Though Huntsman Corp. operates more than 100 manufacturing and research and development (R&D) facilities in more than 30 countries, the corporation’s Polyurethanes division R&D site in Auburn Hills, Michigan, has received several notable distinctions over the years.
Located about 25 miles north of downtown Detroit, the Auburn Hills site houses the automotive, CASE (coatings, adhesives, sealants and elastomers), footwear and furniture businesses for the company’s Polyurethanes division. It is also home to some of Huntsman’s many R&D teams focused on innovation and new business development.
The facility develops energy-saving solutions for a variety of downstream end-use markets, including automotive, construction and energy. In addition, some of Huntsman’s specialty products developed at the site go into making new, high-performance construction materials from recycled rubber tires, carpets and foams. End-use applications include running tracks, decking materials, gym floors and more.
“Developing innovative solutions using the site’s polyurethane development and processing laboratories and the site’s accredited physical testing and analytical laboratories has helped the R&D teams garner 17 patents to date,” said Huntsman’s Auburn Hills Site Director Mahesh Kotnis.
Providing a high-quality work environment for continued engagement and empowerment of associates is a high priority at Huntsman. Earlier this year, the Michigan Occupational Safety and Health Administration (MIOSHA) awarded the site “Star” status as a participant in the Michigan Voluntary Protection Program (MVPP), a distinction the site has maintained since 2004. The award recognizing Huntsman’s safety culture has been achieved by less than 30 other sites in the state of Michigan.
“This recognition exemplifies the result of successful efforts by all associates and government in partnering for excellence in workplace safety and health,” said Kotnis.
Kotnis believes the Auburn Hills site has successfully maintained its high safety standards due to Huntsman’s companywide commitment to prioritizing the health and safety of its associates and contractors.
“Receiving ‘Star’ status is a collaborative effort and involves unified support for our environmental, health and safety programs,” Kotnis said. “The company is particularly proud of its no lost-time accident record since the site opened in 1999, as well as its associate participation and ownership in site safety programs, including development of job safety and health analysis procedures, behavior-based safety programs, self audits, emergency response teams and site inspections.”
According to Kotnis, developing innovative technologies that help support the growth of the automotive, construction, footwear and furniture manufacturing sectors in the Americas, while inspiring safety among its associates, is what helps drive Huntsman’s Auburn Hills site.
For more information, visit www.huntsman.com or call (800) 553-8624.
