A Celebration of Expertise, Dedication and Career Success
In today’s fast-paced world, the only constant is change. Now, more than ever, the value of longevity within a company cannot be overstated. Long-standing employees bring a wealth of experience, deep-rooted knowledge, and a sense of stability that is invaluable to any organization.
While the retirement of distinguished and dedicated employees often elicits bittersweet sentiments amongst all those who have had the privilege of working and learning from them, celebrating these individuals as they retire helps honor years of service, while underscoring the importance of commitment, loyalty and expertise in building a successful business.
Recently, we had the pleasure of connecting with Scott Yudkin, Sr. Applications Engineer, who is an example of a remarkable employee. Our conversation with Scott helped shed light on his journey, growth and the experiences he had in his 41-year long career.
It has been a great honor and pleasure working with Scott over the many years we have both been in the business. I remember well the early years in New Haven, and I can honestly say that we would have not been successful in moving our Silicone business to Hoosick Falls, New York without Scott’s significant efforts. I know that our customers inherent trust and confidence in him are what made the New Haven project, as well as so many other projects Scott has worked on over the years, successful. I offer my personal thanks to Scott for being an integral part of the Tape Solutions Team. Congratulations and all the best in retirement."
Phil Guy, General Manager, Saint-Gobain Tape Solutions
Q&A with Scott Yudkin
Scott, please share your story with us and tell us about yourself.
Currently, I am an applications engineer, primarily focused on the Norseal Silicone line as well as some thermal products. I’ve had a wonderful career with Saint-Gobain. Initially, right out of college, I worked as a Quality Manager for New England Tubular Rivit Company. After this, I started at Saint-Gobain as a quality floor inspector. I later transitioned into technical services and later into marketing. At that time in my career, I had a wonderful mentor, Bill Noonan. He was the one who advised me to obtain my master's degree to help me further propel my career. I was able to work in product management, sales, and ultimately applications engineering.
What has made working at Saint-Gobain exciting for you?
Honestly, my career has been a blessing because I am lucky enough to get paid to do what I love. This is helping customers work on solutions, create new products and grow our product line. I have endless opportunities to learn something new.
One of the most exciting aspects of working at Saint-Gobain is the opportunity to be involved in a wide range of products and applications. It is not a typical desk job — I am never confined to an office or cubicle. Instead, I get to see and do different things on a daily basis, like seeing materials for space lunar modules being put together to create custom solutions for various industries. This variety keeps things fresh and engaging, like part of a TV program where you learn by being actively involved with customers.
From your perspective, how is new product development approached at Saint-Gobain Tape Solutions?
At Tape Solutions, our teams thrive on understanding and fulfilling specific customer needs, whether that be through standard products or custom solutions. We start by sitting down with customers to ask the right questions, aiming to understand what they truly need. If we have a standard product that fits — great! In cases where we do not, we have a robust process for new product development.
Our silicone product line is a great example of this process. If we look back 30 years, we didn’t offer silicone foams, while today, we have a whole portfolio dedicated to silicone solutions and I anticipate this might expand even more in the next 5–10 years. Our focus is to create products with different densities and compression-deflection characteristics that can meet diverse consumer needs. This allows us to do the lab work, do the testing and be able to have meaningful, solutions-focused conversations with our customers.
Can you share examples on how customer requests have driven innovation?
Customer feedback is key to innovation! For instance, we started with a standard silicone sponge product that was only available in one color: orange. Over time, customers from various industries such as aircraft manufacturing asked for different colors to match specific applications. We adapted our products accordingly and created gray color sponges to match dash panels and black ones to use within the cockpit. In another example, a customer who made decal printing machines wanted their machines to be a specific shade of blue for an anniversary launch. We developed a new product color that we nicknamed “Smurf™ blue,” matching the exact color they needed. Similarly, for a customer making surgical blankets, we created a “Yellow Submarine™” shade. These types of customizations demonstrate how we listen to customers and adapt our product to meet their unique requirements.
In general, customers influence both product specifications and the development process. While we aim to provide off-the-shelf solutions, some customer applications require us to go beyond standard offerings. For example, a customer may need a thickness that falls between standard options. In such cases, we work closely with them to develop a custom thickness and adjust specifications.
What do you enjoy most about the collaborative process at Saint-Gobain?
It is incredibly rewarding. It’s not just a single person’s effort; it is a team endeavor involving the plant managers, product managers, application engineers, process engineers and district sales managers. Each of these roles plays a critical part in the process, from concept to delivery. The district sales managers, for example, often have the most direct contact with customers so they always bring valuable insights to the table.
Collaboration allows us to solve problems effectively, whether it’s a simple tweak to an existing product or developing something entirely new to meet specific requirements. We work together to find creative solutions, and I take pride in our team’s ability to innovate and adapt to meet our customers’ needs.
How has your background with both tapes and silicones helped in new product development and customer interactions?
Having a diverse background is invaluable. It allows me to better understand the full spectrum of customer needs and how different materials can be applied. For example, one of our best-selling products is SNS, which combines the benefits of silicone with various adhesives to create instant gasketing solutions. This requires a deep understanding of both silicones and adhesive technologies. It’s been a fun journey, and I’ve enjoyed every minute of it.
What is your take on the recent developments in silicone products, particularly with the EV market?
As I said, if we look back 30 years, we didn’t offer a silicone foam product. Now, products like Norseal F-15 are gaining a lot of traction, especially in the EV market, which is always evolving. Our products have to evolve with the EV market and we’ve created new materials like our TRP (Thermal Runaway Protection) based on the needs of our customers.
One of the major benefits of our silicone products is their flame retardancy and low outgassing properties. Silicones also have a wide temperature range — typically from -100ᵒF to +500ᵒF, or -73ᵒC to +266ᵒC. They’re incredibly durable and can last longer than machines they are used with, which is why they’re highly valued in the automotive and aerospace industries.
As you approach retirement, could you share some final thoughts about your career at Saint-Gobain?
It has undoubtedly been a great 41 years! I am incredibly grateful for the opportunities that I was provided and the amazing people I’ve worked with and gotten to know on a personal level. My time here has been more than just a job. It provided me a home away from home — a place where I could really make a difference. Now, as I step into retirement, I hope that the connection remains. I am only a phone call or email away and I would like to continue supporting newer employees in any way that I can.
Scott’s wealth of knowledge, expertise, and professionalism have been invaluable to both customers and colleagues alike for over the past 22 years I that I have known him. His collaborative style, combined with a warm and approachable 'can do' attitude, has made him a trusted partner and mentor, helping to develop applications, people, and lasting relationships throughout our organization and with customers and business partners. I will miss Scott’s wisdom and rapport, although we are all excited for him to enjoy years of new adventures ahead."
Bryan Harrison, NA Applications & Technical Services Manager, Saint-Gobain Tape Solutions
Honoring the Legacy
As we bid farewell to Scott, we will never forget the profound impact of his 41-year career. He has impacted our company culture and supported learning, development, growth and camaraderie every step of the way. The dedication, expertise and commitment that Scott has provided serve as a foundation and example upon which future generations can build. Celebrating Scott’s retirement is not just about honoring his past contributions, but also about recognizing the lasting legacy he leaves behind.
At Tape Solutions, our teams are grateful for his years of hard work and passion and wish him a happy and fulfilling retirement.
Scott, your contributions have been immeasurable, and you will always remain a valued member of the Tape Solutions family.
