard Mill. It offers training and mentoring for qualified candidates with the goal of advancing to the position of Machine Operator in approximately three to five years. Potential first-year earnings are $85,000 and up to $100,000 within the first few years.

The Production Associate role operates, assists, and supports the manufacturing operations throughout the Mill. This involves working with high speed, continuous process equipment and mobile equipment operation in a safe and efficient manner. 

Ideal Candidate Characteristics

• The idea of doing highly skilled work on complex machines captures your interest.
• You want to work with your hands.
• You like to use your critical thinking skills to solve complex problems.
• You are detail oriented.
• You like closure and enjoy seeing a project through from beginning to end.
• You would describe yourself as a process person.
• You love learning something new all the time.
• You have a lot of mental and physical stamina and you want to use it.
• You view challenges as opportunities to grow and expect to be able to learn and advance in your career.
• You want to be respected and rewarded for your accomplishments and skills.

Responsibilities

• Maintain safe and clean working environment by complying with procedures, rules, and regulations.
• Maintain strict compliance with all Company safety and environmental practices.
• Support the safe and efficient operation of Mill equipment.
• Perform various operations functions, such as materials movement, labeling and packaging, collecting, and removing broke/scrap materials.
• Perform cleaning and housekeeping tasks throughout Mill area(s).
• Operate and monitor Mill machines, equipment, valves, and processes.
• Employ standard operating procedures to adjust, maintain, start, stop production equipment.
• Communicate with the Unit Operator, Maintenance, and Supervisor to make field adjustments in response to changing process conditions to address or prevent issues.
• Other duties as assigned.
  
  

Requirements

• High School Diploma or GED/equivalent must be verified.
• Two years of full or part-time work experience.
• Ability to read, write, and speak English.
• Ability to follow written plans and procedures.
• Mechanical, numerical, and verbal abilities.
• Ability to perform typical physical aspects of the job, including standing, walking, lifting (up to 50 lbs.), sitting, bending, and reaching.
• Ability to work in confined spaces and wear self-contained breathing apparatus when required.
• Able to work a twelve (12) hour rotating shift schedule, holidays, weekends, and overtime.
• Ability to work independently and in a team environment.
• Strong attention to detail.
• Legally authorized to work in the United States.
• Pass pre-employment background screening and drug screen.
• Ability to adapt to the world of work as demonstrated by a history of:
• Strong job performance
• Following the organization’s important rules
• Active learning
• Good interpersonal skills
• Helpfulness
• Being able to handle the physical demands of jobs

Compensation and Benefit

• Potential first-year earnings of $85,000 and up to $100,000 within the first few years
• 401(k) w/employer matching
• Health & Welfare Benefits
• Medical, dental, vision, and prescription drug coverage
• Short and Long-Term Disability
• Life Insurance
• Accidental Death & Dismemberment (AD&D) Insurance
• Flexible Spending and Health Savings Accounts
• Various Voluntary benefits
• Adoption Assistance Program
• Employee Discount Programs
• Employee Assistance Program
• Tuition Assistance Program
• Paid Time Off + 11 paid company holidays each year

GRAPHIC PACKAGING INTERNATIONAL, LLC is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All candidates will be evaluated on the basis of their qualifications for the job in question. We do not base our employment decision on an employee's or applicant's race, color, sex, age, religion, national origin, sexual orientation, citizenship, handicap, or disability, marital status, veteran status or any other basis prohibited by local, state, or federal law. Click here to view the EEO is the Law Poster.