LyondellBasell Invests In Future Workforce

Corprate Grant Pays For Equipment At Wharton County Junior College

BAY CITY, Texas – Nov. 3, 2015 –LyondellBasell, one of the world’s largest plastics, chemical and refining companies, recently announced a $15,000 donation to Wharton County Junior College that will help pay for cutting- edge instructional equipment in a new mechanical laboratory at the Bay City campus.

“The Virtual Field Operator is really an impressive piece of equipment, it gives students a rare look at all the moving parts of the job so when they walk onto our plant, they have a better understanding of the responsibilities,” explains LyondellBasell Matagorda Site Manager Dale Friedrichs. “This approach really exposes students to what is expected of them on the job.”

A 3-D Virtual Field Operator has been installed in the simulation lab room and is currently being used by the second-year process technology classes. The system simulates a virtual unit and allows students to experience every step of the process.

 “Wharton County Junior College is dedicated to providing our students with the training and skills most needed by today’s industries,” said Wharton County Junior College President Betty McCrohan. “Through the generous contribution of LyondellBasell, we will be able to purchase state-of-the art equipment that will prepare our graduates for entry into various sectors of industry. Our partnership with LyondellBasell will help us meet the demand for specialized technicians in today’s job market.”

 More and more colleges are beginning to resemble miniature manufacturing facilities. This approach enables students to become proficient on the same machines and the same tools they will find working in the industry.

 “The interactive equipment, along with the new lab on campus,  gives students the complete experience.” said Friedrichs. “Strong students translate into a strong workforce and that is something industry always needs.”

Wharton County Junior College President Betty McCrohan, left, accepts a check from LyondellBasell
Matagorda Site Manager Dale Friedrichs inside the new mechanical laboratory at the college’s
Bay City campus.