This article was originally published on HamiltonCountyHerald.com.
The Chattanooga Regional Manufacturers Association has honored Rob Gagliano, director of BASF’s Chattanooga sites, with the 2018 C.D. Mitchell Award. The CRMA presents the award to a member who exemplifies practices resulting in manufacturing excellence.
“Rob is an outstanding ambassador of not only the CRMA but our entire industry,” says Megan King, CRMA president and chief executive officer. “His peers in manufacturing admire his leadership at BASF, and he goes above and beyond in both collaboration and promoting our association.”
With 31 years of BASF experience, Gagliano oversees two plants with nearly 150 employees in Chattanooga, where they produce water-based polymer dispersions shipped to customers worldwide. The products are used in construction chemicals, adhesives, printing and packaging.
“It’s rewarding to be part of this association, which also has a strong record of collaboration,” Gagliano says. “Our region includes significant manufacturers who contribute greatly to our community, and I’m honored to be selected by my peers.
“This award also recognizes the hard work of our BASF employees, who make my job fulfilling every day.”
Gagliano holds a degree in mechanical engineering and a master’s degree in business from the University of Tennessee. He volunteers regularly with Orchard Knob Elementary, WTCI Public Broadcasting, Chattanooga State and other organizations in the community.
Mitchell was the CRMA’s first president. He and other manufacturing leaders founded it in 1902 after seeing the need for joint action to receive favorable rates on products shipped by rail.
Previous recipients of the award include Tennessee Gov. Bill Haslam and U.S. Sen. Bob Corker.