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Rooted in Tradition, Growing Toward the Future

By Wendy Pryce Lewis, Division President

During my recent visit to our Kymera Barbacena site, I had the honor of planting a Pau-Brasil tree—a national symbol of resilience, heritage, and strength. This moment represented more than planting a tree; it symbolized our commitment to cultivating new growth while honoring the strong foundations that define this site and its people.

The day was made even more special by a moving performance from the youth string ensemble São Miguel Arcanjo. Their holiday music reflects the site’s longstanding commitment to providing free musical education for children—an inspiring tradition that truly embodies Barbacena’s deep connection to its community and its belief in investing in future generations.

Innovation in Action

Beyond these memorable moments, I was energized by the ambition and innovation taking place across the Barbacena operation. The team is driving meaningful progress across several critical areas, including:

• Advancements in new raw materials and environmental mitigation strategies
• Breakthroughs in how we manufacture e-SiC to support the semiconductor market
• New applications for SiC that create value in steel manufacturing
• Exploring opportunities to support the defense market

Together, these initiatives underscore the strategic role Barbacena plays in shaping Kymera’s future—combining technical excellence with sustainability, innovation, and market leadership.

A Culture of Safety and Engagement

I was also deeply impressed by the team’s engaged workforce and their unwavering commitment to safety. Achieving the Golden Safety Level is a significant accomplishment and a testament to the culture of care and accountability that exists at this site.

May the golden flowers of the Pau-Brasil tree serve as a reminder of this achievement—and inspire all of us to remain vigilant in identifying hazards, preventing incidents, and protecting one another every day.

Looking Ahead

Here’s to innovation, growth, and safety—rooted in tradition and driven by ambition. Thank you to the Barbacena team for making this visit unforgettable and for leading the way toward a stronger, more sustainable future for Kymera.