Minimal Value Proposition - Anonymous employee Eastman Employee Review

2.0
2 Dec 2019
Anonymous employee
Recommend
CEO approval
Business outlook

Pros

Headquarters sits 20+ miles from a beautiful, mountainous region. TN has no state income tax, which is valuable in retirement. If satisfied with rural living, then the region has some allure. In the Kingsport area of the company, there is a great "family feel" culture in the manufacturing side and their facilities. There is a terrible culture fostered in the Headquarters.

Cons

You get the sentiment, through all the resources that are thrown into quarterly investor calls, that the company is extremely sensitive to investor demands. There is a substantial level of tension in the executive suites leading up to every investor call. Historically, the organization had a longer term vision. Right now it's just "Journey to Specialty." The CEO doesn't live in the region, which is a huge statement (I believe he lives in Florida). If you want to thrive in the specialty chemical space, and have career options, it's best to identify employers around other dense populations. If you relocate to Kingsport, and lose your position (there have been lay-offs and cost pressures consistently on a 3 year tick), you may damage the opportunities for your family. There are no other substantial chemical employers within 100's of miles. The HQ is a brand-new facility, but when you go around the other facilities in Kingsport, they scream 'old age and lack of investment.' It truly is a facade. I'm not 100% sure why a young professional (male or female) would relocate here, other than to be near family. Johnson City continues to grow and that's good to see, but Kingsport with its plumes of steam in the air and the smell, it gives you the feeling you may be getting cancer every day. Beyond diversity in the CHRO seat, there is little female or diverse representation in their executive board (all white males), and I think future employees should look at this, because it is a reflection of leadership values and mindset towards diversity AND diversity of thought. If you have a family, and want your children growing in a diverse environment, this may not be the best region for you. Eastman Chemical is an underwhelming employer through a global lens. You would do much better to look elsewhere. If you are physically tied to the region...then this is your best financial option.

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5.0
3 June 2026
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CEO approval
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Pros

High pay and good learning environment

Cons

Interview process is kind of difficult

4.0
5 June 2026
Recommend
CEO approval
Business outlook

Pros

Friendly, helpful colleagues. Vast variety of opportunities for engineers, especially younger ones. Actively supporting the communities where we live and work. Recent changes in management have restored positive outlook.

Cons

A lot of eggs are in the circular-economy basket rather than having the risk more evenly distributed among our product streams. We've lost a lot of talent recently to other businesses, partly because of unhappiness with former management but partly because of pay. Annual pay increases exist but have not even come close to keeping up with inflation.

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