The gist
A number of petrochemical leaders participated in a panel discussion on Sep. 21 about ongoing projects in the region and workforce leadership.
As part of the Gulf Coast Industry Forum held Sept. 21 in Pasadena, a number of officials with the petrochemical industry, supply chain management and leaders of ongoing projects in the Bay Area participated in a number of panels attended by hundreds of guests.
One such panel included officials from different companies involved in the petrochemical industry. Those who were part of the panel included:
- Tifanie Steele, general manager for Chevron Pasadena Refinery
- Eric Bass, plant manager for Ineos Styrolution, Bayport Asa Plant
- Tony Wood, site manager for Lyondellbasell Channelview Complex
The group’s conversation revolved around what each company specializes in. All three participants answered questions about projects going on they are part of in the area and what good leadership looks like in today’s workforce.
Much of the discussion centered around how to keep workers happy and fulfilled.
Diving in deeper
Chevon is an energy company that specializes in refining and selling energy, namely oil and gas. In 2022, the company announced plans for a $400 million project to expand its Pasadena refinery capabilities, according to the company’s website.
Ineos has a 97-acre site in the Bayport Industrial District of Pasadena, according to its website. It focuses on styrene, which is a product used in houses, construction, electronics and automobiles.
Lyondellbasell’s Channelview complex covers almost 4,000 acres, according to the company’s website. They produce a number of petrochemical products, including ethylene, propylene, butadiene, gasoline-blending products and styrene monomer.
Quote of note
“All of our companies hire a wide variety of folks,” Steele said. “Soft skills are critical skills. I want people on my team who are good problem solvers and good collaborators. People who build relationships and cross boundaries. ... It doesn’t matter to me what type of function you’re in. Those are the types of things that I want people to be able to bring to the workforce.”
What else
Other panels held included one on supply chains, sustainability and projects tied to it, and the petrochemical industry’s impact on Houston’s economy.
The event also featured three keynote speakers. They detailed ongoing energy projects, the state of Port Houston and the geopolitical landscape for energy across Texas and the world.
