Print Finishing Lead
Larkin Industries Inc, Saint Paul, MN, United States
Title:
FINISHING LEAD (Folder Gluer / Inkjet Lead)
Company:
Larkin Industries (DFC Manufacturing Group)
Location:
St. Paul/Minneapolis, MN area
Department:
Operations
FLSA Status:
Non-exempt (Hourly)
About Larkin Industries Larkin Industries is a specialized print finishing and converting partner supporting customers who need precision, speed, and consistent quality. Our capabilities include high‑end finishing processes such as die cutting, foil stamping, embossing, folding/gluing, affixing, and related converting services. As part of the DFC Manufacturing Group, we combine the agility of a focused finishing operation with the stability and support of a broader manufacturing platform.
If you’re a hands‑on finishing leader who can run complex folder‑gluer and inkjet work, train a team, and hold quality to a high standard—this is a strong long‑term opportunity.
Position Summary The Finishing Lead (Folder Gluer / Inkjet Lead) oversees setup, operation, and quality output of folder gluer equipment and associated mailing/finishing systems within the converting department. This role ensures folding, gluing, and inkjet operations are executed efficiently, safely, and within customer specifications.
This position blends advanced technical skill with frontline leadership of operators, general factory employees, and temporary labor. You’ll provide training, troubleshooting, and coordination across departments to maintain workflow, production schedules, and product quality. The role also supports mailing operations including inkjet addressing, barcode printing, and insert matching to ensure compliance with customer and postal requirements.
What You’ll Do
Set up and operate folder gluer equipment to produce cartons and packaging products according to job ticket specifications and customer requirements
Configure and run folding styles—including roll folds, double gate folds, side seam cartons, auto‑bottom cartons, and specialty configurations
Oversee adhesive application systems (hot glue, cold glue, combination) and ensure correct glue selection based on substrate, product design, and operating conditions
Lead and coordinate employees assigned to gluing and finishing operations (operators, general factory employees, and temporary labor)
Provide hands‑on training and cross‑training on equipment operation, quality standards, and safety procedures
Troubleshoot complex production jobs including multi‑insert configurations, iron crosses, durian crosses, tip‑ons, and affixed cards
Operate and maintain inkjet systems for variable data printing (addresses, barcodes, QR codes, sequential numbering)
Ensure proper alignment and verification of top and bottom inkjet printing where required for scanning, tracking, or customer compliance
Support mailing operations (sorting, co‑mingling, insert matching) to meet postal and customer requirements
Review job tickets, production instructions, and specifications to ensure accurate setup and production
Perform first‑piece inspections and ensure quality control procedures are followed throughout the run
Monitor output, waste levels, and machine performance; adjust as needed to maintain quality and efficiency
Maintain accurate production documentation (load tags, job tickets, skid logs, waste tracking, time reporting)
Coordinate with production management, customer service, and other departments regarding job specs, timelines, and operational challenges
Assist with scheduling and labor planning to ensure adequate staffing and on‑time completion
Perform preventative maintenance and basic mechanical adjustments on folder gluer and related finishing equipment
Enforce safe work practices and company safety policies within the department
Support other departments (stripping, finishing, packaging) when production flow requires it
Participate in continuous improvement efforts focused on efficiency, quality, and operational performance
Attend scheduled production and operational meetings
What We’re Looking For
Extensive knowledge of folder gluer setup, operation, and troubleshooting
Strong understanding of adhesive systems, substrates, and packaging converting processes
Experience with inkjet variable data systems (addresses, barcodes, QR codes, sequential numbering)
Familiarity with mailing processes (sorting, co‑mingling, insert matching) preferred
Proven ability to lead, train, and oversee employees in a manufacturing environment
Ability to read and interpret job tickets, specifications, and production instructions
Strong mechanical aptitude and troubleshooting capability
Basic math skills (measurements, counts, production reporting)
Forklift certification or ability to obtain certification
Bilingual (English/Spanish) preferred
Education & Experience
High school diploma or equivalent required
5–7 years operating folder gluer or related converting equipment in a packaging, printing, or manufacturing environment
Team lead experience (including training and coordinating production teams and/or temporary labor) preferred
Experience with mailing systems, inkjet printing, or variable data printing strongly preferred
Experience in packaging converting, die cutting, or finishing operations is a plus
Skills That Win Here
Strong problem‑solving and calm decision‑making in a deadline‑driven environment
Clear, respectful communication and the ability to coach others with patience and professionalism
Ownership mindset: holds quality, safety, and performance to a high standard every day
Organized, detail‑oriented, and able to manage multiple priorities simultaneously
Comfortable documenting work, standard processes, and training steps
Customer‑focused: understands the downstream impact of quality and schedule on client relationships
Work Environment & Physical Requirements
Manufacturing and converting production environment with moderate to high noise levels
Required use of PPE in designated areas
Ability to stand, walk, bend, and move throughout the production floor for extended periods
Ability to lift and carry materials up to 50 pounds
Frequent use of hands to operate machinery, tools, and equipment
WHY LARKIN
Lead critical finishing operations that directly impact customer quality and delivery
Work with advanced converting, folding/gluing, and inkjet applications (including complex insert and compliance‑driven jobs)
Join a stable, growth‑oriented organization backed by the DFC Manufacturing Group
Make a visible impact: improve throughput, reduce waste, raise quality, and develop people
#J-18808-Ljbffr
FINISHING LEAD (Folder Gluer / Inkjet Lead)
Company:
Larkin Industries (DFC Manufacturing Group)
Location:
St. Paul/Minneapolis, MN area
Department:
Operations
FLSA Status:
Non-exempt (Hourly)
About Larkin Industries Larkin Industries is a specialized print finishing and converting partner supporting customers who need precision, speed, and consistent quality. Our capabilities include high‑end finishing processes such as die cutting, foil stamping, embossing, folding/gluing, affixing, and related converting services. As part of the DFC Manufacturing Group, we combine the agility of a focused finishing operation with the stability and support of a broader manufacturing platform.
If you’re a hands‑on finishing leader who can run complex folder‑gluer and inkjet work, train a team, and hold quality to a high standard—this is a strong long‑term opportunity.
Position Summary The Finishing Lead (Folder Gluer / Inkjet Lead) oversees setup, operation, and quality output of folder gluer equipment and associated mailing/finishing systems within the converting department. This role ensures folding, gluing, and inkjet operations are executed efficiently, safely, and within customer specifications.
This position blends advanced technical skill with frontline leadership of operators, general factory employees, and temporary labor. You’ll provide training, troubleshooting, and coordination across departments to maintain workflow, production schedules, and product quality. The role also supports mailing operations including inkjet addressing, barcode printing, and insert matching to ensure compliance with customer and postal requirements.
What You’ll Do
Set up and operate folder gluer equipment to produce cartons and packaging products according to job ticket specifications and customer requirements
Configure and run folding styles—including roll folds, double gate folds, side seam cartons, auto‑bottom cartons, and specialty configurations
Oversee adhesive application systems (hot glue, cold glue, combination) and ensure correct glue selection based on substrate, product design, and operating conditions
Lead and coordinate employees assigned to gluing and finishing operations (operators, general factory employees, and temporary labor)
Provide hands‑on training and cross‑training on equipment operation, quality standards, and safety procedures
Troubleshoot complex production jobs including multi‑insert configurations, iron crosses, durian crosses, tip‑ons, and affixed cards
Operate and maintain inkjet systems for variable data printing (addresses, barcodes, QR codes, sequential numbering)
Ensure proper alignment and verification of top and bottom inkjet printing where required for scanning, tracking, or customer compliance
Support mailing operations (sorting, co‑mingling, insert matching) to meet postal and customer requirements
Review job tickets, production instructions, and specifications to ensure accurate setup and production
Perform first‑piece inspections and ensure quality control procedures are followed throughout the run
Monitor output, waste levels, and machine performance; adjust as needed to maintain quality and efficiency
Maintain accurate production documentation (load tags, job tickets, skid logs, waste tracking, time reporting)
Coordinate with production management, customer service, and other departments regarding job specs, timelines, and operational challenges
Assist with scheduling and labor planning to ensure adequate staffing and on‑time completion
Perform preventative maintenance and basic mechanical adjustments on folder gluer and related finishing equipment
Enforce safe work practices and company safety policies within the department
Support other departments (stripping, finishing, packaging) when production flow requires it
Participate in continuous improvement efforts focused on efficiency, quality, and operational performance
Attend scheduled production and operational meetings
What We’re Looking For
Extensive knowledge of folder gluer setup, operation, and troubleshooting
Strong understanding of adhesive systems, substrates, and packaging converting processes
Experience with inkjet variable data systems (addresses, barcodes, QR codes, sequential numbering)
Familiarity with mailing processes (sorting, co‑mingling, insert matching) preferred
Proven ability to lead, train, and oversee employees in a manufacturing environment
Ability to read and interpret job tickets, specifications, and production instructions
Strong mechanical aptitude and troubleshooting capability
Basic math skills (measurements, counts, production reporting)
Forklift certification or ability to obtain certification
Bilingual (English/Spanish) preferred
Education & Experience
High school diploma or equivalent required
5–7 years operating folder gluer or related converting equipment in a packaging, printing, or manufacturing environment
Team lead experience (including training and coordinating production teams and/or temporary labor) preferred
Experience with mailing systems, inkjet printing, or variable data printing strongly preferred
Experience in packaging converting, die cutting, or finishing operations is a plus
Skills That Win Here
Strong problem‑solving and calm decision‑making in a deadline‑driven environment
Clear, respectful communication and the ability to coach others with patience and professionalism
Ownership mindset: holds quality, safety, and performance to a high standard every day
Organized, detail‑oriented, and able to manage multiple priorities simultaneously
Comfortable documenting work, standard processes, and training steps
Customer‑focused: understands the downstream impact of quality and schedule on client relationships
Work Environment & Physical Requirements
Manufacturing and converting production environment with moderate to high noise levels
Required use of PPE in designated areas
Ability to stand, walk, bend, and move throughout the production floor for extended periods
Ability to lift and carry materials up to 50 pounds
Frequent use of hands to operate machinery, tools, and equipment
WHY LARKIN
Lead critical finishing operations that directly impact customer quality and delivery
Work with advanced converting, folding/gluing, and inkjet applications (including complex insert and compliance‑driven jobs)
Join a stable, growth‑oriented organization backed by the DFC Manufacturing Group
Make a visible impact: improve throughput, reduce waste, raise quality, and develop people
#J-18808-Ljbffr