It’s home to BBQ, the Blues, and Elvis. This iconic city on the banks of the Mississippi River is also where a strategic Henkel site manufactures high-performance hot melt adhesives used for consumer packaging applications. The next time you open your favorite cereal, take prepared food out of the freezer or read a magazine, the adhesives bonding the box, carton, or publication spine may have been produced here. Learn more in this segment of #AViewFrom: Memphis, TN.
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#AViewFrom Henkel North America: Memphis, TN
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.
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One of three Henkel facilities in North America that make pelletized TECHNOMELT® brand hot melt adhesives, the Memphis, TN operation is a lean team of just over 40 employees that oversees material production on three manufacturing lines running 24 hours a day, five days a week. The polymer hot melt pellets remain shelf stable until heated in automated dispensing equipment for application onto the end product. Their unique properties facilitate mass production and near-instant set times, making TECHNOMELT hot melts ideal for high-volume consumer packaging applications. Nearly 90 hot melt formulations for Henkel Adhesive Technologies’ packaging and converting (APC) and personal hygiene (APP) businesses are manufactured in Henkel’s Memphis, TN site, most destined for North American-based packaging companies.
We are a tight-knit, high-productivity team in Memphis. Small but mighty and among the best at manufacturing hot melt pellets, our team members deliver excellent quality control, ensure efficient processing, and demonstrate a passionate commitment to safety -- all testaments to our strong team and well-rounded, winning site culture. Our outstanding people on the floor truly are the key to the Memphis plant’s success.
Brad Parkerson, Plant Operations Director
Established in 1972, the Memphis site joined the Henkel manufacturing footprint after the company’s acquisition of National Starch in 2008. The 60,000 sq. ft. facility, which includes three high-speed pelletizing and packaging lines, ships about 22 million kgs of TECHNOMELT® brand adhesives annually. Henkel Memphis is currently upgrading its management operating systems to a standard platform used across Henkel sites for enhanced data centralization and communication to drive further transparency, quality and efficiency. On the sustainability front, the Memphis plant is also aligned with Henkel’s environmental prioritization. The site has energy and water sensors to monitor and regulate use, does not send any waste to landfills, and strives for best practices regarding water consumption and recycling/reuse.
DID YOU KNOW?
Paying homage to one of Memphis’ most well-known former residents, the team at this site has named its three production lines after the famous Presley family. Henkel Memphis employees fondly refer to their pelletizers as Elvis, Priscilla, and Lisa Marie.
TECHNOMELT® BRAND ADHESIVES IN HENKEL’S PRODUCT PACKAGING
In addition to the TECHNOMELT® brand adhesive products used in everyday food packaging, the adhesives are also found bonding boxes for well known Henkel products including Snuggle® brand dryer sheets.
CULTURE, CAREER AND SAFETY
Asia Coleman, HR Manager, believes the long, nine-year average tenure of Memphis employees is proof of a welcoming and rewarding work environment.
There is just something about the South and this site – the kindness, hospitality, work ethic, and good nature of the Memphis staff is so refreshing. People like coming to work; they appreciate the career opportunities, take their jobs seriously while having fun, and support each other.
Asia Coleman, Human Resources Business Parther
“I’ve been able to progress from line operator to Production Manager, and I credit my mentors before me who provided excellent training and gave me a shot at advancement,” shares 13-year Memphis team member Curtis Grandberry.
We have a ‘next man or woman up’ mentality here, always with an eye on the future, what’s best for the employees and their careers, the site, and the business. We genuinely care about people and their wellbeing.
Curtis Grandberry, Production Manager
Safety is a top priority for Henkel and Safety Day is a global event that takes place at all Henkel sites, where employees engage in trainings and group activities. “The Memphis team has been participating in Safety Day since the event began in North America, and many veteran team members recall Memphis influencing how Safety Day is celebrated today in North America with unique events including hiring a Safety Magician, competitive team-building events, and others. The team always finds a way to make the event standout year after year.” stated Brad Parkerson.
Production Supervisor Jason Clarkson uses a vac assist to palletize 30 lb. cartons on the packaging line.
Production Operator Cedric Lambert places a bug cover on a pallet of 30 lb. cartons at the end of the packaging line.
Maintenance Technician Jefferson Beck uses a man lift to make a repair at heights in the pelletizing area.
Fire extinguisher and first aid trainings and teambuilding activities are some of the events held at the Memphis plant’s annual Safety Day.
Fire extinguisher and first aid trainings and teambuilding activities are some of the events held at the Memphis plant’s annual Safety Day.
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Henkel North America
Our #AViewFrom series features select locations, sharing information and facts about our sites across Henkel North America.
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Discover our latest stories, expert articles and news from Henkel North America on topics including sustainability and innovation.