Full-Time

Machine Operator

Thermoforming Operator

Updated on 9/15/2026

Deadline 8/19/27
Novolex

Novolex

1,001-5,000 employees

Produces packaging products with sustainable focus

Compensation Overview

$21.85 - $27.60/hr

Franklin Park, IL, USA

In Person

Category
Manufacturing & Production Operations (1)

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Requirements
  • Three years of manufacturing or related experience operating or running plastics processing equipment, including thermoforming equipment.
  • Effective written and verbal communication skills are required.
  • Strong mechanical aptitude and problem-solving skills are required.
  • Ability to read and operate micrometers is required.
  • Ability to complete all required training in procedures, equipment, and safety.
  • Ability to lift and install a roll shaft into a roll.
  • Ability to use a hoist to put a roll onto an unwind stand.
  • A high school diploma or GED is preferred.
  • A proven history of good attendance is required.
Responsibilities
  • Perform basic operator preventive maintenance and equipment cleaning.
  • Perform visual inspections of products and identify quality attributes in thermoformed products.
  • Create shipping labels.
  • Wrap palletized loads.
  • Feed material through the thermoforming and trim presses.
  • Learn and make simple adjustments, including heat and cycle-time adjustments.
  • Identify and clear jammed material in the grinder and return the line to production.
  • Perform other duties or tasks as needed.
Desired Qualifications
  • A high school diploma or GED.

Novolex makes a wide range of packaging products, including paper and plastic bags, food packaging, and other flexible packaging solutions. These products are manufactured and supplied to customers, with a focus on using recyclable and sustainable materials and technologies to reduce environmental impact. The company grows by acquiring other packaging businesses to broaden its offerings and capabilities, applying its manufacturing and sustainability know-how across its portfolio. Its goal is to provide broad, sustainable packaging solutions to customers worldwide while continuously improving environmental performance and responsible business practices.

Company Size

1,001-5,000

Company Stage

N/A

Total Funding

N/A

Headquarters

Hartsville, South Carolina

Founded

1976

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Simplify Jobs

Simplify's Take

What believers are saying

  • California's SB 1053, effective January 1, 2026, boosts recycled-paper and reusable-packaging demand.
  • Novolex named Dan Debicella on June 24, 2026, tightening commercial execution and integration.
  • Novolex's 2024 materials mix used 46% recycled or renewable feedstocks.

What critics are saying

  • California settled Novolex on January 16, 2026 for $1.65 million over non-recyclable bag marketing.
  • Novolex closed Henrico County on July 14, 2026, cutting 118 jobs to match weak demand.
  • State bag bans and recycling rules can erase Novolex's plastic-bag franchise within 2026-2027.

What makes Novolex unique

  • Novolex spans bags, foodservice, and specialty packaging after Pactiv Evergreen's April 1, 2025 combination.
  • Novolex operated Nova's Connersville recycled-PE facility, commercializing food-grade postconsumer film by early 2026.
  • Novolex's 2026 product catalog spans paper, molded fiber, rigid, and flexible packaging.

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Benefits

Health Insurance

Dental Insurance

Vision Insurance

Health Savings Account/Flexible Spending Account

Paid Vacation

Paid Sick Leave

Paid Holidays

Parental Leave

Wellness Program

401(k) Retirement Plan

401(k) Company Match

Tuition Reimbursement

Hybrid Work Options

Company News

Plastics News
Aug 5th, 2026
Novolex shuttering South Carolina thermoforming plant.

Novolex shuttering South Carolina thermoforming plant. August 05, 2026 11:31 AM EDT Novolex Holdings LLC, through its Pactiv LLC subsidiary, is closing another thermoforming plant, this time in southeastern South Carolina near Augusta, Ga. All Access Subscriber Exclusive North American resin markets have swung sharply back in buyers' favor - Polymer Points explains why prices are falling, what it means for virgin and recycled resins, and whether producers can make the next round of increases stick.

Packaging Gateway
Jun 25th, 2026
Novolex names new chief commercial transformation and strategy officer.

Novolex names new chief commercial transformation and strategy officer. Dan Debicella will work alongside Chuck Whittington, Novolex's chief transformation officer, who is due to retire. Packaging group Novolex has appointed Dan Debicella as chief commercial transformation and strategy officer. He will oversee the company's group-wide growth plan, help advance its commercial agenda and support integration work. Debicella will work alongside Chuck Whittington, Novolex's chief transformation officer, who is due to retire at the end of the year after more than 33 years at the company. Whittington will stay on during the handover period to support continuity in integration efforts. According to the company, Debicella will work with teams across the organisation to reinforce commercial functions and introduce more uniform sales processes, aiming to "accelerate" growth. Novolex CEO and chairman Stan Bikulege said: "Dan is a proven transformation leader who delivers measurable results. "He has strengthened commercial execution and scaled performance across multiple companies. He will sharpen our commercial capabilities and help us move faster, execute better and deliver stronger outcomes for our customers, employees and stakeholders." Debicella has more than 25 years of experience in transformation and growth roles in several industries. Most recently, he was president of the Graphics Solutions Division at SGS & Co. Before that, he oversaw enterprise strategy and commercial transformation efforts at Serta Simmons Bedding and Young's Market Company. Earlier in his career, Debicella worked at Bridgewater Associates, PepsiCo and McKinsey & Company on strategy and transformation programmes. Debicella said: "I am excited to join Novolex at a pivotal point in its growth journey. The company has a strong foundation, and I look forward to partnering with the team to accelerate growth, strengthen our commercial discipline and deliver sustained performance improvement." Give your business an edge with its leading industry insights.

Plastics News
May 14th, 2026
Novolex closing Hilex Poly plastic bag plant in Virginia.

Novolex closing Hilex Poly plastic bag plant in Virginia. May 14, 2026 12:14 PM EDT Novolex Holdings is closing a plastic bag manufacturing plant that's been operating for decades in Northern Virginia, a move that will put over 100 people out of work. All Access Subscriber Exclusive In this data center exclusive to All Access subscribers you'll find a list of family-owned plastics-related companies ranked in order of number of years in business.

Packaging Dive
Aug 20th, 2025
Novolex closing Pactiv Evergreen plant in California, affecting 127 employees

Novolex closing Pactiv Evergreen plant in California, affecting 127 employees.

Digital Commerce 360
Aug 12th, 2025
Novolex names a chief procurement officer

Novolex announced the appointment of James "JT" Jones as its new chief procurement officer, effective Aug. 11.