Eastman Chemical Co. Site Manager of Jefferson Operations Jerry Kuhn believes it is crucial to invest in selecting and developing people in order to counter the high number of baby boomer retirements.
“The one thing we can count on is change,” Kuhn said. “Our company and businesses are rapidly evolving. We need to lead the many changes that will keep the site competitive and then effectively implement them. Having a vision for the site’s operation into the future is what allows me to focus everyone’s efforts on the same goal. Selection and development of people are also very important to maintain the talent required for successful operation, especially with the high level of baby boomer retirements. Our people truly are our most valuable asset.”
Kuhn has been site manager for four years and has been with the company for 26 years. His main focus is to deliver safe reliable operations for manufacturing hydrocarbon resins through integration of production; maintenance; technology; human resources; health, safety, environmental and security; engineering; finance; and supply chain.
A beautiful blend of strengths
In 1931, the original site — Pennsylvania Industrial Chemical Corp. (PICCO) — was credited with the invention of hydrocarbon resins. PICCO was founded at the site of the Monongahela Valley Brewery in Clairton, Pa. During a downturn in the 1920s, it was converted to an ice plant to save the business. In 1949, the current Jefferson site property was acquired to provide access to water transport on the Monongahela River and resin production began in 1954.
The site continued to flourish and was acquired by Hercules Inc. in 1973 after which expansions added the capability for pure monomer resins, hydrogenated resins and C-5 resins. “Eastman acquired the business in 2001 and created a beautiful blend of strengths that enabled sustained growth,” Kuhn said.
Eastman produces a broad range of advanced materials, chemicals and fibers, and has more than 40 manufacturing sites in 16 countries. Kuhn’s site manufactures hydrocarbon tackifying resins.
“They are additives used by industry for formulating a wide variety of products for producing adhesives, tapes, labels and sealants,” Kuhn said. “Our products serve markets for hot-melt adhesives for nonwovens and packaging; automotive (e.g., automotive tires, belts and hoses); and building and construction (e.g., caulking and sealants).
“The adhesives industry has enjoyed several years of solid performance and Eastman is positioned to continue growing with the industry. Competition is strong and Eastman is differentiating itself with a low volatile product line.”
Poised for future growth
Kuhn said he has faced many challenges in his current role, with one such challenge being cost control through the recent recession. However, the site came out of the economic downturn poised for future growth.
“Positioning ourselves for growth has been the focus of our site leadership over the past few years,” Kuhn said. “We were successful in developing and justifying an expansion of our pure monomer resins products with a world-class low volatile capability not duplicated in the market-place. Our infrastructure facilities have been upgraded and we have installed state-of-the-art, ultra-low nitrogen oxides (NOX) steam boilers to enable environmentally friendly growth.
“Our environmental controls throughout the site are undergoing review and improvement as well. A newly constructed stand-alone, on-site fitness center will soon have its grand opening, providing our employees and spouses facilities to maintain a healthier lifestyle. All of our success has been the product of very dedicated employees led by a strong site leadership team.”
This success and growth have energized the Eastman team.
“Everyone is very excited about the growth the site has seen in recent years and the acquisition of a neighboring property to support future expansion,” Kuhn said. “The site is taking the safety and environmental commitment to the highest level with continuous improvement to its monitoring and control equipment as well as offering valuable training to our employees. Site boiler control, tank throughput monitoring and other upgrades are planned to enable safe, reliable operations.” Ensuring safe operations is a top priority for Eastman, Kuhn said.
“Eastman has a strong record of excellence in safety performance and the Jefferson site has followed suit receiving the Responsible Care® Facility Safety Award of Excellence in the past,” he said. “The company-wide ‘ALL IN FOR SAFETY’ program has been the focus this past year. The corporate-led initiative promotes sound safety leadership behaviors through a common theme of total safety commitment on and off the job. Locally, we formed a new union-led employee safety commit-tee. Members have embraced the need for a safer work and home environment, and have rolled out a new program based on safety committee member experience. One learning from the program that may not be commonly recognized is we are more likely to get hurt performing activities away from work. Our new program covers all aspects of safety and is as effective at home as it is at work.”
In the future, Kuhn looks for the site to continue to create differentiated products and grow the skills of its employees.
“I want continued development of the people and talent needed to provide leadership and skills sets to sustain a strong future,” Kuhn said. “My vision for the future of the Jefferson site is for it to continue to be a desirable place to work, for it to be a recognized leader in safety and environmental performance, and to continue to provide high-quality products for customers.”
Active in the community, industry
“During the site community advisory panel’s 17-year history, awareness and support for the site have grown significantly,” Kuhn said. “The site actively participates in local science fairs, regularly hosts students in its job shadow program and works with local schools.
“Employees have made contributions to supply new backpacks and clothing to low-income students in the municipality and have donated presents through the Salvation Army Angel Tree and Local Chamber of Commerce Head Start programs. We also assist in maintaining a local ball field and support a school district in rewards for students who show excellent improvement in their academic studies.”
The Jefferson site supports two local food banks and funds a 10-year-old, employee-led program that sends pack-ages overseas to military personnel.
The site is also actively involved in industry-related organizations and committees.
“We are members of the American Chemistry Council, the West Jefferson Hills Chamber of Commerce and Allegheny Conference on Development to help drive business growth in the county as well as the Pennsylvania Chemical Industry Council,” Kuhn said. “The one sure thing about the legislative/public policy arena is things always change and new challenges continue to surface. There is real acknowledgement by the company that policy directives can impact our business. Legislative/regulatory overreach can lead to higher costs or inefficiencies without ever delivering their intended benefits. This, in turn, can competitively disadvantage a U.S.-based manufacturer. We have to be globally competitive and public policies have real consequences.”
Kuhn said Eastman believes it can offer solutions to many of the complex issues facing the country.
“We are part of an innovative, science-based industry dedicated to creating and making the products that make our world a better place to live,” he said. “We just want fair legislation and sensible regulations that work with us, not against us.”
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Jefferson Operations of Eastman Chemical Co.
2200 State Route 837, P.O. Box 545
West Elizabeth, PA 15088
(412) 384-2520
Products: Tackifier resins and resin dispersions
Employees: Approximately 250 Size: 66 acres
