Production Platemaker

Production Platemaker

Location: Cramlington, Northumberland

Hours: Fulltime – 37.5 hours per week

Shifts: Week 1: 6am-2pm Week 2: 1pm-9pm

(this role may require overtime, evening or weekend shifts based on production needs)

Salary: From £27,500 per annum

Reporting to: Production Team Leader

Job Purpose:

The Production Platemaker is responsible for producing high-quality printing plates used in flexographic workflows. The role involves plate planning, operating plate-making equipment, ensuring accurate calibration, and maintaining production quality and efficient manufacturing standards.

The Production Platemaker plays a crucial role within the wider R3 team, working closely with the Customer Service, QC, and Pre-Press teams; they will also communicate with Directors and other staff where appropriate and as projects dictate.

Key responsibilities of the Production Platemaker:

1. Plate Production & Equipment Operation:
2. Operate plate-making equipment (e.g. CTP systems, laser imagers, processors, exposure units, dryers, CAD Cutting) according to established procedures
3. Produce printing plates to meet job specifications, colour requirements and production deadlines
4. Ensure proper calibration, imaging accuracy, and plate integrity throughout the workflow
5. Inspect plates for defects, registration accuracy, density, and overall quality

Quality Control & Documentation:

• Follow established quality control procedures to ensure consistent and reproducible plate output
• Record job data, plate measurements, and processing parameters as required
• Collaborate with press operators to troubleshoot plate-related issues

Packaging & Dispatch:

• Package finished printing plates securely to prevent damage during transport
• Label and document outgoing orders accurately, ensuring correct job identification and traceability
• Prepare dispatch paperwork and such as packing lists, delivery notes, or shipment labels
• Coordinate with Customer Services regarding couriers, or logistics teams to schedule pickups and deliveries
• Maintain a clean, organized dispatch area and ensure timely shipment of completed jobs
• Inspect packaged goods for completeness and presentability before dispatch

Stock Control & Inventory Management:

• Maintain accurate inventory of printing plates, plate materials, chemistry, consumables, and related supplies
• Track usage levels to predict future stock needs and avoid production delays
• Receive, label, and store plate stock and consumables according to company procedures
• Coordinate with purchasing /finance to reorder materials on schedule
• Perform regular stock counts and update inventory records
• Report shortages, damaged materials, or supply issues promptly

Maintenance & Safety:

• Perform routine maintenance on platemaking including distillation equipment and report service and repair needs
• Keep work area clean, organised, and compliant with Health and safety regulations
• Maintain proper handling of chemicals, materials, and waste according to company policies

Clean Room Environment Maintenance:

• Maintain a dust-free, contaminant-controlled clean room environment within the plate-making areas
• Follow clean room procedures including proper gowning, handling, cleaning, and contamination control
• Monitor temperature, humidity, and environmental conditions that impact plate processing quality
• Clean and disinfect surfaces, equipment, and floors according to schedule and protocol
• Ensure all materials entering the clean room are stored, handled, and disposed of correctly
• Report environmental control issues or equipment failures immediately

Warehouse & Yard Duties:

• Assist with receiving, unloading, and storing materials in the warehouse or yard
• Move pallets, plate stock, packaging materials, or general production supplies using pallet jacks/forklifts
• Maintain clean, organised, and safe warehouse and yard areas
• Dispose of waste materials, recycling, and pallets according to company procedures
• Help manage incoming and outgoing deliveries, including verifying counts and documenting discrepancies
• Perform general material-handling tasks as assigned

General Note:

The above is not an exhaustive list of duties. You may be required to perform other tasks as necessitated by the overall business objectives. Responsibilities may change over time to support operational needs, departmental priorities, and company goals

Physical Requirements:

• Ability to lift 25–50 lbs routinely
• Standing for extended periods during shift
• Ability to work in a production environment with noise, chemicals, and machinery

Benefits:

• Holiday entitlement – 22 days + Bank Holidays - increasing to a maximum of 25 (x1 additional day for every 2 full years of service)
• Free onsite parking
• Employee Assistance Programme
• Pension contribution
• PPE provided
• Company social events