Oct 5, 2023BASF’s Pforr inducted into Women in Manufacturing Hall of Fame
A BASF executive has been inducted into the Women in Manufacturing Hall of Fame. Kristen Pforr, vice president of operations, Care Chemicals, has worked for the German-headquartered chemical company for 15 years.
Pforr is one of 10 female manufacturing leaders selected for the global award, which recognizes women who have made or are making significant contributions to the manufacturing industry while supporting, promoting and inspiring other women in manufacturing, according to a news release.
Pforr leads more than 400 colleagues and is responsible for more than $1 billion in manufacturing assets across nine North America sites. She is a member of the site leadership team in Geismar, Louisiana, BASF’s largest manufacturing site in North America.
Pforr also supports school STEAM programs to attract women to manufacturing and is active in mentorships and other programs.
“We applaud Kristen for this outstanding achievement and thank her for her leadership at Geismar and across the region. She is a role model for all of our colleagues in manufacturing, inspiring them with her everyday commitment to safety and innovation,” Marc Ehrhardt, president, BASF North America, said in the release. “Kristen is living proof of BASF’s dedication to attracting, developing and retaining top, diverse talent in manufacturing. We believe this commitment is essential to advancing innovation in manufacturing, and to our company’s overall success for the future.”
WiM Hall of Fame inductees were nominated by colleagues and industry peers and selected by a judging panel of Women in Manufacturing Education Foundation executive committee board members.
“The 10 honorees are a prestigious group, each of whom has made significant, lasting contributions to our industry,” Allison Grealis, WiM president, said in the release. “They are true trailblazers whose work has created opportunity for countless other women. We are honored to recognize them in this special way.”
The Hall of Fame induction ceremony took place in San Diego on Sept. 26.