Real people of Clariant

Richard Allen, Senior Project Manager Custom BU Catalysts

Richard Allen stands out as Clariant's longest-serving employee, with an extraordinary 51-year career at the Louisville site.

Starting as a plant worker while still in school, Richard progressed through numerous roles from process engineer to operations manager, ultimately specializing in technology scale-up. His passion for custom catalysts, where he transforms laboratory recipes into large-scale production, keeps him learning every day.

Working with customers to scale up their recipes from lab to production, Richard's expertise perfectly blends technical knowledge with customer service. His deep connection to the Louisville site, where his father before him and now his son-in-law also works, reflects the strong bonds built throughout his remarkable career.

Sadhana Kulkarni, Manager Regulatory Affairs, India & Products COC

In 1988, Sadhana Kulkarni made history as her company's first female chemist. Today, she leads Clariant's Product Stewardship Affairs in India. Her remarkable career spans roles from Quality Assurance to Product Safety and Regulatory Affairs.

Sadhana views her current position as "a mother's role," protecting both people and planet from chemical hazards. Her journey parallels Clariant's transformation from a pigment-focused business to a sustainability- oriented organization. The evolution from being the lone female chemist to leading a department where women now outnumber men perfectly illustrates Clariant's commitment to diversity.

Ferdi Schmitz, Plant Assistant BU Additives and Adsorbents

Ferdi Schmitz sees himself as the "Godfather of Knapsack" for young talents. In 45 years, he experienced all facets of being a chemical technician - from laboratories to production facilities. Continuous learning and thinking outside the box characterized his career.

Driven by a "can-do" mentality, he seized every opportunity for personal development. Starting as an apprentice, he worked his way up to deputy plant manager thanks to his desire to make an impact and the trust of his supervisors. He took setbacks like production relocations as challenges. His motivation: learning new things, solving problems, having a positive influence. The "Godfather" now mentors young talents - with the same curiosity that has always defined him.

Takashi Yamashita, Operator

Takashi Yamashita joined Kasei Hoechst in 1988, remaining loyal to the surfactant division despite numerous company name changes. After Mitsubishi Kasei's became Hoechst and then Clariant, he witnessed the transformation to a truly global company.

Over 37 years, Clariant evolved from dyes to pigments, surfactants, and catalysts-a significant business shift. Takashi's proudest achievement was introducing the CPS concept internationally. His motivation? Supporting his family and enjoying hobbies, particularly baseball club activities where he aspired to represent his prefecture.

Through decades of change, his dedication mirrors the commitment shown by Clariant's longest-serving employees worldwide.

José Luis Arranz, Site Manager & Services

José Luis Arranz embodies dedication with over 40 years at Clariant's Suzano site in Brazil. Starting as a trainee in 1981, this mechanical engineer progressed from roles in maintenance, engineering, and utilities to become site manager.

Throughout his career, he has driven significant transformations, particularly in sustainability, leading innovative projects like replacing natural gas with biomethane. José Luis' leadership extends beyond operations to fostering an inclusive workplace culture through diversity initiatives.

His greatest pride lies in building strong relationships and a collaborative team environment, exemplified by traditions like weekly soccer games. His journey from trainee to site manager demonstrates how commitment and adaptability create lasting impact.

Carmen Sagmeister, Supply Planner

Carmen Sagmeister has dedicated her entire career to the Rhine-Main site so far, starting as an industrial clerk apprentice in 1994. Despite all the changes Clariant has since undergone, she has remained loyal to the flame retardants department, focusing on supply chain management.

"We burn for flame retardants!" Her role connects the Frankfurt office team with production at the Knapsack/Hurth chemical park. This requires exceptional relationship-building skills. Carmen appreciates the ongoing development through new tools and processes just as much as the consistency - many of her colleagues have been with her since her first day at work.

It is precisely this team that continues to motivate her - as well as the essential contribution her planning expertise makes to successful production operations.