Glue Machine Operator

Sturgis, MI
Full Time
Operations
Mid Level



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

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
  • 2+ years of experience operating folder-gluer, gluing, or other carton converting equipment in a packaging or print manufacturing environment preferred
  • 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
Core Competencies
  • Strong focus on product quality and process consistency
  • Ability to identify defects quickly and make accurate machine adjustments
  • Dependable work habits and strong attention to safety
  • Effective communication and teamwork across production departments
  • Good organization, time management, and equipment care discipline

HRforGrowth is an extension of the Growth Catalyst Group (GCG), a partnership of companies with more than 65 years of operating experience and a history of successfully serving customers across industries and disciplines. 
GCG® is one of the world’s leading providers of business transformation solutions related to supply chain and technology solutions for order fulfillment and marketing execution. We are committed to an inclusive workplace that does not discriminate against race, nationality, religion, age, marital status, physical or mental disability, sexual orientation, gender, or gender identity. We believe in diversity and encourage any qualified individual to apply. We are an EEOC Employer. 

 
Share

Apply for this position

Required*
We've received your resume. Click here to update it.
Attach resume or Paste resume
Attach resume as .pdf, .doc, .docx, .odt, .txt, or .rtf (limit 5MB) or Paste resume

Paste your resume here or Attach resume file

To comply with government Equal Employment Opportunity and/or Affirmative Action reporting regulations, we are requesting (but NOT requiring) that you enter this personal data. This information will not be used in connection with any employment decisions, and will be used solely as permitted by state and federal law. Your voluntary cooperation would be appreciated. Learn more.
Invitation for Job Applicants to Self-Identify as a U.S. Veteran
  • A “disabled veteran” is one of the following:
    • a veteran of the U.S. military, ground, naval or air service who is entitled to compensation (or who but for the receipt of military retired pay would be entitled to compensation) under laws administered by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs; or
    • a person who was discharged or released from active duty because of a service-connected disability.
  • A “recently separated veteran” means any veteran during the three-year period beginning on the date of such veteran's discharge or release from active duty in the U.S. military, ground, naval, or air service.
  • An “active duty wartime or campaign badge veteran” means a veteran who served on active duty in the U.S. military, ground, naval or air service during a war, or in a campaign or expedition for which a campaign badge has been authorized under the laws administered by the Department of Defense.
  • An “Armed forces service medal veteran” means a veteran who, while serving on active duty in the U.S. military, ground, naval or air service, participated in a United States military operation for which an Armed Forces service medal was awarded pursuant to Executive Order 12985.
Veteran status


Voluntary Self-Identification of Disability
Voluntary Self-Identification of Disability Form CC-305
OMB Control Number 1250-0005
Expires 05/31/2026
Why are you being asked to complete this form?

We are a federal contractor or subcontractor. The law requires us to provide equal employment opportunity to qualified people with disabilities. We have a goal of having at least 7% of our workers as people with disabilities. The law says we must measure our progress towards this goal. To do this, we must ask applicants and employees if they have a disability or have ever had one. People can become disabled, so we need to ask this question at least every five years.

Completing this form is voluntary, and we hope that you will choose to do so. Your answer is confidential. No one who makes hiring decisions will see it. Your decision to complete the form and your answer will not harm you in any way. If you want to learn more about the law or this form, visit the U.S. Department of Labor’s Office of Federal Contract Compliance Programs (OFCCP) website at www.dol.gov/ofccp.

How do you know if you have a disability?

A disability is a condition that substantially limits one or more of your “major life activities.” If you have or have ever had such a condition, you are a person with a disability. Disabilities include, but are not limited to:

  • Alcohol or other substance use disorder (not currently using drugs illegally)
  • Autoimmune disorder, for example, lupus, fibromyalgia, rheumatoid arthritis, HIV/AIDS
  • Blind or low vision
  • Cancer (past or present)
  • Cardiovascular or heart disease
  • Celiac disease
  • Cerebral palsy
  • Deaf or serious difficulty hearing
  • Diabetes
  • Disfigurement, for example, disfigurement caused by burns, wounds, accidents, or congenital disorders
  • Epilepsy or other seizure disorder
  • Gastrointestinal disorders, for example, Crohn's Disease, irritable bowel syndrome
  • Intellectual or developmental disability
  • Mental health conditions, for example, depression, bipolar disorder, anxiety disorder, schizophrenia, PTSD
  • Missing limbs or partially missing limbs
  • Mobility impairment, benefiting from the use of a wheelchair, scooter, walker, leg brace(s) and/or other supports
  • Nervous system condition, for example, migraine headaches, Parkinson’s disease, multiple sclerosis (MS)
  • Neurodivergence, for example, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), autism spectrum disorder, dyslexia, dyspraxia, other learning disabilities
  • Partial or complete paralysis (any cause)
  • Pulmonary or respiratory conditions, for example, tuberculosis, asthma, emphysema
  • Short stature (dwarfism)
  • Traumatic brain injury
Please check one of the boxes below:

PUBLIC BURDEN STATEMENT: According to the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 no persons are required to respond to a collection of information unless such collection displays a valid OMB control number. This survey should take about 5 minutes to complete.

You must enter your name and date
Human Check*