As International Manufacturing Month comes to a close, David’s story highlights the people, teamwork, and dedication behind every product we make.
At Bakelite, we’re proud of the diverse experiences, talents, and backgrounds of our global associates. We each have our own Bakelite story, and in this series – My Bakelite Story – we highlight associates in different locations, departments and career stages, each putting their fingerprints on the organization in their own unique ways. These stories shine a light on our various roles and how they contribute to our vision and mission at Bakelite.
Meet David Sartain, Site Leader for Taylorsville, MS, USA. As International Manufacturing Month comes to a close, David’s story highlights the people, teamwork, and dedication behind every product we make. For the past three years, he has helped lead a team committed to safety, quality, and continuous improvement. In this edition of My Bakelite Story, discover the experiences that shaped his leadership journey, the lessons manufacturing has taught him, and why he’s excited about the future of manufacturing at Bakelite.
David’s Story
What brought you to the company and the manufacturing team?
I was drawn to the opportunity to lead a team where people, safety, and responsible manufacturing matter. As the site leader in Taylorsville, Mississippi, I get to work with talented people who care about one another and take pride in their work. Being part of that team and helping it grow is what makes this opportunity meaningful to me.
What do you enjoy most about working in the manufacturing space?
The teamwork is what I enjoy most. Along with our site team, I enjoy working with Sales, Supply Chain, R&D, and Logistics to ensure we deliver quality products to our customers. Each department brings a different perspective, and seeing everyone come together to solve problems and meet customer needs is rewarding. Sharing knowledge with other sites is another great part of the job. We learn from one another’s experiences and bring those ideas back to improve our own operations. It’s a constant reminder that success in manufacturing is truly a team effort.
Manufacturing is at the heart of what we do. What has working in manufacturing taught you that has influenced your life or career?
Manufacturing has taught me that lasting success depends on trust, clear communication, and shared responsibility. As a leader, I need to listen to the people closest to the work and make sure they feel comfortable sharing concerns and ideas. It has also reinforced the importance of taking time to do things safely and considering how our decisions affect our coworkers, our families, and our community.
Can you share a moment when you realized the impact of the products we make and the role you play in making them happen?
When I see finished wood products and think about the role our resins play in making them, it puts our work into perspective. What we produce in Taylorsville becomes part of something much bigger, and our customers depend on us for consistent quality. Knowing that our team’s care and attention carry through to those finished products makes me proud of what we do. It’s rewarding to know that the work we do every day helps our customers succeed. It reinforces the importance of supporting our people and maintaining the high standards our customers rely on.
Our Industry
What makes Bakelite stand out in the industry?
To me, Bakelite stands out because of our people and the pride they take in doing things right. At Taylorsville, that means looking out for one another, paying close attention to safety, and taking our environmental responsibilities seriously. That team spirit also extends across sites, where people are willing to share knowledge and help each other succeed. Our team understands that how we make our products matters just as much as what we make. That commitment to doing the right thing is something I see every day.
What part of the manufacturing process do you find most rewarding, and what might surprise others about it?
For me, the most rewarding part is watching our teamwork through a challenge together and seeing the pride they take in the result. I enjoy hearing their ideas, learning from their experience, and seeing them support one another. What might surprise people is how much the relationships matter in manufacturing. Behind every quality product we ship are people communicating, helping each other, and taking pride in getting the details right.
What excites you most about the future of manufacturing, and how do you see your role contributing to it?
What excites me most is thinking about what our people can accomplish as we keep learning and improving. I really enjoy sharing knowledge with other sites and seeing an idea from one team help another. New technology brings opportunities, but helping people build the confidence and skills to use it is especially rewarding to me. As the Taylorsville site leader, I want to listen, support their growth, and make sure they know their ideas matter. The future of manufacturing will continue to evolve, but our people will always be at the center of that progress. I want our team to be proud of what we make and how we make it.
More About David
What’s makes you most proud to be part of a manufacturing team today?
I’m proud to help turn optimization ideas into real improvements at Taylorsville. Seeing a project make our operations more efficient and knowing I helped move it forward is especially rewarding to me. It’s even more rewarding when those improvements make a lasting impact for the team and the site as a whole.
Outside of work, what do you enjoy doing?
Outside of work, I love spending time with my family, whether we’re cheering on the kids or just hanging out together. I also enjoy riding motorcycles whenever I get the chance.
Looking Ahead
What are you most excited about for the future of Bakelite and the manufacturing team?
I’m excited to see how much we can accomplish as we invest in our people and keep improving our operations. Seeing optimization projects take shape at Taylorsville makes me eager for what’s next and proud to be part of it. I believe our greatest opportunities are still ahead of us.
If you could give one piece of advice to someone starting at Bakelite, what would it be?
Don’t be afraid to ask questions. There’s a lot of experience around you, and people are willing to share what they know. Take time to learn from them, but speak up with your own ideas, too. A fresh perspective can make a real difference.
Thank you, David, for sharing your perspective and story! Stay tuned for our next My Bakelite Story.
