Located in the Shanghai Chemical Industry Park, the Bayer Integrated Base, with a total investment of $3.1 billion, is implementing world-class large-scale projects for coatings, polycarbonate, and polyurethane raw materials in phases. After more than four years of construction, parts of the facility have already started production, while other sections continue to expand as large-scale infrastructure. Alongside this development, the base has also focused on building a strong human resource foundation. Dr. Bodi Ke, President of Bayer MaterialScience Shanghai Integration Base, recently stated: “The Shanghai base is developing very well. The positive impact of our human resources strategy is becoming more evident. Our greatest achievement lies in combining Bayer’s global expertise with China’s local potential. With the integration of international knowledge and multi-level talent, by November last year, the Shanghai Base had welcomed its 500th employee, and it is estimated that by 2009, when the factory becomes fully operational, there will be over 1,000 employees.â€
Cooperatively building a cradle for skilled workers — the "Bayer Class"
World-class facilities require first-rate talents. To support the growth of its Chinese operations, Bayer has been focusing on cultivating local talent. Since June 2002, Bayer (China) Co., Ltd. has partnered with the Shanghai Petrochemical Industrial School to develop specialized training programs. The school, known as one of the top five vocational schools in China’s chemical industry, offers strong technical education. Its proximity to the base makes it ideal for recruiting local students, who can later work at the site.
To ensure high-quality education, Bayer invested one million euros to establish a laboratory, pilot plant, and pipeline installation workshop at the school. Additionally, they selected outstanding second-year students for a two-year vocational program called “Bayer Class.†This program uses Bayer-specific textbooks and provides formal training in chemical engineering, alongside hands-on experience in the lab and workshop. Students are required to complete a 12-week internship at the integrated base to strengthen their practical skills.
The “Bayer Class†has become a key training ground for skilled workers. As of now, three batches of graduates have joined the Shanghai base, with nearly 100 students currently employed there. Others have joined after the new factory opened. Dr. Bodick praised the students, saying, “Supervisors highly value them, noting that they have solid theoretical knowledge, strong skills, and a proactive attitude.â€
The quality of these students has drawn attention from domestic competitors. At the “Mingyuan Cup†competition in November 2005, held across all petrochemical institutions in China, three students from the “Bayer Class†won first prize in group and individual categories, with nearly 70% of the awards going to their team. During the ceremony at the Shanghai Petrochemical Industry School, Dr. Bodick presented certificates and prizes to Yu Jie, Shen Jing, and Shen Wei, who also received the “Advanced Chemical Workers†certificate from the Shanghai Municipal Labor Bureau.
Coordinating high-level talents and technology leaders
Bayer’s growth in China depends on attracting and developing high-level talent. Dr. Dai Mu, President of Bayer Greater China Group, emphasized: “Greater China is strategically important to Bayer. To maximize growth, we focus on attracting and developing local talent through various channels, such as advertising, headhunting, and campus recruitment from top universities.†High-level talent is given opportunities for overseas study and return to work in China, which has become a key method for internal development.
Currently, 22 Chinese postdoctoral and Ph.D. students are studying in Germany, specializing in chemistry, engineering, and related fields. They have visited Bayer’s headquarters in Leverkusen and met with senior executives. Cooperation with the Chinese Academy of Sciences, launched in 2001, has expanded to 2010. This includes joint research with major Chinese chemical companies and supports young researchers through the Chinese Academy of Sciences-Bayer Research Fund.
“Enlivening life with innovative technologies†is a core mission for Bayer in China. Dr. Dai Mu believes that collaboration with the Chinese Academy of Sciences is essential to China’s long-term development. At an award ceremony held by the Institute of Chemistry of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, Professors Liu Weimin, Li Yuesheng, and Yang Zhenzhong were honored for their contributions to polymer science and materials research.
Creating an environment for innovation and growth
Bayer’s forward-thinking employment approach and cutting-edge research environment provide fertile ground for talent development. The company offers dynamic career paths, comprehensive training, and cross-functional opportunities. A supportive work culture ensures fair compensation and involvement in management activities, appealing to young professionals who value personal and corporate growth.
Guiping Mei, Human Resources Director of Bayer Greater China, said: “Bayer’s most valuable asset is its courageous, proactive, and high-quality staff. Employees are expected to commit to lifelong learning, take initiative, and have the courage to work independently and take responsibility.†Bayer encourages employees to use their knowledge and innovation to contribute based on shared values.
Bayer has a structured plan for employee career development. Experienced employees are offered diverse roles and extended career paths, including on-the-job training, overseas programs, project management, leadership development, and cross-departmental opportunities. Senior management training is conducted in partnership with business schools. Several Chinese employees have risen to senior positions, including deputy general managers at the production base.
Thanks to its advanced talent strategy, the Bayer Shanghai Integrated Base has tripled its workforce in two years, successfully establishing a strong management team and a large, skilled workforce. This has helped build a thriving base and cultivate talent for the future.
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