June 9, 2023

HOUSTON – Two Kuraray America, Inc. (KAI) team members received awards for their commitment to leadership and safety at the joint Texas Chemistry Council (TCC) and Association of Chemical Industry of Texas (ACIT) Banquet. In addition, KAI’s EVAL Plant received the Best in Texas Award.

Rebecca Rhoden, CSP, received the A.D. Cyphers Safety Professional of the Year Award. As a Certified Safety Professional, Rhoden focuses on environmental, health, and safety across KAI, where she is an Environmental Supervisor.

“I am honored to be recognized by my peers with the A.D. Cyphers Safety Professional of the Year Award,” said Rhoden. “Working with the team at Kuraray gives me the opportunity to use my knowledge and experience to ensure safe operations here in Texas.”

The A. D. Cyphers Safety Professional of the Year award was established in honor of
A.D. Cyphers, a former DuPont site manager and long-time TCC Board member. Industry members select the award recipient who has demonstrated outstanding safety leadership throughout their career.

Richard Bass, KAI’s EVAL Health, Safety, Environmental and Security Manager, received the TCC/ACIT EHS Leadership Award. Bass, who has worked at KAI for 23 years, was recognized for his dedication and leadership in improving safety and promoting best practices across the industry.

“It is an honor to receive this recognition,” said Bass. “I’ve had the privilege of dedicating my career to ensuring the safety of my colleagues, workplace, and environment. This award is a humbling acknowledgement of my involvement within the EHS.”

KAI’s EVAL Plant was given the Best in Texas Award, which is presented to the top facilities that meet the criteria for Distinguished Safety Service and maintain a contractor safety program under TCC’s recommended guidelines for Contractor Safety. The applications are peer-reviewed by members of the OSC Awards Subcommittee.

“Our team is dedicated to maintaining safe operations across the EVAL Plant,” said Takaharu Kawahara, President and CEO of Kuraray America. “We will continue our commitment to safety as we work to drive human-centric design that benefits people and the planet.”

The TCC-ACIT Awards Banquet was held on Thursday, June 8, at the Moody Gardens on Galveston Island.

Learn more about Kuraray America, Inc. at www.kuraray.us.com.

About Kuraray

Founded in 1926, Kuraray is a world leader in performance-based polymer and specialty materials technologies, including resins, chemicals, fibers, and textiles. The Company operates many subsidiaries around the world, including Kuraray America, Inc., headquartered in Houston, Texas. The Kuraray Group is committed to developing new fields of business using pioneering technology that improves the environment and enhances the quality of life throughout the world.

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