Cup Operator

JOB TITLE:

Paper Cup Machine Operator

DIVISION: FOOD SERVICE

Clarksville, TN            

REVISION:

May 3, 2023

DEPARTMENT:

Paper Cup Forming (PCF)

OPPORTUNITY:

Graphic Packaging International is a foodservice cup forming manufacturing operation seeking candidates to join our Clarksville, TN team.  This job posting is for a Paper Cup Forming Operator position.  Minimum hourly wages begin at $19.28/hour, progressing to $20.35/hour through 12 months.  There is a $1.00/hour shift differential for overnight shifts (6pm-6am).

JOB SUMMARY: 

Safely maintains the operation of heat seal and/or adhesive machines (paper cup molding machines) producing paper cups or tubs, according to specifications and quality standards outlined by customer production requirements.  Duties also include starting/stopping machines, cleaning of the machine and department surroundings, loading paper stock, working in a safe manner, quality inspections and obeying all safety guidelines. Understanding and aligning business operations through execution of the role while meeting or exceeding customer expectations and aligning with GPI’s business, cultural, financial, and operation objectives.

WORK DEVICE: 

Various hand tools, paper towels, rags, spray bottles, compressed air guns, safety knives, RF scanners, oil cans, waste containers, paperboard blanks, blank carts, pallet jack, broom, mop, lubricants

EDUCATION PREFERRED: 

High School Diploma or GED, preferred but not required

EXPERIENCE/SKILLS REQUIRED:

• 18 years old or older, required
• Manufacturing experience of 1-2 years, required
• Machine operation experience within a manufacturing environment of minimum 1 year, highly preferred
• Well-developed communication and interpersonal skills
• Self-motivated and able to work with minimal supervision
• Maintains a positive team environment 
• Demonstrated organizational skills and highly detail oriented
• Ability to work in a fast-pace, multi-task environment
• Ability to follow verbal or written instructions
• Ability to perform the essential physical functions of the position, with or without accommodation.  This includes walking or standing for extended periods of time, to 12 hours; climbing stairs; lifting to 50 pounds; carrying to 30 pounds; lowering to 30 pounds from a height of 4 feet; pushing to 250 pounds using carts or other various tools; visual acuity and depth perception; working in various temperatures and humidity levels.

TRAINING PROVIDED: 

On the job training provided by PCF Group Leader or experienced PCF Operator.

SUPERVISOR REQUIREMENTS: 

Supervision received from PCF Group Leader, Production Supervisors, and various members of the Leadership Team.

TIME OF OPERATION: 

Standard 12-hour shifts working alternate 36-hour and 48-hour weeks.  A/C shifts work from 6am to 6pm.  B/D shifts work from 6pm to 6am.

DESCRIPTION OF TASKS:

• Work within and adhere to GPI’s core values of Integrity, Respect, Accountability, Relationships, and Teamwork
• Adhere to plant and corporate safety policies by always performing duties in a safe and orderly manner; be actively engaged in all safety programs
• Ensure production and distribution of products consistent with established food safety, sanitation, and quality standards
• Maintain 5S in assigned area by keeping work area and equipment clean and orderly
• Perform all tasks necessary to complete product packaging within their assigned work area
• Load blanks on paper cup finishers
• Start and stop cup finishers. Monitor the operation of the machines, checking fluids in mineral oil pots and maintaining cleanliness so that machines continue running properly
• Move, place, and thread bottom stock and safely secure to finisher with minimum waste
• Recognize problems with machinery and make decisions to stop operation of the machine if needed. Check with the Packer or Quality Assurance to be advised of any problems. Make minor adjustments to solve possible defects by using visual inspection and process of elimination. Record adjustments made to the machines and if a resolution was found. If unable to solve the defect, communicate the problem to the Group Leader.
• Help maintain bottom stock ink jet printers
• Perform basic preventative maintenance tasks, i.e., basic cleaning of machine, etc.
• Remove paper jams and perform minor adjustments
• Remove excess damaged paper stock from the machine tops and clears bottom paper stock from scrap tube
• Segregate spoilage and recyclable items, placing material in appropriate containers
• Empty spoilage boxes from both side wall stock and bottom stock continuously during the shift
• Stock supplies as appropriate
• During label promotions, fill out required documentation that customers require
• Unload promotional blanks that have labels on them on to finishers.  All labeled blanks must be fanned through to ensure labels are in the correct position and to ensure the blanks are not loaded backwards.  Labeled blanks are stored vertically in the carts and the carts have shelves that are required to be removed and properly stored.  
• Assist other PCF Cup Operators and PCF Group Leader in servicing the machine with glue, mineral oil or silicone required for proper operation
• Assist PCF Group Leader and Quality Technicians with quality checks on product: fiber teardown, print, scuffs, and proper date code
• Assist Quality, Die Cutting, and Printing departments in sorting through defective materials and products as required
• Ensure that all equipment meets safety standards and is checked routinely throughout the shift
• Relieve other PCF Cup Operators and/or Packers during break and lunch periods, as needed
• Record mineral oil usage for all machines assigned (total used per shift)
• Record and maintain various production data
• Complete a machine operator finishing rounds checklist prior to the end of the shift
• Manage workload as necessary to ensure production requirement are met as well as shutdown, and start-up requirements before and after the completion of the shift
• Notify Shift Supervisors or PCF Group Leader of any issues that arise beyond the scope of the PCF Cup Operator’s duties including product quality, excessive spoilage, mechanical problems, shortage, or timeliness of supplied materials
• Communicate effectively with outgoing/incoming shift concerning any issues
• Once qualified, instruct and train other PCF Cup Operators and Packers in proper procedures regarding all work tasks
• Once qualified, perform PCF Group Leader duties, as necessary and instructed
• Meet required Key Performance Metrics
• Fulfill overtime requirements as necessary
• Fulfill other duties as assigned; assisting in other areas as required by changing business needs