Job Title: Corrugator Wet End Operator
Department: Corrugator
Reports to: Corrugator Supervisor
Location: Sturtevant, WI
Hiring for:
1st Shift: 6AM - 3PM 3rd Shift: 9PM - 6AM Sun - Thurs
Position Summary: The Utility Operator – Corrugator is a cross-trained, flexible production role that keeps the 98″ Fosber corrugator running without gaps. This person works across the corrugator’s stations - splicer, bridge and preheaters, single facer, double backer, slitter/scorer, and knife/stacker - filling in for breaks and absences, assisting with roll changes and web threading, and catching board quality issues before they reach converting. The role exists to give corrugator supervisors a dependable, trained resource on the machine rather than pulling an operator from a running station or leaving a gap uncovered. The corrugator is the plant’s production engine. A utility operator who understands how the machine makes board - and what causes it to make bad board - is a meaningful contributor to uptime, waste reduction, and quality. This role is also a developmental pipeline: utility operators who demonstrate mechanical aptitude and consistent performance are natural candidates for full machine operator positions on the corrugator.
About Us
ND Paper is a leading manufacturer of high-quality pulp, paper, and packaging products in the United States, generating over half a billion dollars in annual sales. As a wholly owned subsidiary of Nine Dragons Paper (Holdings) Limited – the largest containerboard producer in the world – ND Paper is part of a global network committed to excellence and innovation. With two integrated pulp and paper mills in Rumford, Maine and Biron, Wisconsin, a packaging plant in Sturtevant, Wisconsin, and two sheeting facilities in Langhorne, Pennsylvania and Fairmont, West Virginia, the ND Paper family produces nearly one million tons of products annually. Our 1,100 dedicated employees are the heart of our operations, and we are committed to fostering positive work environments where individuals can advance and thrive. At ND Paper, we are investing in our future, and that starts with our staff.
Key Responsibilities & Expected Results:
- Demonstrate safety as a core value and establish a safe work environment by actively leading the safe execution of work.
Equipment Flexibility & Cross-Training
- Rotate across corrugator stations as assigned by the supervisor, learning correct operating procedures for each position.
- Understand the corrugator’s process flow - how the single facer, double backer, slitter/scorer, and knife interact - well enough to work at any station without disrupting the run.
- Assist with roll changes, including roll handling with the overhead crane or roll cart, paper webbing, and splice preparation on the splicer.
- Support preheater and wrap adjustments as directed by the machine operator or supervisor.
- Progress through the training matrix toward independent qualification on multiple stations within the 90-day milestone.
- Flag any adjustment outside of trained scope - including starch, heat, or pressure settings - to the operator or supervisor rather than improvising.
Production Support & Coverage
- Provide break relief and absence coverage across assigned corrugator stations without disrupting the scheduled run sequence.
- Respond promptly when called to cover an open station; communicate any delay to the supervisor immediately.
- Assist the machine crew during order changes: clearing the bridge, verifying new roll setup, and confirming slitter/scorer settings match the next order.
- Support stacker and takeaway operations - removing finished sheets, stacking, and clearing the runout table - to prevent backups that cause corrugator stops.
- Help manage roll inventory near the corrugator: staging paper rolls in the correct run sequence, reporting low-stock conditions, and moving consumed cores.
Board Quality at the Line
- Perform visual quality checks on running board: warp (end-to-end and side-to-side), adhesion, caliper, and print/score placement where applicable.
- Identify suspect board immediately and communicate to the operator or supervisor using the correct reason codes - do not allow defective board to pass to converting.
- Understand the primary causes of common corrugator quality defects - warp, delamination, washboarding, crushed flute - at a working level sufficient to describe what is happening, even if not responsible for the fix.
- Complete required quality and production paperwork accurately, including reason coding for any downtime or waste that occurs during covered stations.
Safety & Housekeeping
- Follow all lockout/tagout (LOTO), guarding, and PPE requirements without exception. The corrugator presents pinch points, steam, and hot surfaces that require strict adherence.
- Operate the overhead crane or roll handling equipment only if trained and certified; report any equipment or rigging concern to the supervisor before continuing.
- Report near misses, unsafe conditions, and equipment issues immediately - not at the end of the shift.
- Maintain a clean corrugator floor: clear trim scrap, manage paper dust accumulation around the machine, and keep walkways free of waste board and debris.
- Participate in safety training and toolbox talks as scheduled.
Material Handling & Logistics
- Move paper rolls using roll carts, cranes, or forklifts (if certified) in compliance with load limits and plant traffic rules.
- Stage rolls and medium in the correct sequence for the upcoming production schedule as directed by the supervisor or corrugator operator.
- Return cores to the designated area; assist with downtime material management including roll documentation.
- Coordinate with the warehouse or forklift operator when roll movement requires equipment beyond the utility operator’s current certification.
Communication & Reporting
- Report downtime causes, board quality issues, and material gaps to the supervisor as they occur using correct reason codes.
- Participate in shift handoff communication so incoming crews understand any open machine issues, quality holds, or roll inventory concerns.
- Communicate any equipment anomaly - unusual noise, heat, vibration, or run behavior - to the supervisor or maintenance promptly, even if the machine is still running.
- Knowledge, Skills & Abilities
- Ability to learn multiple positions on a high-speed corrugator and retain procedures across stations.
- Mechanical aptitude and comfort working in a hot, fast-paced environment with large, moving machinery.
- Basic math skills for counting, measuring, and reading order specifications.
- Reliable attendance and willingness to rotate stations and shifts as production requires.
- Ability to read and follow written work instructions in English; bilingual (English/Spanish) communication is a plus given the plant’s workforce.
- Works effectively once trained and asks for direction before improvising on unfamiliar tasks or adjustments.
Key Performance Indicators (KPI’s)
Performance in this role is evaluated against the following metrics:
- Cross-Training Coverage – Number of corrugator stations (splicer, bridge/preheaters, single facer, double backer, slitter/scorer, knife/stacker) where the utility operator is qualified to work independently. Tracked through the training matrix; targets established after the initial 90-day rotation.
- Coverage Response – Time required to fill an open station when called for break relief or absence coverage. Baseline collected during the first 60–90 days before setting performance targets.
- Waste Contribution – Roll and trim waste attributable to stations supported by the utility operator compared to plan. Requires 60–90 days of coded downtime and waste data before establishing meaningful targets.
- Attendance & Reliability – Scheduled shifts worked compared to shifts missed or late. Standard plant attendance policy applies from day one.
- Quality Catch Rate – Warp, caliper, or adhesion issues identified and escalated at the corrugator compared to defects that reach converting. Requires consistent use of quality reason codes before establishing a baseline.
- Safety Compliance – PPE compliance, LOTO adherence, near-miss reporting, and housekeeping audit performance. Tracked from day one; safety expectations apply immediately.
Qualifications and Skills /Education and Experience Required
- High school diploma or equivalent preferred; equivalent manufacturing or production experience considered.
- Prior experience in corrugated, paper, or heavy manufacturing preferred but not required.
- Overhead crane or forklift certification a plus; certification can be obtained on the job.
- Must be able to pass any pre-employment screening required by plant policy.
punctual - corrugator production depends directly on this role being staffed and active Preferred
- Ability to learn multiple positions on a high-speed corrugator and retain procedures across stations.
- Mechanical aptitude and comfort working in a hot, fast-paced environment with large, moving machinery.
- Basic math skills for counting, measuring, and reading order specifications.
- Reliable attendance and willingness to rotate stations and shifts as production requires.
- Ability to read and follow written work instructions in English; bilingual (English/Spanish) communication is a plus given the plant’s workforce.
- Works effectively once trained and asks for direction before improvising on unfamiliar tasks or adjustments.
- Bilingual in Mandarin/English a plus
Physical Requirements
- Stands, walks, lifts, and bends throughout a full shift on a concrete production floor near a continuously running machine.
- Lifts and carries up to 50 lbs. regularly; assists with staged rolls using mechanical aids.
- Works in a hot environment - the corrugator runs steam and heated rolls - with exposure to noise, paper dust, and varying temperatures throughout the shift; required PPE (hearing protection, safety glasses, steel-toe footwear, heat-resistant gloves where applicable) must be worn at all times on the corrugator floor.
- Must be able to work assigned shift, including overtime and weekend coverage as production demands require.
Core Competencies (Results based)
- Cross-Training & Operational Flexibility – Demonstrates the ability to learn and independently operate multiple corrugator stations to support production needs.
- Equipment Operation & Process Awareness – Understands corrugator processes, equipment functions, and operating standards to maintain safe and efficient production.
- Quality Focus & Problem Identification – Recognizes process variations, identifies quality concerns, and escalates issues before defects reach converting.
- Teamwork & Responsiveness – Provides timely support for staffing needs, break relief, and production coverage while working effectively with the corrugator team.
- Safety & Work Discipline – Follows PPE, LOTO, housekeeping, and safety procedures while actively contributing to a safe work environment.
- Reliability & Accountability – Maintains strong attendance, follows standard work, and takes ownership of assigned responsibilities.
Success Profile (What great looks like)
30 Days Safely performs assigned tasks at one or more corrugator stations under supervisor or senior operator guidance; understands LOTO procedures, roll handling, and basic housekeeping standards for the corrugator area; completes shift paperwork and reason coding accurately.
60 Days Qualified to work independently at a second corrugator station; able to support roll changes, web threading, and basic setup adjustments without constant direction; correctly applies waste and downtime reason codes for covered stations.
90 Days Qualified at three or more corrugator stations; covers breaks and short-notice absences without disrupting run schedule; identifies and reports warp, adhesion, or caliper issues at the line rather than letting suspect board pass to converting.
Six Months Fully cross-trained across all assigned corrugator stations; functions as a reliable, self-directed coverage resource the corrugator supervisor can deploy to any station without retraining; safety, attendance, and quality-flag performance hold steady across shifts without direct oversight.
Working Conditions Plant Site
Attributes for Success
- Hard work – tackle each task with determination, passion and creativity; the willingness to put in whatever effort is required to successfully complete the job at hand.
- Pursuit of Excellence – strive to consistently exceed expectations in our day-to-day work and outperform our competitors in the marketplace, regarding work and company achievements as a collaborative goal with the desire to go above and beyond.
- Integrity - treat the company and teammates with upmost respect, operating on strong moral codes to drive company values and culture.
- Sense of Urgency – drive forward each day with speed, agility, and flexibility to capture unrealized opportunities and avoid potential risks for the business.
- Entrepreneurial Spirit – act like an owner, challenging the status quo, asking the right questions, and actively seeking ways to innovate and improve.
- Adaptability – be fluid with ND Paper’s continuous evolution while driving change in a fast-paced environment, equipped with the ability to acclimate quickly.
- Servant Leadership – set an example by implementing meaningful leadership with heart, empathy, foresight and stewardship.
ND Paper Benefits
We offer a comprehensive benefits package that includes:
- Medical, dental, and vision insurance as well as voluntary benefits such as accident insurance, hospital indemnity, and critical illness for you and your family.
- Financial protection benefits, including life insurance, disability insurance, and business travel accident insurance.
- Tax advantaged accounts such as Healthcare and Dependent Care Flexible Spending Account (FSA).
- Paid holidays, personal days, and vacation days to support work-life balance.
- A 401K retirement plan with a company match and annual fixed contribution
- Wellness programs with incentives and an on-site clinic available at our Rumford and Biron location.
Enjoy competitive salaries, comprehensive health benefits, and paid time off. Discover more about our benefits and how we support our team by visiting 2025 Benefits. Come be a part of our team and grow with us!
Apply Please submit your resume, and salary requirements to https://us.ndpaper.com/careers
No unsolicited resumes - ND Paper does not accept unsolicited resumes from search firms or employment agencies. Any unsolicited resume you submit to us will immediately become the property of ND Paper. If you would like to become a recruiter for ND Paper, please contact us and we will agree in writing to terms and the specific job roles for which you are authorized to recruit Job Title: Utility Operator- Corrugator
Department: Corrugator
Reports to: Corrugator Supervisor
Location: Corrugator Floor
Position Summary: The Utility Operator – Corrugator is a cross-trained, flexible production role that keeps the BHS 110” corrugator running without gaps. This person works across the corrugator’s stations - splicer, bridge and preheaters, single facer, double backer, slitter/scorer, and knife/stacker - filling in for breaks and absences, assisting with roll changes and web threading, and catching board quality issues before they reach converting. The role exists to give corrugator supervisors a dependable, trained resource on the machine rather than pulling an operator from a running station or leaving a gap uncovered. The corrugator is the plant’s production engine. A utility operator who understands how the machine makes board - and what causes it to make bad board - is a meaningful contributor to uptime, waste reduction, and quality. This role is also a developmental pipeline: utility operators who demonstrate mechanical aptitude and consistent performance are natural candidates for full machine operator positions on the corrugator.
Compensation
The actual base pay offered to the successful candidate will be based on multiple factors, including but not limited to job-related knowledge/skills, experience, geographical location, and internal equity. At ND Paper, it is not typical for an individual to be hired at the high end of the range for their role, and compensation decisions are dependent upon the facts and circumstances of each position and candidate.
About Us
ND Paper is a leading manufacturer of high-quality pulp, paper, and packaging products in the United States, generating over half a billion dollars in annual sales. As a wholly owned subsidiary of Nine Dragons Paper (Holdings) Limited – the largest containerboard producer in the world – ND Paper is part of a global network committed to excellence and innovation. With two integrated pulp and paper mills in Rumford, Maine and Biron, Wisconsin, a packaging plant in Sturtevant, Wisconsin, and two sheeting/Packaging facilities in Langhorne, Pennsylvania and Fairmont, West Virginia, the ND Paper family produces nearly one million tons of products annually. Our 1,100 dedicated employees are the heart of our operations, and we are committed to fostering positive work environments where individuals can advance and thrive. At ND Paper, we are investing in our future, and that starts with our staff.
Key Responsibilities & Expected Results:
- Demonstrate safety as a core value and establish a safe work environment by actively leading the safe execution of work.
Equipment Flexibility & Cross-Training
- Rotate across corrugator stations as assigned by the supervisor, learning correct operating procedures for each position.
- Understand the corrugator’s process flow - how the single facer, double backer, slitter/scorer, and knife interact - well enough to work at any station without disrupting the run.
- Assist with roll changes, including roll handling with the overhead crane or roll cart, paper webbing, and splice preparation on the splicer.
- Support preheater and wrap adjustments as directed by the machine operator or supervisor.
- Progress through the training matrix toward independent qualification on multiple stations within the 90-day milestone.
- Flag any adjustment outside of trained scope - including starch, heat, or pressure settings - to the operator or supervisor rather than improvising.
Production Support & Coverage
- Provide break relief and absence coverage across assigned corrugator stations without disrupting the scheduled run sequence.
- Respond promptly when called to cover an open station; communicate any delay to the supervisor immediately.
- Assist the machine crew during order changes: clearing the bridge, verifying new roll setup, and confirming slitter/scorer settings match the next order.
- Support stacker and takeaway operations - removing finished sheets, stacking, and clearing the runout table - to prevent backups that cause corrugator stops.
- Help manage roll inventory near the corrugator: staging paper rolls in the correct run sequence, reporting low-stock conditions, and moving consumed cores.
Board Quality at the Line
- Perform visual quality checks on running board: warp (end-to-end and side-to-side), adhesion, caliper, and print/score placement where applicable.
- Identify suspect board immediately and communicate to the operator or supervisor using the correct reason codes - do not allow defective board to pass to converting.
- Understand the primary causes of common corrugator quality defects - warp, delamination, wash boarding, crushed flute - at a working level sufficient to describe what is happening, even if not responsible for the fix.
- Complete required quality and production paperwork accurately, including reason coding for any downtime or waste that occurs during covered stations.
Safety & Housekeeping
- Follow all lockout/tagout (LOTO), guarding, and PPE requirements without exception. The corrugator presents pinch points, steam, and hot surfaces that require strict adherence.
- Operate the overhead crane or roll handling equipment only if trained and certified; report any equipment or rigging concern to the supervisor before continuing.
- Report near misses, unsafe conditions, and equipment issues immediately - not at the end of the shift.
- Maintain a clean corrugator floor: clear trim scrap, manage paper dust accumulation around the machine, and keep walkways free of waste board and debris.
- Participate in safety training and toolbox talks as scheduled.
Material Handling & Logistics
- Move paper rolls using roll carts, cranes, or forklifts (if certified) in compliance with load limits and plant traffic rules.
- Stage rolls and medium in the correct sequence for the upcoming production schedule as directed by the supervisor or corrugator operator.
- Return cores to the designated area; assist with downtime material management including roll documentation.
- Coordinate with the warehouse or forklift operator when roll movement requires equipment beyond the utility operator’s current certification.
Communication & Reporting
- Report downtime causes, board quality issues, and material gaps to the supervisor as they occur using correct reason codes.
- Participate in shift handoff communication so incoming crews understand any open machine issues, quality holds, or roll inventory concerns.
- Communicate any equipment abnormally - unusual noise, heat, vibration, or run behavior - to the supervisor or maintenance promptly, even if the machine is still running.
- Knowledge, Skills & Abilities
- Ability to learn multiple positions on a high-speed corrugator and retain procedures across stations.
- Mechanical aptitude and comfort working in a hot, fast-paced environment with large, moving machinery.
- Basic math skills for counting, measuring, and reading order specifications.
- Reliable attendance and willingness to rotate stations and shifts as production requires.
- Ability to read and follow written work instructions in English; bilingual (English/Spanish) communication is a plus given the plant’s workforce.
- Works effectively once trained and asks for direction before improvising on unfamiliar tasks or adjustments.
Key Performance Indicators (KPI’s)
Performance in this role is evaluated against the following metrics:
- Cross-Training Coverage – Number of corrugator stations (splicer, bridge/preheaters, single facer, double backer, slitter/scorer, knife/stacker) where the utility operator is qualified to work independently. Tracked through the training matrix; targets established after the initial 90-day rotation.
- Coverage Response – Time required to fill an open station when called for break relief or absence coverage. Baseline collected during the first 60–90 days before setting performance targets.
- Waste Contribution – Roll and trim waste attributable to stations supported by the utility operator compared to plan. Requires 60–90 days of coded downtime and waste data before establishing meaningful targets.
- Attendance & Reliability – Scheduled shifts worked compared to shifts missed or late. Standard plant attendance policy applies from day one.
- Quality Catch Rate – Warp, caliper, or adhesion issues identified and escalated at the corrugator compared to defects that reach converting. Requires consistent use of quality reason codes before establishing a baseline.
- Safety Compliance – PPE compliance, LOTO adherence, near-miss reporting, and housekeeping audit performance. Tracked from day one; safety expectations apply immediately.
Qualifications and Skills /Education and Experience Required
- High school diploma or equivalent preferred; equivalent manufacturing or production experience considered.
- Prior experience in corrugated, paper, or heavy manufacturing preferred but not required.
- Overhead crane or forklift certification a plus; certification can be obtained on the job.
- Must be able to pass any pre-employment screening required by plant policy.
Punctual corrugator production depends directly on this role being staffed and active
Preferred
- Ability to learn multiple positions on a high-speed corrugator and retain procedures across stations.
- Mechanical aptitude and comfort working in a hot, fast-paced environment with large, moving machinery.
- Basic math skills for counting, measuring, and reading order specifications.
- Reliable attendance and willingness to rotate stations and shifts as production requires.
- Ability to read and follow written work instructions in English; bilingual (English/Spanish) communication is a plus given the plant’s workforce.
- Works effectively once trained and asks for direction before improvising on unfamiliar tasks or adjustments.
- Bilingual in Mandarin/English/Spanish a plus.
Physical Requirements
- Stands, walks, lifts, and bends throughout a full shift on a concrete production floor near a continuously running machine.
- Lifts and carries up to 50 lbs. regularly; assists with staged rolls using mechanical aids.
- Works in a hot environment - the corrugator runs steam and heated rolls - with exposure to noise, paper dust, and varying temperatures throughout the shift; required PPE (hearing protection, safety glasses, steel-toe footwear, heat-resistant gloves where applicable) must be worn at all times on the corrugator floor.
- Must be able to work assigned shift, including overtime and weekend coverage as production demands require.
Core Competencies (Results based)
- Cross-Training & Operational Flexibility – Demonstrates the ability to learn and independently operate multiple corrugator stations to support production needs.
- Equipment Operation & Process Awareness – Understands corrugator processes, equipment functions, and operating standards to maintain safe and efficient production.
- Quality Focus & Problem Identification – Recognizes process variations, identifies quality concerns, and escalates issues before defects reach converting.
- Teamwork & Responsiveness – Provides timely support for staffing needs, break relief, and production coverage while working effectively with the corrugator team.
- Safety & Work Discipline – Follows PPE, LOTO, housekeeping, and safety procedures while actively contributing to a safe work environment.
- Reliability & Accountability – Maintains strong attendance, follows standard work, and takes ownership of assigned responsibilities.
Success Profile (What great looks like) 30 Days Safely performs assigned tasks at one or more corrugator stations under supervisor or senior operator guidance; understands LOTO procedures, roll handling, and basic housekeeping standards for the corrugator area; completes shift paperwork and reason coding accurately.
60 Days Qualified to work independently at a second corrugator station; able to support roll changes, web threading, and basic setup adjustments without constant direction; correctly applies waste and downtime reason codes for covered stations.
90 Days Qualified at three or more corrugator stations; covers breaks and short-notice absences without disrupting run schedule; identifies and reports warp, adhesion, or caliper issues at the line rather than letting suspect board pass to converting.
Six Months Fully cross-trained across all assigned corrugator stations; functions as a reliable, self-directed coverage resource the corrugator supervisor can deploy to any station without retraining; safety, attendance, and quality-flag performance hold steady across shifts without direct oversight.
Working Conditions Plant Site – Corrugator Department
Attributes for Success
- Hard work – tackle each task with determination, passion and creativity; the willingness to put in whatever effort is required to successfully complete the job at hand.
- Pursuit of Excellence – strive to consistently exceed expectations in our day-to-day work and outperform our competitors in the marketplace, regarding work and company achievements as a collaborative goal with the desire to go above and beyond.
- Integrity - treat the company and teammates with upmost respect, operating on strong moral codes to drive company values and culture.
- Sense of Urgency – drive forward each day with speed, agility, and flexibility to capture unrealized opportunities and avoid potential risks for the business.
- Entrepreneurial Spirit – act like an owner, challenging the status quo, asking the right questions, and actively seeking ways to innovate and improve.
- Adaptability – be fluid with ND Paper’s continuous evolution while driving change in a fast-paced environment, equipped with the ability to acclimate quickly.
- Servant Leadership – set an example by implementing meaningful leadership with heart, empathy, foresight and stewardship.
ND Paper Benefits
We offer a comprehensive benefits package that includes:
- Medical, dental, and vision insurance as well as voluntary benefits such as accident insurance, hospital indemnity, and critical illness for you and your family.
- Financial protection benefits, including life insurance, disability insurance, and business travel accident insurance.
- Tax advantaged accounts such as Healthcare and Dependent Care Flexible Spending Account (FSA).
- Paid holidays, personal days, and vacation days to support work-life balance.
- A 401K retirement plan with a company match and annual fixed contribution
- Wellness programs with incentives and an on-site clinic available at our Rumford and Biron location.
Enjoy competitive salaries, comprehensive health benefits, and paid time off. Discover more about our benefits and how we support our team by visiting 2025 Benefits. Come be a part of our team and grow with us!
Apply Please submit your resume, and salary requirements to https://us.ndpaper.com/careers
No unsolicited resumes - ND Paper does not accept unsolicited resumes from search firms or employment agencies. Any unsolicited resume you submit to us will immediately become the property of ND Paper. If you would like to become a recruiter for ND Paper, please contact us and we will agree in writing to terms and the specific job roles for which you are authorized to recruit