Faces of Manufacturing: Evolution of the industry and today's careers

In this episode of the LYB podcast, host Deepi Sidhu sits down with Mark Bookmyer, La Porte site manager and a seasoned manufacturing leader with more than 35 years of experience in the chemical industry. 

Together, they explore what manufacturing looks like at LYB, from how facilities operate 24/7 to the wide range of roles that keep them running safely and efficiently. The conversation also covers how the industry has evolved over time through digital advancements and improvements in health, safety and environmental performance. 

Mark also shares insights on building a strong talent pipeline, including the importance of recruiting, structured training programs and hands-on co-op experiences that help prepare future manufacturing leaders. 

From food packaging and healthcare materials to transportation and infrastructure, the discussion highlights how chemical manufacturing supports everyday life and why it will continue to play a critical role in the future. 

In this episode: 

• What manufacturing looks like at LYB and how sites operate around the clock
• The range of careers that support safe and reliable operations
• How the industry has evolved through digital and safety advancements
• The role of co-op programs in building future manufacturing talent
• How LYB materials connect to everyday products and essential infrastructure 

Listen now to learn more about the careers and capabilities that make modern manufacturing possible. 

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Forward-looking statements

The statements in this podcast relating to matters that are not historical facts are forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements are based upon assumptions of management of LYB, which are believed to be reasonable at the time made and are subject to significant risks and uncertainties. When used in this podcast, the words “estimate,” “believe,” “continue,” “could,” “intend,” “may,” “plan,” “potential,” “predict,” “should,” “will,” “expect,” and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements, although not all forward-looking statements contain such identifying words. Actual results could differ materially based on factors including, but not limited to, market conditions, the business cyclicality of the chemical, polymers and refining industries; the availability, cost and price volatility of raw materials and utilities, particularly the cost of oil, natural gas, and associated natural gas liquids; our ability to successfully implement initiatives identified pursuant to our Value Enhancement Program and generate anticipated earnings; competitive product and pricing pressures; labor conditions; our ability to attract and retain key personnel; operating interruptions (including leaks, explosions, fires, weather-related incidents, mechanical failure, unscheduled downtime, supplier disruptions, labor shortages, strikes, work stoppages or other labor difficulties, transportation interruptions, spills and releases and other environmental risks); the supply/demand balances for our and our joint ventures’ products, and the related effects of industry production capacities and operating rates; our ability to manage costs; future financial and operating results; benefits and synergies of any proposed transactions; receipt of required regulatory approvals and the satisfaction of closing conditions for our proposed transactions; final investment decision and the construction and operation of any proposed facilities described; our ability to align our assets and expand our core; legal and environmental proceedings; tax rulings, consequences or proceedings; technological developments, and our ability to develop new products and process technologies; our ability to meet our sustainability goals, including the ability to operate safely, increase production of recycled and renewable-based polymers to meet our targets and forecasts, and reduce our emissions and achieve net zero emissions by the time set in our goals; our ability to procure energy from renewable sources; our ability to build a profitable Circular and Low Carbon Solutions business; the continued operation of and successful shutdown and closure of the Houston Refinery, including within the expected time frame; potential governmental regulatory actions; political unrest and terrorist acts; risks and unce