Son Follows Dad’s Footsteps at LyondellBasell Edison Plant

June 12, 2017

EDISON, New Jersey, June 12, 2017 – Growing up Michael Krasznai watched his dad Alex spend countless hours working hard at LyondellBasell’s Edison Plant. As a shift worker, Alex recognizes his plate was full working to support his young family in the 1970’s.

“It was a bit of a struggle in my early family years, but we managed,” said Alex. “I graduated high school in June, turned 18 in July and started at the Edison site in August. I then married my wife in September and a year later we had Michael.”

Adding daughter Jennifer to his family and understanding the heavy load working various shifts had on his family, Alex spent 12 years at LyondellBasell doing his best to balance both family life and work. Eventually Alex did received the break he was looking for when a maintenance mechanic job was posted, a steady day job.

LyondellBasell sent Alex to trade school to advance his career. He attended night school and learned various skills on the job including  pipe fitting, plumbing, pump repair and rigging.

“I feel I am truly blessed for being at the same site for my entire career,” said Alex. “LyondellBasell is an outstanding chemical company to work for and our safety culture is top notch.”

Working hard but appreciating the opportunities that came his way to raise his family in New Jersey, Alex was excited when his son Michael showed interest in coming to work for LyondellBasell.

“I always wondered why he was always at work and never home!” said Michael. “As I got older I realized not only did he love his job but he made good money for his family, as a dad myself now, I appreciate what he did for us then.”

Now raising a family of his own, Michael is following in his dad’s footsteps working at LyondellBasell’s Edison plant in the production department, while Alex currently works as a instrumentation and electrical technician.

“To see my son Mike working at LyondellBasell and providing for his family gives me a great sense of pride,” said Alex. “We don’t work side by side, but I do get to see him and sometimes we even get to each lunch together!”

Acknowledging that at first it was a bit strange to see his dad in a professional setting, Michael quickly adjusted to work at LyondellBasell.

“My dad is well respected there and very knowledgeable about the plant so that makes my life a lot easier!” Michael joked.

When the father/son duo is not working, they enjoy spending time with their three Corvettes between them and attending car shows where Michael has won many first place trophies for his 2012 GS.

“Yes, we are motor heads,” Alex laughs.

And the idea of Michael’s son Tyler, 11 working at LyondellBasell one day is not out of the question for the Krasznais.

“He jokes he wants to work with dad and Pop-Pop,” said Michael. “Hey, you never know right?”

Media Contact: Megan Borchers O: 815-942-7474 C: 815-210-1980 megan.borchers@lyb.com