Legacy Voices: Casper Gary on Supply Chain Leadership, Safety, and Experience at Kuraray America
Our #LegacyVoices series spotlights the individuals whose dedication and deep expertise have shaped Kuraray America, Inc. (KAI) across decades and continue to move us forward as we celebrate Kuraray’s centennial.
Meet Casper Gary, Supply Chain Manager at our La Porte, TX plant and one of our #LegacyVoices.
In 1972, Gary started as an Operator with DuPont at the La Porte site. After advancing through several production leadership roles, he accepted a supply chain management role. A five-year assignment in Richmond, Virginia broadened his experience across large-scale manufacturing, and when he returned to La Porte, he joined the vinyl acetate monomer (VAM) unit. In 2014, that business became part of Kuraray America and Gary transitioned to his new company with the rest of his team.
What kept him at KAI is the culture. Gary saw KAI carry forward the strong safety foundation he had spent decades building, while continuing to value the experience of long-tenured employees.
Moving Chemicals Around the World
As Supply Chain Manager, Gary oversees global chemical shipments through two storage tank terminals, Intercontinental Terminals Company (ITC) and LBC Tank Terminal, coordinating barge and vessel operations across the Houston Ship Channel. His role requires close collaboration with the Port of Houston, the U.S. Coast Guard, terminal operators, ship captains, and the Pilots Association.
“In this work, the plan gets you started. Teamwork and experience is what gets the shipment where it needs to go.” he says.
For Gary, one of the most rewarding moments is watching a vessel leave on schedule after months of planning, coordination, sampling, and loading.
A Legacy of Safety: Consistency. Culture. Trust. Continuous Improvement.
Gary sees KAI’s safety culture as a natural extension of the DuPont legacy at La Porte.
One example stands out: before loading vinyl acetate onto a barge, the team purges the vessel with nitrogen to reduce oxygen levels and help prevent ignition of flammable vapors. It is an added step some companies may avoid, but for Gary, it reflects KAI’s commitment to doing the job responsibly.
That mindset is especially important at La Porte, where waterfront operations are governed by stringent U.S. Coast Guard regulations.
Looking Ahead
A self-described amateur historian and bluegrass musician, Gary brings the same curiosity to his personal life that he brings to the job. His advice to the next generation is simple and carries a bit of JFK's famous challenge.
"Don't focus on what others can do for you. Focus on what you can do to help the people around you succeed."
Apr. 10, 2026