Michael Lefenfeld, Hexion Inc.
From Manufacturing Tomorrow by Ohio Manufacturing Institute
February 23, 2026 · 18 min
About this episode
Michael Lefenfeld discusses his role at Hexion Inc. and the integration of AI in manufacturing processes.
We sit down with Michael Lefenfeld , President, CEO, and Chair of the Board at Hexion Inc. , a global leader in adhesives and performance materials headquartered in Columbus, Ohio. Since joining Hexion in early 2023, Michael has been leading an ambitious transformation—positioning the company as an AI‑first, technology‑driven materials innovator. From manufacturing and supply chain to R&D, he’s integrating artificial intelligence and advanced analytics across the enterprise to reshape how the company operates. Before Hexion, Michael served as CEO of Cyanco, led SiGNa Chemistry, founded Alkami Consulting Group, and launched Blood Gas Diagnostics. He holds more than 100 patents and patent applications, was named a Young Global Leader by the World Economic Forum, and guided SiGNa Chemistry to win the EPA’s Presidential Green Chemistry Award. In this conversation, we explore: The breadth of adhesives and performance materials Hexion manufactures What it truly means to shift a global organization to “AI‑first” Practical examples of AI in plant operations The biggest operational gains from predictive maintenance, process optimization, and energy management How to overcome legacy…
People in this episode
Guest: Michael Lefenfeld
Topics covered
- AI in manufacturing
- adhesives and performance materials
- sustainable materials
- predictive maintenance
- process optimization
- data integration challenges
Keywords
- Hexion
- Michael Lefenfeld
- AI-first
- manufacturing
- supply chain
- sustainable materials
- predictive maintenance
- advanced analytics
Mentioned in this episode
Organizations: Hexion Inc., Cyanco, SiGNa Chemistry, Alkami Consulting Group, Blood Gas Diagnostics, World Economic Forum, EPA
Places: Columbus, Ohio
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