CHT BEITLICH – FACTORY TOUR
25.01.2017
Firstly, I would like to express my appreciation for being granted the opportunity of visiting the CHT chemical company. The two male guides were very welcoming and the tour was highly informative.
CHT is a worldwide operating group of companies producing special chemicals.
For more than 60 years they have offered innovative and high-grade products and services in numerous industrial fields and markets including:
Textile industry
Screen printing industry
Paints & coatings
Cleaning & care
Paper & pulp
Garment
Industrial laundries
Model & mould making
Building materials
Special chemicals require a certain skill set in order for the production processes to succeed. That skill set being chemistry and anything that revolves around chemistry. I have a degree in chemistry and I am currently studying towards my second degree in chemical engineering hence I could relate and familiarise some of the terminology and concepts that were explained by our tour guides.
As we arrived, we were given personal protective equipment including glasses and a safety hat. My current degree in Chemical Engineering always stresses the significance of wearing the correct safety clothes when being in an environment in which chemicals are present,also depending on the kind of chemical since some might be toxic and flammable.
We were then divided into two groups since it isn't advisable to enter into an environment in which chemical processes take place,in large groups.
We were taken to different production areas and shown the different tanks and batch reactors which are used for chemical reactions. The tour guide also stressed the significance of keeping all reactors at a maximum temperature of 40 degrees Celsius which was quite fascinating for me since in my design projects at school, we also keep our reactor temperatures at a maximum of 40 degrees Celsius.
We were also in the laboratory where the quality of final product (paste) was being tested. The labs seem quite similar to those in South Africa,it was amazing to see such similarities.
Our tour guide also mentioned several educational backgrounds that are required by the company including,chemistry, chemical engineering, logistics, marketing and IT. I even considered applying for an internship prior my completion at school. It is amazing how the TSA programme is making a significant contribution to creating international opportunities for us.
The fascinating tour came to an end and we were served an unforgettable and great lunch. We proudly sang our national anthem and Shosholoza as these seem to be every German's favorite. The crowd applauded and I shed a tear from all the excitement.
Overall, the tour was very insightful and I'm highly motivated to complete my studies and working in one of the CHT branches. It was very exciting and if I were to be given the opportunity to embark on the tour again, I certainly would take it.
Thabisile Vilakazi
