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"I establish new processes and ideas"

Chemical engineer Beatriz Blas Molinos is responsible for ensuring that development processes run smoothly at Kuraray. Her role is to improve established workflows, optimize plant and machinery and coordinate various departments to make sure Kuraray’s products meet the highest requirements.

 

Beatriz Blas Molinos

“I make a difference at Kuraray by putting ideas into practice and optimizing processes.”

Beatriz, what exactly do you do at Kuraray?

I work as a process development engineer. My role is introducing and improving processes. For example, when we develop a new film product for laminated safety glass, I’m responsible for the process until it can be transferred to the production department. I optimize procedures – on the machinery and technology as well as the related workflows. That includes all aspects of coordination with the supply chain, manufacturing and quality management teams, project management and collaboration with my colleagues in R&D. I’m also responsible for communicating with the various departments involved in the process.

At present, I’m working on a major project that has reached the commercialization phase. It involves a completely new product that we’ve developed in the past two years. Now we’ve got to the launch stage – that’s a really exciting moment! Supporting the entire process from the initial idea to the final product, optimizing the workflows and making sure everything is ready for market introduction has been a really special experience. 

A female employee leans over a wooden box and inspects documents.

What makes you proud of what you do?

I’m proud to be able to advance processes and ideas – not just in product development. I’m especially proud of the sustainable developments we’re working on. We endeavour to make established processes more environmentally friendly, use more recycled materials and develop more sustainable products.

Why did you choose Kuraray?

I have a doctorate in chemical engineering and worked as a process engineer in production for several years. Then I started looking for a new challenge. I’d heard and read a lot of good things about Kuraray, for example, flexible working hours, mobile working and the great team spirit. Three-and-a-half years ago there was a vacancy in Process Development that I found interesting. I applied – and got the job.

 

A female employee enters the lab in a protective suit.

What do you find so special about working here and why would you recommend Kuraray as an employer?

Kuraray offers many opportunities. You can develop in different areas. It’s small enough that you can get to know many of your co-workers and get a good overview of what other people do. At the same time, it’s big enough to offer stimulating projects and challenges. For me personally, it’s important that Kuraray is not an anonymous employer. I know other companies where many people feel a bit lonely or lost even though they have lots of colleagues. That’s not the case here: community spirit, camaraderie and respect are really evident.

In your daily work, how do you notice that what you do makes a difference?

I notice the difference particularly when I see that a project I’ve worked on from the initial idea to the final product has been successfully implemented by the customer. I enjoy supporting a process from the very beginning, optimizing it and ultimately seeing a marketable product. Here we work together very well on an equal footing, take everyone’s opinion on board and therefore get very good results. In addition to my job, I’m involved in other initiatives such as the BetterTogether network for women, where we share information, report on our experiences and provide mutual support. That shows that Kuraray actively supports change and motivates me to keep going.

 

 

A female employee in protective clothing holds documents in her hands.

How does Kuraray help you balance work with your private life?

That’s an important aspect for me because I have two children. Evidently, it shouldn’t make a difference but it’s often harder for mothers to juggle everything. Flexible working hours and mobile working make a big difference. No-one at Kuraray expects you to work at weekends or check your emails in the evening. And supervisors keep an eye on whether people are overworked. That’s very valuable in my view.

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