Robert J. Ockun

Mr. Robert J. Ockun, upon his graduation from Michigan Tech with a bachelor’s degree in chemical engineering in 1963, joined Hercules Powder Company in Applications Research in Wilmington, Delaware, becoming an authority on corrosion prevention coatings, specialty coatings for the US Military, and adhesion promoters for plastics. In 1967 he transferred to Chicago in plastic sales, eventually becoming Product Director for Hercules in 1982.

With the formation of HIMONT in 1983, a worldwide joint venture of Hercules and Montedison’s plastic businesses, Robert became the first Director of Sales and Marketing for HIMONT USA. In 1987, he became Worldwide Business Director, Resins, responsible for developing the global business strategy for polypropylene resin and worldwide acquisition of strategic feedstocks. As Vice President of Resins in 1988, he was responsible for initiating and managing joint venture projects around the world. In 1991 he was named Senior Vice President of HIMONT NA, President of HIMONT USA, and Chairman and President of HIMONT Canada, responsible for all of HIMONT’s one billion dollar North American business operations. Retiring in 1999, he signed on for a two-year restructuring assignment as President and CEO of Epsilon Products Company.

Robert is a founding member of the American Plastics Council, chairing the advertising committee responsible for the national television and media campaign “Plastics Make it Possible.” He was also the corporate executive member of the Chemical Manufacturers Association and member of the Society of Plastics Industry. He has served on the Board of Directors of several North American and European companies and has been inducted into Who’s Who in Executives and Professionals.

From 2003 Induction to the Department of Chemical Engineering Academy