Karthikeyan K
Chennai
Summary
Dynamic Chemical Engineer with over 20 years of hands-on experience in formulating and producing ink and paint products. Proven expertise in leading teams to meet stringent objectives while maintaining a safe working environment, supported by strong analytical and problem-solving skills. Notable contributions include the development of inks for Shachihata and Newell Brands (Reynolds Pens), as well as industrial and decorative paints for Nerolac and Sheenlac. Recent role as Assistant General Manager demonstrates a commitment to innovation and excellence in the chemical manufacturing sector.
Overview
25
25
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Assistant General Manager - R&D
Shachihata (India) Private Limited
09.2023 - Current
- Mentored and motivated team members on the development of new products for market requirement to achieve business goals.
- Analyzed customer feedback data to identify areas of improvement and develop solutions.
- Managed CAPEX implementations, employee reviews, training, schedules.
- Enforced quality assurance protocols to deliver ideal customer experiences.
- Recruited, trained, and disciplined employees to maximize performance.
- Repaired, calibrated and safely operated laboratory equipment to reduce costly instrument downtime.
- Production planning and execution of ink & color products production based on monthly requirement.
- Maintained well-controlled inventory with minimal losses by enforcing solid monitoring.
- Oversaw inventory by ordering precise quantities of stock and executing corrective actions to drive profitability.
Senior Chemist
Reynolds Pens India Private Limited (Newell Brands)
05.2018 - 04.2023
- Development of opaque marker inks (paint marker inks - thermal resistant)
- Development and production of correction pen fluids
- Development of ball pen inks
- Analysis & qualifying inks for ball point pens & markers
- Development and studies of Ink & tip combination
- Developing reverse engineering techniques for the analysis of inks
- Scale up of lab trials to bulk batches
- Performed techniques such as HPLC, GC and UV/VIS on assays and related substances.
- Analyzed and interpreted laboratory data.
- Ordered, calibrated, troubleshot and maintained laboratory equipment in good working order.
- Coordinated and performed analytical tests to comply with established standards and specifications.
- Contributed to team discussions and new project initiatives to advance progress and optimize profitability.
Deputy Manager - R & D
Shachihata (India) Private Limited
09.2016 - 05.2018
- Development of colour products - acrylic colours for artists to use on canvas, drawing sheets & fabrics.
- Development of water colours & poster colours for student range.
- Development of markers and marker inks (permanent markers, highlighters, CD markers).
- Streamline marker assembly process with required support for ink handling techniques.
- Incharge of ink & color product production based on assembly line requirements.
- Production of paint marker inks (streamlining/optimization of the production process).
- Supervised day-to-day operations to meet performance, quality and service expectations.
- Completed regular inventory counts to verify stock levels, address discrepancies, and forecast future needs.
Senior Development Technologist - R & D
Sheenlac Paints Corp
09.2013 - 08.2016
- Development of wood finishes (Nitrocellulose & 2 pack Melamine) for retail and customization for retail and industrial customers
- Developing water-based emulsions for both retail and industrial customers
- Conduct pilot production batches and provide necessary documentation and training to production and QC team for streamlining the regular production activities
- Provided guidance on improved quality control measures to increase customer satisfaction.
- Development of new / alternate raw material to maintain the cost effectiveness through analysis, sourcing and trials.
- Documented practices and maintained clear and legible records.
- Maintained instruments and equipment according to manufacturer's specifications.
- Cultivated interpersonal skills by building positive relationships with others.
R & D Chemist
Dhyanart Materials and Canvas Private Limited
04.2008 - 08.2013
- Development and production of Water based Acrylics & Oil Coors for artists (Raphael, Sennilier, Gerstacker)
- Development and production of metallic colours in acrylics (Michaels)
- Development and QC of coating for student grade Canvas & Oil pastels (Raphael)
- Colour matching of fabric colours, porcelain colours & glass colours
- QA & QC of canvas boards & acrylic colours
- Design of the R & D lab setup, planning and purchase of essential lab equipments
- Established quality control measures for instrumentation and monitored data quality to operate instrument with control limits.
- Developed laboratory testing programs and data analysis while adhering to SOPs, ECOs, batch records and work instructions.
- Skilled at working independently and collaboratively in a team environment.
- Gained strong leadership skills by managing projects from start to finish.
Junior Officer (Production)
Kansai Nerolac Paints Limited
01.2007 - 03.2008
- Production of synthetic enamels for retail market
- Tinting the shades of Synthetic Enamels and adjusting it to our standards.
- Testing and adjusting the drying time, viscosity and density to the spec.
- Coordinated operations with other emergency service groups.
- Frequently inspected production area to verify proper equipment operation.
- Maintained overall safe work environment with employee training programs and enforcement of safety procedures.
- Conducted regular reviews of operations and identified areas for improvement.
- Evaluated staff performance and provided coaching to address inefficiencies.
- Generated reports detailing findings and recommendations.
- Educated staff on organizational mission and goals to help employees achieve success.
Production Chemist
Surfa Coats (BGL) Limited
11.2004 - 01.2007
- Production of water based decorative emulsion & cement paint
- Production of ancillaries like putty, plasters, etc.
- Adhered to safety policies, procedures and protocols for operational efficiency.
- Established quantitative goals and worked with suppliers to maintain and improve quality of incoming materials.
- Modified production processes and methods to solve technical problems and improve productivity of water based emulsion products.
- Proved successful working within tight deadlines and a fast-paced environment.
- Maintained organized, safe and efficient production environment to minimize accidents and prevent cross contamination.
Production Supervisor
bycel ventures
10.2000 - 11.2004
- Production of stoving enamels & nitro cellulose coatings
- Quality control of the stoving enamels
- Trained staff of direct labor employees to manufacture the specified products.
- Accomplished targets and met demand by assessing equipment performance, reviewing materials supplies, and organizing manpower.
- Achieved on-time shipments goal by empowering employees to continued success.
- Resolved issues quickly to maintain productivity goals.
- Established clear priorities and production quality standards.
- Troubleshot equipment to reduce service calls and downtime.
- Oversaw loading and unloading of packages in warehouse.
Education
B. Tech. - Chemical Engineering
Anjalai Ammal Mahalingam Engineering College
01.2000
Skills
- Development and production of of dye and pigment based inks used in stationery products
- Development and production of correction pen fluid
- Development and production of paints, inclusive of water based emulsions (decorative & artist), distempers, decorative wood finishes (NC & Melamine)
- Development of special coatings like scratch plaster, Italian marble finish products
- Development of industrial coatings (Stoving enamels)
- Development of Acrylic colours and Oil colours for artists, Oil Pastels, crayons and preparation of Canvas for artists
- Assembly of markers and pens/refills
- Knowledge in regulatory compliance
- Knowledge in reverse engineering techniques
- Operation of advanced analysis instruments like FTIR, Rheometer, Thermogravimetric analysis, Particle size analysis
- Team leadership strength and expertise
- Training and development skill
- Inventory control
- Safety of daily production operations
Certification
- Fire safety training
- First aid safety training
Timeline
Assistant General Manager - R&D
Shachihata (India) Private Limited
09.2023 - Current
Senior Chemist
Reynolds Pens India Private Limited (Newell Brands)
05.2018 - 04.2023
Deputy Manager - R & D
Shachihata (India) Private Limited
09.2016 - 05.2018
Senior Development Technologist - R & D
Sheenlac Paints Corp
09.2013 - 08.2016
R & D Chemist
Dhyanart Materials and Canvas Private Limited
04.2008 - 08.2013
Junior Officer (Production)
Kansai Nerolac Paints Limited
01.2007 - 03.2008
Production Chemist
Surfa Coats (BGL) Limited
11.2004 - 01.2007
Production Supervisor
bycel ventures
10.2000 - 11.2004
B. Tech. - Chemical Engineering
Anjalai Ammal Mahalingam Engineering College
Trainings
- Six Sigma Black belt (in progress)
- High Impact Presentation training by Dale Carnige
- Functional Innovation training by Innomantra
- Project management training
- SAP - master data creation for production related activities
- ISO 9001 - 2000 trainings - maintain the production documents and internal auditing
On Site visit
Newell brands - Visited manufacturing plant in Thailand for making pilot batches of correction pen fluid formulated in Chennai lab facility, followed by bulk production after analysis/qualification of pilot batch
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