Glue Machine Operator

Gluing Machine Operator Job Description
Job Title: Gluing Machine Operator
Location: Sturgis, Michigan
Status: Full-Time

HRforGrowth® is engaged as the talent acquisition partner to conduct this search on behalf of a client organization that is hiring for this role. HRforGrowth is not the employer for this position. HRforGrowth identifies, evaluates, and presents top-tier candidates through its global talent acquisition practice; all employment decisions — including final selection, offer terms, compensation, and conditions of employment — are made solely by the hiring organization.

Role Summary
The Gluing Machine Operator is responsible for setting up, operating, and monitoring folder-gluer equipment used to convert die-cut carton blanks into finished folding cartons that meet customer, quality, and production requirements. This role ensures accurate folding, adhesive application, carton integrity, and efficient throughput while supporting specialty finishing requirements such as in-line braille embossing, detection, and ejection systems when applicable.

Key Results Area

• Set up and operate folder-gluer or related gluing equipment to produce finished folding cartons and packaging components according to job specifications​
• Read and interpret job tickets, layouts, samples, and production instructions to confirm box style, fold sequence, glue pattern, pack-out requirements, and finished carton standards
• Prepare machine make-readies, including feeder setup, rails, carriers, folding sections, compression areas, glue systems, and delivery configurations
• Adjust machine settings to maintain proper carton squareness, fold accuracy, glue placement, compression, and output speed throughout each run
• Inspect finished cartons for defects such as glue misses, fish tails, cracking, warp, improper fold, poor bond strength, braille issues, or cosmetic damage, and make corrections as needed
• Support jobs that require specialty finishing features, including in-line braille embossing performed on gluer equipment for carton applications
• Monitor and respond to machine quality controls, including detection and ejection systems designed to improve efficiency and reduce defects in folder-gluer operations
• Perform in-process quality checks and line clearances in accordance with company procedures, customer requirements, and regulated packaging expectations
• Coordinate with die-cutting, packing, quality, and supervisory teams to ensure smooth workflow, quick changeovers, and on-time completion of jobs
• Record production counts, waste, downtime, setup details, and job completion information accurately
• Complete routine cleaning, lubrication, preventive maintenance checks, and minor troubleshooting to keep equipment operating safely and efficiently
• Maintain a clean and organized work area and follow all safety, housekeeping, and standard operating procedures

Skills & Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED required
• Minimum of 2 years of experience operating folder-gluer, gluing, or other carton converting equipment in a packaging or print manufacturing environment 
• Working knowledge of folding carton construction, adhesive application, carton defects, and finishing quality standards
• Ability to read production documentation, measurements, die lines, and job specifications accurately
• Mechanical aptitude with the ability to perform setups, adjustments, and basic troubleshooting on gluing equipment
• Strong attention to detail and ability to maintain quality while working in a fast-paced production environment
• Ability to stand for extended periods, perform repetitive tasks, and handle materials throughout the shift
• Willingness to work assigned shifts, overtime, and weekends as production needs require

• Experience operating folder-gluer equipment in folding carton or specialty packaging production
• Familiarity with carton jobs involving braille embossing, pharmaceutical or nutraceutical packaging, or other regulated packaging requirements
• Experience working within ISO 9001:2015, CGMP, or similarly controlled manufacturing environments
• Exposure to automated detection and ejection systems used in folder-gluer operations

About HRforGrowth:
HRforGrowth is a full-service HR and talent partner built to support companies that are scaling, transforming, or navigating change. HRFG is globally recognized for delivering quality, speed, and cost-effective talent solutions across every level of the workforce. Through its global talent acquisition practice, HRforGrowth applies world class rigor and precision to identifying exceptional professional and executive talent on behalf of its clients — from temporary staffing to permanent hourly workers through to placing C-suite executives. HRforGrowth is presenting this opportunity in its capacity as the retained search partner and does not serve as the employer of record for this position.

Equal Employment Opportunity:
In its recruiting and search practices, HRforGrowth does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, age, marital status, physical or mental disability, sex, sexual orientation, gender, or gender identity, and welcomes applications from all qualified individuals. HRforGrowth evaluates and presents candidates to its clients without regard to any protected characteristic.

HRforGrowth endeavors to advise the hiring organization to comply with all applicable federal, state, and local equal employment opportunity laws — including those enforced by the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) — in its hiring decisions, terms of employment, and workplace practices.