Industry Spotlight: Capsugel chemist Brittney Wells

In celebration of IEDC’s National Economic Development Week 2017 and South Carolina’s Industry Appreciation Day on May 11, the Upstate SC Alliance and economic developers in each community have collaborated on a series that recognizes the value of our industries as told by employees whose lives are touched by these companies, who have passion for their products, and who can inspire the next generation. 

Our series begins with the story of a Greenwood graduate of Lander University, and a senior chemist with one of Greenwood County‘s life science industries with a history of business growth and community partnership. 
 

 

Years of Service with your company: Nine 

 

Education: Bachelor of Science in Chemistry, Lander University 

 

What does your company do, where, and how many people does it employ in the Upstate?: Capsugel is responsible for providing quality dosage forms and solutions to pharmaceutical and health and nutrition markets around the world. Our largest manufacturing site is in located in Greenwood, South Carolina, with 12 additional sites worldwide.

 

Tell me some about the work that you do: I work in the Quality Control Chemistry Laboratory. We are responsible for assessing the quality of incoming raw materials, in-process materials, and finished products. My role is to ensure we perform and complete tests within an acceptable amount of time and with accuracy. I am also responsible for reviewing data packets and releasing materials. I train new colleagues on policies, procedures, and test methods. I am team lead for our Global Testing program in which we support other Capsugel sites by providing process monitor testing each quarter.

 

After four years of attending Lander University, where I earned my chemistry degree, I obtained a position with an environmental laboratory where I was able to gain experience with instrumentation and chemical analyses that ultimately led to me being offered a position at Capsugel. I had many opportunities of learning from more experienced chemists as well as opportunities of learning more about the Capsugel business. I also proactively sought opportunities for training both within and out of Capsugel related to my job to further increase and broaden my skill set.

 

What are the skills most important to your job?: Analytical thinking, technical expertise, and versatility 

 

What is your favorite thing about your job?: I enjoy the opportunity of being able to use my skill sets to meet the challenges of delivering high quality products to our customers. 

 

A child tells you they want to follow in your footsteps when they grow up. What advice do you give them?: I would tell them to study hard, focusing on math and science related subjects. Research all the types of roles a chemist could possibly have and have the drive to succeed! I also feel it is important to enjoy what you do!

 

Is your company engaged in the community? If so, please share some information about its involvement and how you’ve participated:

 

Yes, Capsugel is very engaged in the community, supporting such organizations as United Way, March of Dimes, Beyond Abuse and Relay for Life. 
 

I was Capsugel’s United Way campaign chair for 2016. I have assisted with other campaigns by volunteering to bake desserts for bake sales, donate items for silent auctions and come back to help sell items in the evenings to ensure night shift colleagues can participate as well. I also attend Capsugel sponsored events, and serve on boards for nonprofits in the community, representing myself as well as Capsugel. I am enthusiastic about the campaigns and events we support. I encourage fellow colleagues to participate as well. 

 

Capsugel also actively sponsors many events such as Leadership Greenwood, Women’s Leadership Council, and Connect Young Professionals, and Greenwood Under 40 Stars. Capsugel colleagues actively serve on various boards including the Chamber of Commerce, HR Roundtable, Beyond Abuse, and Lake Greenwood Clean-up. Capsugel is also a proud supporter of education for local students including Piedmont Technical College endowed scholarships and significant contributions to the Greenwood Promise.