Manufacturing Jobs in Michigan with F-1 OPT Sponsorship
Michigan's manufacturing sector is one of the largest in the country, anchored by automotive giants like General Motors, Ford, and Stellantis alongside a deep network of suppliers and advanced manufacturing firms in Detroit, Grand Rapids, and Lansing. F-1 OPT students in engineering, industrial technology, and operations management will find Michigan among the most active states for manufacturing sponsorship opportunities.
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INTRODUCTION
At Graphic Packaging International, we produce the paper cup that held your coffee this morning, the basket that transported those bottles of craft beer you enjoyed last weekend, and the microwave tray that heated your gourmet meal last night. We’re one of the largest manufacturers of paperboard and paper-based packaging for some of the world’s most recognized brands of food, beverage, foodservice, household, personal care and pet products. Headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia, we are collaborative, diverse, innovative individuals who create inspired packaging while giving back to our communities.
With over 25,000 employees working in more than 130 locations worldwide, we strive to be environmentally responsible in our industry and in the communities where we operate. We are committed to workplace diversity and offer compensation and benefits programs that are among the industry’s best to reward the talented people who make our company successful.
If this sounds like something you would like to be a part of, we’d love to hear from you.
A World of Difference. Made Possible.
JOB SUMMARY
Performs a wide variety of duties to prepare, operate and maintain the Goodstrong Sheeters in the Warehouse Department.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
- Set-up and run the Goodstrong Sheeters based on the specifications of the job.
- Ability to follow/interpret written and verbal instructions on the sheeting orders and schedules.
- Verify that the sheets being produced are the correct size and quality.
- Accurately record production information and roll usage.
- Participate in any tasks necessary to allow for continuous operation of the process.
- Capable of lifting in excess of 75 lbs.
- Operation of clamp and hand trucks.
- Follow all Plant Safety rules and maintain a safe working environment.
- Monitor the level of quality in the products being produced.
ADDITIONAL RESPONSIBILITIES
- Collect Statistical Process Control (SPC) Data as required.
- Participate in Continuous Process Improvement Activities as required.
- Follow all guidelines related to SQF qualifications.
QUALIFICATIONS
Basic math, reading and writing skills are required to perform this job. The ability to accurately read a tape measure to within 1/32” is a critical qualification.
GPI’S BENEFIT PROGRAM
- Competitive Pay
- 401(k) w/employer matching
- Health & Welfare Benefits
- Medical, dental, vision, and prescription drug coverage
- Short and Long-Term Disability
- Life Insurance
- Accidental Death & Dismemberment (AD&D) Insurance
- Flexible Spending and Health Savings Accounts
- Various Voluntary benefits
- Adoption Assistance Program
- Employee Discount Programs
- Employee Assistance Program
- Tuition Assistance Program
- Paid Time Off + 11 paid company holidays each year
APPLICATIONS ACCEPTED ON AN ONGOING BASIS AND THERE IS NO DEADLINE.
Graphic Packaging is an equal opportunity employer and abides by all applicable federal, state provincial and local laws with respect to the recruitment and hiring process. We are committed to an inclusive, barrier-free recruitment and hiring process free from discrimination or harassment based upon race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or veteran status. Should you require an accommodation for a disability, please contact your Human Resources representative or email accommodations@graphicpkg.com.
LOCATION
Location:
Sturgis, MI, US, 49091
DEPARTMENT
Department: Manufacturing & Operations
TRAVEL
Travel: No Travel Required
NEAREST MAJOR MARKET
Nearest Major Market: Kalamazoo

INTRODUCTION
At Graphic Packaging International, we produce the paper cup that held your coffee this morning, the basket that transported those bottles of craft beer you enjoyed last weekend, and the microwave tray that heated your gourmet meal last night. We’re one of the largest manufacturers of paperboard and paper-based packaging for some of the world’s most recognized brands of food, beverage, foodservice, household, personal care and pet products. Headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia, we are collaborative, diverse, innovative individuals who create inspired packaging while giving back to our communities.
With over 25,000 employees working in more than 130 locations worldwide, we strive to be environmentally responsible in our industry and in the communities where we operate. We are committed to workplace diversity and offer compensation and benefits programs that are among the industry’s best to reward the talented people who make our company successful.
If this sounds like something you would like to be a part of, we’d love to hear from you.
A World of Difference. Made Possible.
JOB SUMMARY
Performs a wide variety of duties to prepare, operate and maintain the Goodstrong Sheeters in the Warehouse Department.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
- Set-up and run the Goodstrong Sheeters based on the specifications of the job.
- Ability to follow/interpret written and verbal instructions on the sheeting orders and schedules.
- Verify that the sheets being produced are the correct size and quality.
- Accurately record production information and roll usage.
- Participate in any tasks necessary to allow for continuous operation of the process.
- Capable of lifting in excess of 75 lbs.
- Operation of clamp and hand trucks.
- Follow all Plant Safety rules and maintain a safe working environment.
- Monitor the level of quality in the products being produced.
ADDITIONAL RESPONSIBILITIES
- Collect Statistical Process Control (SPC) Data as required.
- Participate in Continuous Process Improvement Activities as required.
- Follow all guidelines related to SQF qualifications.
QUALIFICATIONS
Basic math, reading and writing skills are required to perform this job. The ability to accurately read a tape measure to within 1/32” is a critical qualification.
GPI’S BENEFIT PROGRAM
- Competitive Pay
- 401(k) w/employer matching
- Health & Welfare Benefits
- Medical, dental, vision, and prescription drug coverage
- Short and Long-Term Disability
- Life Insurance
- Accidental Death & Dismemberment (AD&D) Insurance
- Flexible Spending and Health Savings Accounts
- Various Voluntary benefits
- Adoption Assistance Program
- Employee Discount Programs
- Employee Assistance Program
- Tuition Assistance Program
- Paid Time Off + 11 paid company holidays each year
APPLICATIONS ACCEPTED ON AN ONGOING BASIS AND THERE IS NO DEADLINE.
Graphic Packaging is an equal opportunity employer and abides by all applicable federal, state provincial and local laws with respect to the recruitment and hiring process. We are committed to an inclusive, barrier-free recruitment and hiring process free from discrimination or harassment based upon race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or veteran status. Should you require an accommodation for a disability, please contact your Human Resources representative or email accommodations@graphicpkg.com.
LOCATION
Location:
Sturgis, MI, US, 49091
DEPARTMENT
Department: Manufacturing & Operations
TRAVEL
Travel: No Travel Required
NEAREST MAJOR MARKET
Nearest Major Market: Kalamazoo
Job Roles in Manufacturing in Michigan
See all 1,284+ Manufacturing Michigan jobs
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Get Access To All JobsFrequently Asked Questions
Which manufacturing companies in Michigan sponsor F-1 OPT visas?
Michigan's largest manufacturing employers, including General Motors, Ford, Stellantis, Magna International, and Whirlpool, have established histories of hiring international students on F-1 OPT. Many Tier 1 and Tier 2 automotive suppliers throughout the Detroit metro and West Michigan corridor also participate in OPT hiring, particularly for engineering and technical roles. Sponsorship availability varies by role, location, and hiring cycle.
Which cities in Michigan have the most manufacturing F-1 OPT sponsorship jobs?
Detroit and its surrounding suburbs, including Dearborn, Auburn Hills, and Warren, account for the highest concentration of manufacturing OPT roles due to the auto industry's presence. Grand Rapids is a secondary hub, with strength in food manufacturing, furniture production, and automotive supply. Lansing and Flint also offer opportunities, primarily tied to vehicle assembly and parts manufacturing operations.
What types of manufacturing roles typically qualify for F-1 OPT sponsorship in Michigan?
Roles that align directly with a student's field of study are the most common fit for F-1 OPT in manufacturing. Mechanical engineering, industrial engineering, manufacturing engineering, quality assurance, supply chain operations, robotics, and process improvement positions qualify frequently. STEM OPT extensions, which allow an additional 24 months beyond the initial 12, apply to most engineering and technical manufacturing roles at qualifying employers.
How do I find manufacturing F-1 OPT sponsorship jobs in Michigan?
Migrate Mate is built specifically for international students and filters job listings by visa type, including F-1 OPT, and by industry. Searching for manufacturing roles in Michigan on Migrate Mate surfaces employers who have indicated sponsorship willingness, saving time compared to manually screening general job boards. Filtering by the Michigan location and manufacturing category gives you a focused list of relevant opportunities.
Are there any Michigan-specific considerations for F-1 OPT students pursuing manufacturing jobs?
Michigan's manufacturing sector is heavily tied to the automotive industry, so OPT students whose degrees are in mechanical, electrical, or industrial engineering are well-positioned relative to the local employer base. Many Michigan manufacturers operate on project-based hiring tied to vehicle program cycles, meaning recruitment activity often clusters around model-year planning periods. Students pursuing STEM OPT extensions should confirm their employer is E-Verify enrolled, which is a federal requirement for the 24-month extension.
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