Titanium dioxide producer secures skills milestone

One of the world’s largest producers of titanium dioxide products, Cristal, has been recognised for its commitment to skills and training by the Institution of Chemical Engineers (IChemE).

Cristal is the world’s second largest producer of titanium dioxide and operates seven manufacturing plants in six countries, employing almost 4,500 people. The company has ambitious plans and a skilled and talented chemical engineering function, which is considered essential to future growth and success. 

In the UK, Cristal’s plant at Stallingborough, North Lincolnshire, specialises in manufacturing titanium dioxide and employs over 450 employees.

Cristal’s UK Graduate Development Scheme is already accredited by IChemE. Its UK operation has now been awarded Corporate Partnership (Bronze) status by IChemE in recognition of its high quality training, and commitment to professional standards and Continuing Professional Development (CPD).

Presenting their award, Justin Blades, IChemE’s deputy chief executive, said: “Cristal has been investing in their UK talent for many years and we know it has ambitious plans to extend this commitment globally.

“This ethos and commitment is particularly evident for Cristal’s chemical engineers who have the ability to add value to its operations and set high standards for many of its engineering, process safety and commercial functions.”

Justin continued: “As a professional body, IChemE works closely with many excellent organisations in the chemical and process industries, but not all are able to achieve the standards needed to become a Corporate Partner. 

“However, we are pleased to recognise Cristal’s outstanding work, welcome them to our exclusive family of Corporate Partners and look forward to supporting their business ambitions in the future – built around a highly professional team of chemical engineers.”

Jamie Scott, Cristal UK site director, commented: “We are delighted to receive Corporate Partnership status from IChemE – a public recognition of our sustained commitment to the highest standards in chemical engineering. 

'At Cristal we consider investing in skills, training and professional development to be absolutely central to both our business and the careers of our employees. We are really proud of our apprenticeship, graduate and professional development programmes, coupled with our ongoing partnership with the University of Hull to help deliver an undergraduate degree in chemical engineering – the first in the region for nearly fifty years. 

“We have been a major employer in the Humber region for over 60 years and this latest accreditation from the IChemE reinforces our belief that the future is bright for the £6billion Humber chemical industry.”

IChemE’s Corporate Partnership initiative provides an independent assessment of an organisation's professional standards, high-level training programmes, CPD and other initiatives including promoting the chemical engineering profession in schools, universities, communities and beyond. 

Cristal is just the eighth organisation in the world to achieve the bronze standard.