Press Operator Assistant (STP)

The Assistant Operators support the operation of printing presses by assisting with setup, material handling, quality checks, and maintaining efficient and safe production. This role requires a strong technical understanding of web handling systems, including unwind/rewind operations, splicing, cleaning systems, and waste management, to ensure consistent print quality and minimal downtime.

DESCRIPTION

Key Responsibilities:

Understand and use basic PPE safety procedures and their implements to eliminate any risk of accident.

• Safety Glasses
• Steel Shoes
• Hair net
• Ink room face shield

As a Press Operator Assistant, you will receive hands-on training to develop the skills necessary to operate flexographic printing equipment specifically Vistaflex and Miraflex presses in a safe, clean, and quality-driven environment. Your responsibilities will include the following:

1. Training & Compliance

• Learn and apply FSSC (Food Safety Certification Scheme) protocols as instructed during the initial training phase. This includes hygiene practices such as the use of beard nets.
• Follow all safety and operational guidelines from day one to ensure a secure working environment.

2. Housekeeping & Maintenance

• Establish and maintain a cleaning routine around the press to promote safety, orderliness, and efficient operations.
• Perform regular housekeeping duties in your assigned area, ensuring the machine and surroundings remain free of clutter or hazards.

3. Technical Understanding & Machine Operation

• Knowledge of how to operate unwind and rewind systems to ensure proper web handling.
  • Verify:
    • Proper roll alignment and centering.
    • Core and roll condition before mounting.
• Build foundational knowledge of how internal machine factors and external suppliers affect print quality.
• Gain proficiency in using inspection systems, such as BST and AVT, to monitor and ensure consistent output quality.
• Acquire knowledge on how to operate the ink system.
• Perform or assist with manual and/or automatic splicing of substrate rolls.
  • Ensure:
    • Proper splice alignment.
    • Secure adhesion of splice tape.
    • Smooth transition to avoid press stoppages or defects.
  • Inspect splices during operation to confirm integrity.
• Operate the TurboClean system for ink chambers and anilox rolls.
  • Ensure proper:
    • Setup of cleaning cycles.
    • Handling of cleaning solutions and chemicals.
  • Assist in manual cleaning when required (Doctor blades, ink pans, chambers).

4. Production & Quality Control

• Assist in the successful completion of print jobs with minimal defects by inspecting the printed rolls coming out of the press.
• Monitor ink viscosities and make corrections when the viscosities are out of tolerance.
• Learn to operate within the Radius system, managing job requirements and accurately applying system codes for each process.
• Report any issues—whether related to rolls (wrinkles, profile, core damage or misalignment, hardness, etc.), inks, machinery, or electrical systems—to the Shift Supervisor, Operations Manager, or other relevant personnel.
• Material Handling and Inspection:
  • Load/unload rolls using appropriate equipment (roll manipulator, pallet jack).
  • Stage materials to support efficient production flow.
• Waste Handling and Disposal:
  • Collect, segregate, and dispose of production waste (scrap, ink waste) according to company and environmental guidelines.
  • Stage materials to support efficient production flow.
• Ensure proper labeling and handling of:
  • Hazardous waste (inks, solvents, cleaning agents).
  • Non-hazardous scrap materials.
• Maintain clean work areas to support safety and efficiency.

Professional Development

• Cultivate a quality-oriented mindset, consistently seeking excellence in execution and continuous self-improvement.
• Demonstrate initiative in problem-solving, self-evaluation, and long-term growth within the company.

TECHNICAL ASPECTS

• Use the appropriate PPE for each activity or function.
• Understand the JobPack according to the press process.
• Understand the system operation for the press where your training begins.
• Understand and know how to control process variables related to viscosity, and ink temperatures.
• Understand the difference and purpose of Stickyback (1320, 1520, 1720) when printing.
• Understand how the Anilox works and identify the different types of Anilox used in the Press department.
• Periodically check the proper functioning of the press.
• Recognize types of print errors and communicate them to the operator.
• Verify the following at the beginning of each job:

• Film
• Ink/Viscosity
• Wind
• Plates
• Anilox
• Attach the labels to the rolls.
• Understand the procedure for ColorCert.
• Assist operator to change blades when the print quality or footage run determines it.
• Inspect the quality of each roll using a printed sample.
• Have the next job materials (inks, rolls) prepared in advance and be alerted to ensure everything is ready when the current one finishes.

SECONDARY ASPECTS

• Communicate with the team about the day's activities and sequences.
• Keep the work area clear.
• Clean the machine periodically.
• Collaborate with the administrative staff:
• Tests
• New procedures
• Provide information
• Point Lessons

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

• Ability to lift, push, or pull up to 50 pounds regularly.
• Frequent standing, walking, bending, and operating equipment.
• Tolerance for working in varying environmental conditions (e.g., hot, cold, noisy)

WORKING CONDITIONS

• Mandatory use of personal protective equipment (PPE)