Anthony Locicero, Associate editor02.02.21
In recognition of their tireless work during an incredibly challenging year, Pilot Chemical Corp. is awarding bonuses to each of its 400-plus employees at all operations in the U.S. and Mexico.
“The bonuses are a tangible way to thank employees for embracing the unprecedented hurdles of 2020 with dedication, adaptability and a focus on safety, company strategy and customer needs,” said Mike Clark, Pilot Chemical’s president, chief operating officer and top executive. “At every step of the way throughout this global pandemic and the related business and personal challenges, our employees went above and beyond.”
Despite the difficulties of the year, the privately owned and independent global chemical company was able to maintain continuous operations and supply customers with critical products to support their efforts to combat the COVID-19 virus, with various Pilot products securing acceptance from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to add a SARS-CoV-2 claim to the label.
The company was also able to avoid layoffs and furloughs.
In addition to employee commitment, Clark credited Pilot’s stable year to its strong foundation and diverse portfolio; its overarching principle to keep each other healthy and safe while keeping the company strong; and its reinforcement of a dedicated strategy that prioritizes innovation, technology and responsiveness.
As the Pilot team continued to pivot to accommodate the challenges of the year, it took measures including developing decision protocols and contact tracing procedures based on U.S. Centers for Disease Control recommendations; adjusting workspaces and shifts; and implementing distancing and remote working to limit the number of people at its labs and manufacturing plants.
With an expansive U.S. footprint and a global reach, Pilot Chemical’s operations are spread across 10 facilities in two countries and four states. These include corporate headquarters in Cincinnati and a corporate office in Mexico City; a state-of-the-art innovation center in Pittsburgh; a technology center in Cincinnati; and six manufacturing plants – two in Greater Cincinnati and one each in Houston; New Waverly, Texas; Avenel, New Jersey; and Toluca, Mexico.
For U.S. employees, the bonuses will be delivered as $1,000 deposits into employees’ 401(k) retirement accounts, which Clark said aligns with Pilot Chemical’s desire to support its employees as they plan for a secure future.
For employees in Mexico, where retirement guidelines vary, the bonuses will be awarded as equitable payroll deposits. In addition to these bonuses, the company also earlier awarded cash bonuses to employees of its U.S. and Mexico plants and laboratories in 2020.
