Enrique Castillo - OxyChem
Enrique brings 36 years of chemical industry experience spanning engineering, business development, sales, project management, and technical services. An active contributor to The Chlorine Institute, he has supported technical working groups, end-user outreach, and Spanish-language translation reviews, helping make CI resources accessible to a broader audience. Outside of work, Enrique has achieved Green Belt status in Isshinryu karate, and he encourages early-career professionals to stay humble and learn from the valuable hands-on experience of chemical plant operators.
Tell us a little about yourself:
I attended The University of Alabama, where I earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Chemical Engineering in 1990. I later pursued graduate studies in Business and received a Master’s degree from Louisiana State University in 1995. Over the course of 36 years in the chemical industry, I have served in a variety of roles that have provided broad experience across engineering, business development, sales, project management, and technical services.
Years Involved at CI and What You Have Been Involved In:
I have been involved with the Chlorine Institute since the early 2000s, with more active participation beginning in the early 2020s. My contributions have included participation in working groups responsible for the review and update of Pamphlets 167, 64, and 89, as well as involvement with the End User Outreach group. I have also supported the review of the Spanish translation of the Caustic Soda webinar and have participated as a member of the CloroSur group. In addition, I have assisted the Institute with Spanish-language translation reviews for chlorine and caustic soda pamphlets and other documents.
What Is Something Interesting About You That Few Know or Would Guess?
One detail about me that few people may know is that I reached Green Belt status in Isshinryu karate. This represents the fifth belt level in that discipline and is only two levels below black belt.
Tell Us About Your Favorite CI Memory or Success Story
What I value most is the opportunity to collaborate with other professionals in my field and to hear their perspectives on challenges and issues that are shared across the industry. These exchanges provide valuable insight and help broaden my understanding of common operational and technical concerns.
What Do You Value Most About Your CI Membership?
The information contained in the Institute’s pamphlets is highly useful, practical, and easy to understand. I have found the guidance applicable to a wide range of situations, and CI Pamphlet 57 in particular is used extensively as a reference resource.
What Advice Do You Have for Early Career Professionals in the Chlor-Alkali Industry?
My advice would be to remain humble and open to learning from the people who operate chemical plants every day. Their practical knowledge is invaluable, and taking the time to learn from their experience can provide important insight into the safest and most effective ways to operate within a chemical manufacturing environment. Coupled with my engineering degree, this has proven to be extremely valuable throughout my career.