The world’s top technology companies – electronics innovators – partner with Henkel to create products that improve today’s electronic technologies and enable tomorrow’s advances. Much of this covert work is performed by the Adhesives Technologies team in Irvine, California. Learn more in this segment of #AViewFrom: Irvine, CA
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#AViewFrom Henkel North America: Irvine, CA
Did you know that Henkel North America employs approximately 8,000 employees in more than 70 sites across the U.S. and Canada? Collectively, these sites support two business units: Adhesive Technologies and Consumer Brands.
Our #AViewFrom series features select locations, sharing information and facts about our sites across Henkel North America.
The Adhesive Technologies facility located in Irvine, California, is home to employees who provide a specialized portfolio of high-impact engineering solutions for electronic, industrial and automotive component markets.
From sunny southern California, Henkel Irvine’s team of approximately 175 employees serves the electronics, industrial and automotive components markets. A state-of-the-art 30,000 sq. ft. lab is at the heart of the facility, where new products are conceived and formulated for some of today’s most advanced electronics – from materials for semiconductor packaging, automotive ADAS (advanced driver assistance system) technology to data center processors to mobile phones and more. Broad in functional scope, employees in Product Development, Technical Customer Service, Supply Chain, Purchasing, Account Management, Controlling, Strategy, Marketing, Facilities, and Human Resources – plus an impressive number of interns – make up the diverse Irvine staff.
The site officially opened in 2010 when ten different electronics R&D sites with a wealth of collective expertise were consolidated in Irvine, establishing a strong foundation and a team that continues to make significant contributions to material innovation. With more than half of the specifications for electronics materials defined in the western hemisphere – much of that in California – the location is ideal to serve the innovation hubs of Silicon Valley, Southern California, Arizona and Texas.
I’m happy to be part of a company that embraces equality, values diversity and offers inclusion. It’s very rewarding to work with colleagues to solve complex problems. It’s clear to me that our diversity enhances critical thinking and provokes creativity as can be seen by the many innovations we contribute to the electronics industry.
Thao Vo-Le, Head of Product Development Engineering and a member of the Irvine leadership team
A Talented Team Driving Innovation
“Electronics is part of our daily lives, and innovation continues to drive what we once only imagined. This makes it very exciting to be part of our team. Through our close collaboration with global electronic leaders, we are at the forefront of innovating next-generation electronics,” says Kevin Becker, Head of Electronics Innovation and Irvine Site Manger. “From the smallest components found within devices such as smart watches and smart phones, to hybrid and electric vehicles, and expansive satellite networks, our team is helping to bring to market innovations that change the future.”
While much of the work done in Irvine is highly proprietary, it’s no secret that the team’s success is driven by its diversity and expertise. “I am proud to work in one of Henkel’s most diverse sites,” says Dave Bennett, Global Key Account Manager, commenting on the Irvine team’s many cultures, native languages and perspectives. “Our diversity of knowledge, scientific skills and go-to-market experience have enabled us to maintain a leading position and exceed customer expectations.”
At last count, there were 24 countries represented and 28 languages spoken amongst the Henkel Irvine team. Additionally, nearly half of the employees in management positions are women.
“We are also a group that likes to have fun, and this has continued throughout the pandemic,” says Adriana Goad, Regional Human Resources Business Partner. “Bi-monthly virtual site meetings have incorporated our pets, videos of our hobbies and pictures of babies born during the pandemic. We just enjoy being together and found ways to engage and connect even when we weren’t able to do that in person.”
Community Outreach
The positive, inclusive mindset of the Irvine team extends to community efforts as well. Past and present community service initiatives include:
- Habitat for Humanity
- Second Harvest Food Bank of Orange County
- Restore Nature Garden (cleaning up local parks and hiking trails in Orange County)
- Alzheimer’s Association of Orange County
- Operation Gratitude (care packages for military personnel)
- Sponsoring families during the holidays
- Local food drives
Did You Know
World Record Holders: In May 2018, the Henkel electronics team set a Guinness World Record for the largest display of thermal pads with 8,064 BERGQUIST GAP PADs assembled in a 14 ft. x 3 ft. formation to spell the word FOCUS.
Learn more about how Henkel is improving the electronics technologies of today, for the advances of tomorrow.
