Laminator Operator

The Laminator Operator - Rhinelander, WI

The Laminator Operator - Rhinelander, WI is responsible for operating and maintaining lamination equipment to produce high-quality packaging products. The role requires technical expertise to ensure product quality, maintain production efficiency, and meet customer specifications while adhering to strict safety protocols. The Laminator Operator is essential to maintaining Printpack's reputation as an industry leader in innovative packaging solutions and requires a detail-oriented individual committed to operational excellence and continuous improvement.

Key Responsibilities:

• Set up, operate, and monitor lamination equipment, including adhesive laminator, and any downstream or affiliated equipment/systems to produce high-quality packaging materials while maintaining safety standards
• Manage material preparation and handling, including printed rolls for primary unwind and back stock rolls for secondary unwind, ensuring proper placement and splicing procedures
• Perform quality control checks throughout the production process, including monitoring hole sizes, patterns, and overall product specifications to meet customer requirements
• Monitor and maintain proper adhesive and any other applications, ensuring appropriate material levels and consistent application
• Troubleshoot equipment issues and coordinate with maintenance teams to minimize downtime and resolve technical problems
• Complete accurate and timely production reporting, including waste documentation, start-up roll measurements, and production metrics
• Train and mentor new operators, sharing technical knowledge and ensuring proper safety protocols are followed
• Coordinate with other departments for job preparation, changeovers, and resolution of production issues through effective verbal and written communication
• Maintain cleanliness of equipment and work area through regular housekeeping duties, including cleaning NIP rolls during setup and downtime
• Monitor and achieve productivity goals through efficient run speeds, minimal setup times, and effective coordination with support departments while maintaining quality standards
• Other duties as assigned

Education & Experience:   

• High School Diploma or G.E.D. equivalent preferred
• Previous manufacturing experience a plus
• Demonstrated stable work history

Required Skills:

• Strong mechanical aptitude
• Attention to detail and quality control
• Problem-solving and troubleshooting abilities
• Basic computer literacy
• Ability to read and use measuring tools
• Strong communication and teamwork skills
• Basic mathematical skills
• Time management and organizational abilities

Additional Requirements:

• Must be 18 years of age
• Must pass pre-employment assessment
• Drug screening required
• Background check required

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:   

• Technical knowledge of lamination processes
• Understanding of raw materials and film properties
• Problem-solving and troubleshooting skills
• Strong communication skills (verbal and written)
• Ability to work independently
• Detail-oriented with strong quality focus
• Decision-making and analytical skills
• Manufacturing safety protocols
• Equipment maintenance and troubleshooting
• Analytical thinking
• Team collaboration

Physical Demands: The associate will be exposed to the manufacturing environment where hazards and requirements may include but are not limited to:

• Must be able to lift and handle objects weighing up to 50 pounds
• Capacity to stand and walk for extended periods
• Ability to climb, kneel, bend, stoop, reach and squat
• Proficiency in grasping, pushing, pulling, and fine motor skills
• Use of ladders and other equipment
• Ability to wear required PPE (hearing protection, steel-toe shoes, safety glasses)
• Forklift certification or ability to obtain forklift and pallet jacks

Travel Requirements: None

Work Conditions: The majority of tasks will be performed in a manufacturing setting with exposure to:

• Noise levels above 85 dB
• Operation of complex machinery
• Solvents, fumes and inks
• Variable Temperatures
• Must be able to work flexible shifts
• May require overtime, weekends, and holidays.
• An additional $2.50/hr premium for hours worked on NIGHT Shift only (qualifying hours vary by location).

Additional Internal Requirements:

• Must demonstrate Core Values
• Must be in good standing with no disciplinary action or attendance issues
• Must have performer or higher rating in last review
• Demonstrated sense of urgency in production recovery situations

Printpack is proudly an equal-opportunity employer. We are committed to creating an inclusive environment. Embracing diversity enhances our work culture and is vital to our success. We do not discriminate based on race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy), national origin, gender identity, sexual orientation, marital/parental status, genetic information, age, national origin, ancestry, ethnicity, disability, marital status, military or veteran status or affiliation, or any other characteristic protected under applicable law.

To view your rights and government notices, please see the links below:

Know Your Rights - Conozca sus Derechos - Your Rights Under USERRA (dol.gov) - FMLA - FMLA (Spanish) - Polygraph Protection - Right to Work - Right to Work (Spanish)

Printpack is committed to helping individuals with disabilities participate in the workforce and ensure equal opportunity to compete for jobs. If you need a reasonable accommodation to assist you with your application for employment or job search, please get in touch with us by sending an email to View email address on click.appcast.io. Please include in your email a brief description of the accommodation you are requesting and the position for which you are interested in applying.