Published 2026-04-04
Job Title
GRAVURE PRINTER
Reports to
Shift Manager
Direct / Indirect Reports
Operations Manager
Department
Production
Purpose of the Position
A vacancy has arisen within the Gravure print department for a highly skilled, fully apprenticed, Gravure-trained operator to run the Cerutti 960 R press.
The successful candidate will form part of the highly skilled print team and will be expected to perform at the highest levels whilst bolstering the expertise within the department.
Job Requirements
Minimum educational qualifications required
Grade 12
Computer Literate
Minimum Experience Required
Strong knowledge of manufacturing processes, equipment, and safety standards (2- 5 years)
Key Competencies/skills/ Attributes Required
Adaptability
Self-confidence/Respect/Motivated
Mobility
Dependability and Reliability Problem solving and Assertiveness.
Good Written and Verbal Communication Skills
Good Computer Skills (MS Office)
Decisive Insight
The successful candidate must have the following qualifications and experience:
Trade Test in Rotary Printing and Re-Reeling - Gravure
Minimum three years’ experience operating wide format Gravure print presses as a number one or two operator.
In-depth knowledge of Gravure print techniques.
Proven track record for leading and developing press production teams.
Two years’ experience in line lamination and filmic print techniques.
Proven track record of quality Gravure production, preferably from within the label or food packaging sectors.
Understanding of the main printing substrates and their required ink formulations.
Ability to print on all substrates from paper to OPP.
In-depth knowledge of solvent-based ink, varnishes/coatings and adhesive systems.
Full knowledge of solvent selection and safe use methods.
Understanding of automated registration equipment.
Understanding of automated viscosity equipment.
Understanding modern print machine press controls.
Ability to understand and eradicate all basic printing faults to maintain quality Gravure production.
In-depth knowledge of quality control test protocols for Gravure printed media.
Key Performance Indicators & Duties
Duties and Responsibilities:
Coordinate the activities of the printing process and make ready.
Ensure the pre-make ready, make ready, and set-up process takes place in the allocated time.
Ensure that all specifications are adhered to and understood adequately.
Do all necessary quality checks and correct deviations timely.
Ensure that all events that happen during the run are adequately logged during the shift.
Ensure that the required press maintenance is reported by completing the T-Card and issuing it to Maintenance.
Ensure that preventative maintenance is done accordingly and that cleaning of the press is executed to the highest standards.
Operated the press to the highest standards and efficiencies, while keeping waste to a minimum as per the job estimate.
Pre-Make Ready
Complete pre-make ready forms by checking the job bag for the current and next job.
Ensure that the correct tooling (cylinders, blades, etc.) is allocated, that the correct ink is allocated, and that the correct material is issued and scanned properly as per the job specifications.
Inspect cylinders for damage before and after a job run, and record on the cylinder issue form.
Ensure impression rollers are cleaned and ready for a new job.
Ensure that all printing units have the correct ink filters.
Make Ready
Set the AVT to recommended standards.
Set the Gamma System for all jobs.
Set the doctor blades according to the Daetwyler best practices. Only adjust to get the best print quality & laydown.
Set the lamination and coatings to the required specification and coat weights within the minimum time.
Colour match inks with the ink technicians
Viscosities to be checked and recorded
Ensure that the splash guard is in good condition and fix it if it is broken.
Ensure that all machine safety guards are operational.
Confirm and position material onto the press, set the web guides and register the job at a minimum 800lm or minimum.
Report any out-of-spec items or operations immediately or ask for assistance.
Production
Produce a 1st off sheet that complies with all requirements and ensure that Quality checks are done.
Monitor AVT, web and Gamma system.
Produce good-quality reels with acceptable profiles and minimal waste.
Tag all print waste properly and record on the DCU.
All paper reels are to be labelled on the side with the job number.
Report (T-Card) and isolate (Use RED Tape) defective ink pumps, ink trolleys and air shafts or any defective tooling.
Print the required quantity of labels or meters while ensuring the waste material is compensated for in the ticket.
Sign off on each printed reel's quality checks.
Record all events that affect the job on Radius (downtime, web-breaks, ink starvation, print defects, splices, etc.)
Press Set Down
Wash and remove all cylinders on completion of the job. 2k and adhesive cylinders to be covered with cylinder paste, which reduces cell blocking.
Wash the printing units for preparation of the next job, and adequately flush the inking units.
Check cylinders for defects and record data on the cylinder issue form. Sign the form once completed.
Place the washed cylinders according to their storage boxes and return.
Return all inks, tooling and materials according to the procedure. Perform a versus report, while ensuring that allocated material is scanned into the job and returned to Raw Material stores.
Housekeeping
Doctor Blade's cutting table is to be kept clean at all times.
Keep printing areas and units clean and free of all ink buckets and solvents that are not clamped. Keep all buckets in the print units clamped.
All ink units to be covered in plastic, and plastic to be removed post-printing and replaced with clean plastic.
All unused print unit shout be kept clean.
Clean spills immediately to avoid ink skin buildup.
Keep all areas neat at all times.
Best Practice
Operators to complete all paperwork accurately and timeously, with sign-off and date
Complete shift handover daily, highlighting all issues experienced
Complete a Job report on the finalisation of each job, with best practice suggestions for future production.
Complete all safety tests/checks before starting your shift, check all the guards and report malfunctioning items to the Maintenance and or Shift Supervisor.
Work towards meeting the Safety, Quality and Operations standards that meet the company and customer requirements.
STOP the machine if unsure or in doubt. Do not continue running with a problem.
For over a century, Multi-Color Corporation (MCC) has crafted premium labels for the world’s most iconic and recognizable brands. Our labels elevate emotional connections with consumers and help brands stand out in competitive markets. Honoring our rich history as a market leader, we focus on the future by developing sustainable packaging solutions and consumer-driven innovations.
MCC combines global reach with the personalized touch of local service through our network of facilities across 25+ countries. More than 12,000 teammates come together to make our industry-leading work possible and bring our True Colors to life. Join us at MCC, where every product is Labeled with Care. Learn more at If you need assistance or an accommodation in applying, please contact our Human Resources Department at
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