WCA November 2024

Industry News

An interview with Santiago Urbina Castilleja VP commercial at Orbia Polymer Solutions (Alphagary)

Santiago Urbina Castilleja

approachable, and I find that by treating each situation respectfully, we can solve even the most challenging problems. What does your company specialise in and why is it the best at what it does? Orbia Alphagary specialises in formulating and manufacturing com- pounds, plasticisers, stabilisers and colourants with properties that are specifically needed for the intended market sectors. Many formulations are bespoke to meet customer requirements. Our service strategy is simple: we listen to our customers and to the marketplace. What are the main projects or innovations you are working on at the moment? In wire and cable we’re working on materials for renewable projects such as solar power that withstand punishing outdoor conditions. Some of our other projects include achieving high-level global fire performance for data centre cables while maintaining robust data transfer capability; innovations in materials for electric vehicle charging cables; and trends in halogen-free compound demand and its advantages, such as flexibility for high-bend require- ments (such as data centre cables). Overall, we’re formulating materials with reduced carbon footprint that perform as well as their traditional counterparts. Many customers are working closely with us to achieve their sustainability targets with materials that perform optimally in the intended applications. What are the future plans for your company? Do you see a lot of potential for growth in the regions and markets that you deal with or in new areas? Our future plans include capacity expansion. Several projects are ongoing now. We are increasing capacity because

Can you tell us a bit about the history of your company since it was first established? The history of Alphagary and Orbia (formerly called Mexichem) starts in the 1960s, when the two companies began compounding operations and introduced PVC compounds to the marketplace. Over the next several decades, the two businesses grew organically, expanded through acqui- sition, and came together in 2011 when Alphagary was acquired by Mexichem. Mexichem rebranded to Orbia in 2019 as part of its transformation to a sustainable solutions company. Orbia Alphagary has significantly expanded over time. Starting with PVC compound- ing, we have expanded compounding into other polymer types including TPE (thermoplastic elastomers), LSHF (low-smoke, zero-halogen), other PO (polyolefin) compounds, TPU (thermo- plastic urethane) and other materials. We also offer additives for PVC compounds – plasticisers, stabilisers and colourants. Can you tell us a bit about your role at the company? What are the most satisfying aspects of working in your current role? Today, I head the global commercial activities at Orbia Alphagary. I really enjoy working with the commercial leaders and their teams around the world because we stay keenly focused on our goal to support the customer. No one is afraid to speak up, and the solution to the many challenges we face – whether the challenge is innovating a product or cutting into production to meet delivery demands – is typically inventive and resourceful, and not bound by conventional practices. In today’s fast-paced business world, it is critical to remain agile and The product portfolio of

Key factors we are watching include increasing demand for data, video and energy transmission, which is expected to continue driving growth, with the proliferation of smart devices, cameras and high-definition TVs in industrial, commercial and consumer applications. The advent of new category cables designed to accommodate these diverse needs will likely gain significant traction as consumers and industries alike seek efficient and high-speed connectivity solutions. The growing emphasis on sustainability across industries is likely to influence growth and change. This trend toward sustainable solutions not only aligns with corporate social responsibility initiatives but also addresses consumer preferences for products with a lower carbon footprint. What is the toughest aspect of your job? And what is the most difficult thing about being in a position of responsibility at such a large company? The toughest challenge I face on a daily basis is the time difference between our manufacturing facilities, since they are located in different regions of the world. Depending on where I wake up, my time zone could be hours ahead or hours behind the action. But this also means that we are servicing customers locally, which is a huge benefit, especially with time-critical challenges. What advice would you give to someone trying to make it in the industry as you did yourself? Sign up for an apprenticeship and come to work willing to learn. When you find an organisation that is willing to teach, mentor and coach, take full advantage of the opportunity to learn different aspects of the business. This experience will help you make better decisions and operate with empathy (because you know what it’s like to stand in someone else’s shoes). Being in a customer-facing role is hugely beneficial, even if that is where you won’t stay. It’s beneficial because every job in an organisation depends on satisfied customers who purchase your product. Orbia www.orbia.com

we see growth potential especially in the wire and cable area as our world becomes more automated, but also in sectors such as piping, as infrastructures are developed and refined. We are investing in new capacity also for safety and efficiency reasons, as we are mindful of our vastly important human capital as well as our carbon footprint and our role in sustainability.

The Melton New Line where some of Orbia’s products are manufactured

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November 2024