CONVERSE, SC, September 25, 2023 – Jerome Kirkland, Site Director for the BASF Environmental Catalyst and Metal Solutions (ECMS) facility in Spartanburg County, has been recognized for his leadership in the world of manufacturing by SC Biz News.
Kirkland was one of thirty manufacturing leaders from across South Carolina who were named to SC Biz’s Power List for Manufacturing, which recognizes leaders who have made significant contributions within the industry and have been a catalyst for positive change in the community.
“This is a great honor to be recognized,” Kirkland said. “But this award really is a testament to the great team we have at BASF ECMS in Converse and the hard work we all do for our customers and the community.”
Kirkland has led the BASF ECMS site in Converse since October 2019, where he has nearly tripled the number of employees at the facility. He’s also made significant investments into the community through monetary donations and volunteering with organizations such as the Converse Fire Department, the Spartanburg County Sheriff’s Office, USC Upstate, the Benjamin E. Mays Family Center, the Chapman Cultural Center, and many more. Kirkland is in his second term serving on the Upstate Workforce Development Board, a member of the Spartanburg Rotary Club and is a graduate of Leadership Spartanburg. Kirkland earned both his bachelor’s degree and his master’s in business administration from the University of Michigan. He served as plant manager for BASF’s site in Lincoln, Michigan and worked for Kay Automotive Graphics before leading BASF’s site in Converse.
SC Biz News, South Carolina’s media engine for economic growth, publishes ongoing Power Lists of individuals by industry who are instrumental in truly moving the needle within their chosen field. SC Biz News serves more than 100,000 high-level business executives throughout South Carolina.
Find the full SC Power Biz List for Manufacturing here, on pages 22 through 26.
Kirkland’s team is hiring production technicians now, with compensation starting at $18.50/hour and more for experience. Learn more and apply at www.basf.com/converse.
About BASF Environmental Catalyst and Metal Solutions
Leveraging its deep expertise as a global leader in catalysis and precious metals, BASF Environmental Catalyst and Metal Solutions (ECMS) serves customers in many industries including automotive, aerospace, indoor air quality, semiconductors and hydrogen economy, and provides full loop services with its precious metals trading and recycling offering. With a focus on circular solutions and sustainability, ECMS is committed to helping our customers create a cleaner, more sustainable world. Protecting the elements of life is our purpose and this inspires us to ever-new solutions. ECMS operates globally in 15 countries with over 4,500 employees and 20 production sites.