#AViewFrom Henkel North America: Sabana Grande, Puerto Rico

At Henkel’s 200,000 sq. ft. Sabana Grande facility, with more than 180 employees operating 39 production lines, multiple types of adhesives are manufactured and destined for use all over the world.  You may find these materials in medical syringes and breathing devices, electronic devices like tablets, automotive parts like engines and transmissions and other applications including maintenance and vehicle repair and original equipment manufacturing.

“Even when the Island suffered hurricane damage a few years ago, manufacturing disruption was minimal due to our dedicated employees; they were on-site around the clock to get back up and running to help our customers. This professional devotion to quality, efficiency and operational continuity is why Henkel is proud of its Sabana Grande facility and employees,” shares Director of Operations, Rosa Dávila, who has worked at the facility for over 30 years.

Established in 1974, the facility became part of Henkel’s manufacturing footprint in 1997 after the company acquired Loctite Corporation. Since then, the site—which produces LOCTITE® brand cyanoacrylate, anaerobic and silicone adhesives—has seen five major additions to expand production capacity and warehouse space. Most recently, the site is working on projects to accelerate automation of packaging processes and progress sustainability initiatives. The addition of a solar panel installation is estimated to deliver up to 50% of the facility’s energy needs.

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Bottling and Packaging Operator Jose Figueroa runs an automatic filling machine at the Sabana Grande facility.

Tamara Rodríguez, Chemical Operator Trainee, prepares raw materials in the mixing area at the Sabana Grande facility.

DID YOU KNOW

In recent years, the Sabana Grande facility has received three awards from international customers recognizing the facility’s outstanding performance and product quality. The materials manufactured at the Sabana Grande site are distributed globally, which includes customers in Europe and Asia.

Henkel Puerto Rico employees showcase their pride during an aerial photoshoot to commemorate an excellence award presented to the Sabana Grande facility.

IN THE COMMUNITY

Henkel is an important employer in the community and, as a materials formulator and supplier, very passionate about scientific careers.  Encouraging young Puerto Ricans to explore STEM ‏(science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) professions is a big part of the Sabana Grande team’s local community service outreach.  The site has held tours and workshops for students, including an all-female STEM group from a local high school.  

“Henkel is also a model of diversity,” says Henkel HR Business Partner, Christina Rivera. “At Sabana Grande, we have many females in leadership positions – including our Director of Operations – and showcasing this inspires young women to pursue educational paths in science and engineering.”