Press Operator

Three Z is one of the largest family-owned commercial web printers in the U.S and located in Teutopolis, Illinois.  For more than 40 years Three Z Printing has been a leading print provider to the publishing industry, specializing in inserts, direct mail and ads. Our customers rely on us to provide high quality printing, personal service, affordable pricing, and fast, efficient delivery. 

Three Z’s ownership has placed great emphasis on building a family culture and setting the company’s priorities of faith, family and work.  At Three Z, we believe our people make the place!  We take great pride in the longevity of our workforce with having over 125 employees with 20+ years of service. 

What makes Three Z such a great place to work?

•  We are family owned and operated! 
•  The ownership has the employees’ best interest in mind!
•  We favor work ethic over experience!
•  Great work and attitude are rewarded at Three Z!
•  Potential for advancement!
•  Affordable benefits!
•  It isn’t “just a job”, it is a CAREER!

What do we expect from our employees?

•  Teamwork
•  Respect – The Golden Rule
•  Honesty and Integrity
•  Open Communication
•  Great Work Ethic

 If you represent what we are looking for in an employee, we would like you to consider being a part of our team.  

Responsibilities:

• Reviews and interprets instructions from the job ticket. Interprets and follows the schedule generated by the Scheduler.
• Bends and installs the plates or requests extra plates as needed from the plate room, installs proper packing and blankets according to the specification of the press, and assists with webbing up the press.
• Pulls samples for the Client, Customer Service and Sales.  Proofs original job copy to sample to confirm accuracy of job specifications before completion.   
• Runs the press by keeping the paper loaded, ink fountains & water tank full, unloading the finished product, and monitoring the print quality throughout the job.
• Make various adjustments governing ink coverage to insure clarity and resolution.
• Make ready. Cut off in correct spot, web guides, perf or score.  Ensure a quicker make ready and less usage on time and paper.
• Set-up, adjust and run job as efficiently as possible to meet safety and productivity standards, including Inline equipment. Moves controls to regulate tension on rolls, to synchronize speed of press.
• Prepare for next job while current job is running to eliminate downtime between jobs.
• Prepare job and press for upcoming shift including plates bent, perf laid, ink, paper, etc.
• Performs quality checks during job run.  Responsible for color match and overall quality for each job.  Inspect sheets to ensure quality standards are met to minimize downtime and waste. Check product for quality problems such as fold, count, smearing, etc. 
• Reports quality and production concerns and issues to supervisor.
• Performs routine adjustments during the press run. Adjust and align adhesives applications, slotting, slitting and perforating dies, die cutters, machine controls.
• Keep accurate paper rolls and cutoffs entered, as well as an accurate production of skids completed. Print out skid markers when skid is complete/full.  (Scheduling, cutters, folders, and shipping all rely on accurate production to do their jobs more efficiently.)
• Report all job data into the computer including material usage, production numbers, quality issues, press break down and repairs. Enter accurate entries in Filemaker.
• Let maintenance know of any potential press problems, and enter the problem in the press assessments tab. If you talk to a maintenance person about the problem, include their name in P.A. entry for follow up.
• Conducts operator level preventative maintenance.
• Perform proper and required maintenance as well as cleaning of inline machine.
• Assist Rolltender when needed, share the workload.
• If required, help correct jobs that are out of specifications.
• Maintain cleanliness and organization of equipment and work area at all times.
• Prepare work area for shift change by organizing and making sure it is clean.
• Follows all safety regulations.
• Troubleshoot and correct printing press issues with minimal assistance.
• Ensure information is communicated between shifts. Communicate at shift start up and shift end about the job that is on the press, paper, ink, etc.
• Operates or assists on other pressroom equipment and presses if needed and when the workload requires.
• Cooperates and strives to understand the pre-press and bindery department’s processes when interaction is necessary for job production.
• Assist with preventive maintenance on the press such as lubrication, adjustments to rollers, replacement of small parts and cleaning.
• Press assessment involvement. Communicate problems or potential problems that need addressed, by entering in location and problem in assessments tab.
• Give assistance to co-workers to reduce downtime and improve productivity.
• Adhere to policies and guidelines pertaining to confidentiality, security, and conducts business in an ethical and professional manner.
• Other duties as assigned. 

Knowledge & Skills 

• Demonstrated ability to work effectively with people of diverse backgrounds and to promote a positive working environment.
  
  

Working Conditions

• Work involves frequent standing, bending, lifting (up to 50 lbs).
• Must have good vision and good hand-eye coordination.
• Overtime as required.
• Production environment.
  
  

Experience 

• Requires at least 1 year of related experience or combination of related experience and 3Z experience.
• Knowledge of procedures for performing bindery operations preferred.
   

Education

• High School Diploma or GED