Left to Right: Bill Kirk, Kimberley Wilson, Nolan Graham, Arlis Kadrmas, Swathi Theeda, Christine Hagele, Amy Morhart, Zach Robinson, Luis Torres-Figueroa, Kim Gessner, Jordan Vaughn, Phillip Williams

 As we walked through the plant Brittany was able to talk through the step-by-step process of latex production, from storage of their raw materials to monomer recovery, through the continuous process, and finally to the batching process where the products are completed. The finished products are loaded using one of the plants three truck loading docks or their one railcar loading station. The finished materials are almost exclusively transported and stored using trailers and railcars, necessitating the management of a fleet of both.

During the tour we were able to visit the lab where they sample and test the product in the various stages of the process. In the lab, we were able to speak with Dominick, Cody, and Alfred and had the opportunity to ask questions to learn more about their testing methods. Dominick informed us that BASF tests their material at a minimum of every two hours to ensure product quality. We also were able to visit the control room with Gary and Jon, manning the wall of computers making sure the plant is running smoothly. The intricate system has alarm tones that are different in each section of the plant so operators are aware in their specific working location if something needs attention.

Following the tour, we had a session with Arlis Kadrmas who detailed the various latex products used in asphalt, and even soda cans, offering valuable tips on storage, handling, and testing.

We want to thank BASF and all the employees who took the time to answer questions or spend the day with us to help us better understand their work and the materials manufactured by BASF.

On October 2, 2024, the LEAP class and select members of the AEMA LDT embarked on a tour of the Kao Specialty Americas (KSA) chemical manufacturing site in High Point, North Carolina. The group was welcomed by Glenn Hall, Martin Thompson, John Thompson, and Tejash Gandhi. With a rich history dating back to 1887, Kao operates globally across two primary business segments: consumer and chemical. While the consumer side is familiar for brands like Bioré, Jergens, and Kanepo, KSA’s chemical side specializes in oleo, performance, and specialty chemicals. The High Point facility, spanning 75 acres and housing three plants, primarily focuses on specialty chemicals, including surfactants for asphalt emulsions.

 From left to right: Tejash Gandhi (Kao), Christine Hagele (LEAP), Kim Gessner (LEAP Dean/LDT), Charles Taylor (LDT), Luis Torres Figueroa (LEAP), Zach Robinson (LEAP), Swathi Theeda (LEAP), Martin Thompson (Kao), Amy Morhart (LEAP), Mike Tyree (LDT), Amy Blaida (LDT), Ernesto Santillan (LDT), Glenn Hall (Kao), and John Thompson (Kao).

Prior to the tour, Glenn Hall provided a company overview and history, followed by John Thompson's presentation on asphalt chemistry and emulsifiers. Martin Thompson then delved into the asphalt/bitumen binder market, discussing various chemistries for pavement preservation and recycling. A brief interruption occurred during John’s presentation when a fire alarm startled the group, and we had to leave the building, all confused. The presentation resumed promptly, as it was a false alarm, a fire alarm system test. It was a funny moment!

Guided by Michael Pope, the production manager for Plant 1, the group toured the administrative building, the Construction and Asphalt Lab, the R&D Lab, and Plant 1, which specializes in polymerization processes. Highlights included the reactors, mixing/blending sites, loading racks, the warehouse and the QC/Analytical Services Lab. The tour continued outside to show Plant 2, dedicated to surfactants manufacturing, and Plant 3, where toner binder is produced. The LEAP and LDT members greatly appreciated the opportunity to visit the Kao facility. The informative presentations and insightful tour provided valuable insights into the world of chemistry and business. The group is grateful to the KSA staff for their time, effort, and hospitality in organizing this enriching experience.