Open Interviews 10/12 10a-2p

Open Interview Day - Monday October 12th between 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM

Looking for a new career opportunity? Join Smurfit Westrock for our Open Interview Day on Monday October 12th. Meet directly with our hiring team, learn about current openings, and interview on site for available positions.

Date: Monday 12th October 2026

Time: 10:00 am - 2:00 pm

Location:

Smurfit Westrock

2251 Berens Dr, New Lenox, IL 60451

Whether you are seeking a production, maintenance, or manufacturing career, we invite you to stop by and explore opportunities with a global leader in sustainable packaging.

No appointment is necessary. Walk ins are welcome.

Bring your resume and be prepared to interview with our team.

Start your next career move with Smurfit Westrock. We look forward to meeting you!

Shift Details: This facility works 8-hour shifts. Must be able to work any shift, as well as daily or weekend overtime as required.

• 3rd shift: 11PM - 7AM

• 2nd shift: 3PM - 11PM

Starting Wage Range: $22.10/hr with potential for increases after probationary period is completed

• First 3 weeks will be on 1st shift (7:00 AM - 3:00 PM) for orientation, safety, quality, and OJT (On-the-Job Training). New hires will have direct access to leadership for questions and support.

• After 3 weeks, employees will transition to their designated shift (2nd or 3rd). While technical trainers are available, most training will be provided by experienced crew members. Candidates should be open to coaching and feedback.

• Eight weekly evaluations will be conducted by the Production Supervisor and Technical Trainer to review progress, answer questions, and address concerns.

• Advancement opportunities are available for employees who demonstrate strong performance and engagement after successfully completing their 60-day probationary period.

• Upon successful completion of the 60-day probationary period, employees will be eligible to bid on higher-paying positions. Examples include Assistant Machine Operator ($25.52), Assistant Corrugator Operator ($26.11), Machine Operator ($28.09), and Corrugator Operator ($29.41). These are just a few of the advancement opportunities available within the plant.

• Employees are also eligible for a retention/stay bonus, which is paid out over the first six months of employment.

Additional Incentives:

• Shift Differential: $0.63/hr. for 2nd shift $.57/hr. for 3rd

• Health Insurance (Medical, Dental, Vision) available after 60 days of employment

• Company Paid Short-Term Disability and Life Insurance

• Paid Lunches and Breaks

• 401(k) with Company Contributions (up to 4%)

• 11 Paid Holidays after completion of 60 days of employment

• 1 week Vacation Pay after completion of first 6 months

• Reimbursements for Boots & RX Safety Glasses

• Employee Referral Program: $1,250 per hourly employee

• Tuition Reimbursement after 6 months of employment

Primary duties include:

Safely performing a wide range of tasks supporting the manufacturing of corrugated boxes that include stacking product, conducting quality checks, material set-up, and maintaining a clean and organized workspace. The ideal candidate will have a strong commitment to working safe, demonstrated ability to work in a fast-paced environment, a strong desire to learn manufacturing processes and operating complex machinery and have a desire to advance within the company.

What you need to succeed:

• Ability to operate various machines/equipment safely and follow specific directions

• Maintaining a clean work environment

• Ability to read a tape measure and have basic math and computer skills.

• Ability to work safely and comply with all safety regulations.

• Ability to push, pull, bend, squat, life, reach, kneel, and stand for up to 12 hrs a day.

• Must be able to push, pull or lift up to 50 lbs on a frequent basis.

• Required to work daily overtime, weekend work and various shifts depending on workload.

• Other duties as assigned

• Manufacturing experience (preferred) however not required - full training provided.

• High school diploma or equivalent

How you will impact WestRock:

• Contribute to a collaborative safety culture that drives results.

• Utilize problem solving skills to maintain seamless production.

• Provide quality products to ensure an exceptional customer service experience.

What we offer:

• An attractive salary reflecting skills, competencies, and potential.

• Corporate culture based on integrity, respect, accountability, and excellence.

• Comprehensive training with numerous learning and development opportunities.

• A career with a global packaging company where Safety, Sustainability, and Inclusion are business drivers and foundational elements of the daily work.

The starting rate is $22.10 per hour, depending on your role, level, and location. The benefits for this role may include short-term bonus incentive, health, dental and vision insurance, flexible spending accounts or health savings accounts, retirement savings plans, life and disability insurance programs, and paid sick leave as required by applicable state/local law, 10 days of paid vacation, and 11 days of paid holidays, subject to annual change. Your actual pay will be based on your work location and other factors, such as your skills, experience, and education. To learn more about the specific salary range for your preferred location, please contact your recruiter during the hiring process. You may apply online at [1] www.westrock.com/company/careers and the application window is expected to close by 12/01/2026.

References

Visible links

1. http://www.westrock.com/company/careers

Smurfit Westrock (NYSE:SW) is a global leader in sustainable paper and packaging solutions. We are materials scientists, packaging designers, mechanical engineers and manufacturing experts with a shared purpose: Innovate Boldly. Package Sustainably. Guided by our values of safety, loyalty, integrity, and respect, we use leading science and technology to move fiber-based packaging forward.

Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, protected veteran status or other characteristics protected by state or federal law.