Document bBBRRLwaOv8QaK01naRr3kJ30

MONSANTO CHEMICAL COMPANY TEXAS CITY, TEXAS May 9, 1956 VCM OPERATOR REASSIGNMENT Due to various changes occurring in the VCM process and to the in equality of current operator assignments, it is advantageous to make certain reassignments of Job responsibilities in the VCM area. It has been necessary because of the uncertainty of the future of department 21, to retain sufficient manpower to operate this unit if w2 were required to do so. We have maintained the "inside man" in department 22 for this purpose. Recently it was decided that department 21 would not be operated and would be dismantled. There fore, the "inside man'1 assignment Is no longer required. Over the past year our operational problems have become generally satisfactorily controlled. Our attention must now be directed toward increased production, primarily with a minimum of new equip ment. This effort is being directed along the following programs: 1. Increased Refrigeration. The foundations have been poured for the installation of a 150 ton, Freon 11, chilled water refrigeration system scheduled for June. It is a standard air conditioning unit to provide chilled (40P) water for exchangers after 22P23 and 22E1!. 2. Cracker Expansion. Planned for 1957 is a cracker debottle necking program. It consists vf increased reboiler surface on 22D7, 22D9 and 22D10 and increased exchanger surface in 22E1 and 22E4. This is being designed uo bring cracking up to the same production level as reaction. It should result in less frequent reboller switches. 3. General Expansion. This is several years away but, in current thinking, would include additional reactors, crackers and exchangers. It is quite probable that a VCM redistillation column after 22D7 would be added. With the Improved operability of the unit and the expanding production, the reassignment of responsibilities is advantageous. The recent shutdown and start-up (in early April) pointed up the fact, of which you as well as we have been aware for some time, that the work load of the chiefs and supervision has been unequally distributed. The staffing of department 10 in late summer will affect VCM because we will probably lose several of our experienced men and replace them with green hands. CBY 1010087 RSV0030975 Having considered these many factors, the following reassignments will be effective in the VCM area. Supervisors Chief Operators Operator A Operator B Operator C Ryan, Cutcher Morris, Adams, Grant and Menefee Distillation (22D5, D6 and D7) Distillation (22D8, D9 and DIO) Refrigeration and VCM Tank Transfers Supervisors Kongable, Smith Chief Operators - Shields, Moore, Garner and Lockard Operator D Department 23 Operator E Reaction Operator P Cracking What are the advantages of these changes? 1. The Chief Operator, Operator and Supervisory work load is more equally distributed, especially during start-ups and shutdowns, 2. Refrigeration becomes a Job in itself and a part of che dis tillation team. The Chief who will start up the new equipment has been relieved of cracking to lessen his load. 3. The distillation work has been redistributed over three men instead of two so the extra man will no longer be required for start-ups and shutdowns. 4. The present distillation man is relieved of VCM tank transfers so he isn't pulled away from his unit. 5. Provides the opportunity for more extensive Chief Operator training and improves she flexibility of operator job rotation and training. 6. Separates the functions of the area so that the Chiefs will require close coordination which will improve teamwork and job knowledge. CBY 1018088 RSV0030976 What Is che effect of these changes? 1. Shields, Moore, Carner, Lockard and Ferguson must learn cracking. 2. Morris, Adams, Grant, Menefee and Omenson must learn and teach their operator the new refrigeration system. 3. Several shift position changes for operators will be required. 4. Four men must learn the refrigeration Job. How will the changes be made to minimise the time to make the changeover- and provide the necessary training? 1. Beginning Jfey 14, Shields. Moore, earner, Lockard and Ferguson will begin training with supervision for four hours weekly and on-the-job training with the chiefs experienced in cracking while on sh .ft. 2. On May 21, operator shift changes will be effective in which the "inside man" assignment will be eliminated and four operators will begin training on refrigeration. During this period Cracking and Distillation jobs remain unchanged but job rotation ceases temporarily. 3. On May 28, cracking is shifted to the new set of chiefs but they continue training with supervision and other chiefs as necessary. The Distillation and Refrigeration jobs are separated and on-the-job training for the refrigeration men will continue as necessary. 4. From May 14 to July 2 (seven weeks) all job rotation will be stopped while everyone gets the feel of the new assignments. Then rotation will be resumed with the objective of having all men trained in all jobs so general rotation can be accomplished. This reassignment of Chief Operator and Operator job responsibilities is the result of many months of detailed consideration of the various factors involved and ;/e feel that it provides a more equitable basis of v?orlc distribution to all concerned. CLG:ms 5-9-56 CBY 10X8089 RSV0030977