Nathan Kelley

In the high-stakes world of chemical manufacturing, asset reliability is more than a maintenance goal—it’s a strategic lever for safety, sustainability, and business performance. Nathan Keeley, Maintenance and Reliability Manager for Performance Materials North America at BASF, will share how his team is evolving reliability practices across the polyol plant and broader operations by integrating predictive technologies, digital tools, and a people-first approach.

Drawing from hands-on experience, Nathan will explore how BASF is transitioning from calendar-based to condition-based maintenance, while empowering a new generation of technicians with real-time data, digital work instructions, and AI-enabled support. 

• How BASF is leveraging oil analysis, infrared thermography, vibration monitoring, and predictive modeling to anticipate failures and reduce reactive work
• Introducing Bluetooth-enabled tools and tablets to guide newer technicians through complex procedures, capture real-time data, and reduce rework
• Lessons learned from adapting legacy processes to support new technologies and data flows—ensuring that insights translate into action
• A practical framework for managing change, building trust in data, and aligning frontline teams with reliability goals
• Early use cases of AI-powered tools to support field teams with instant access to procedures, documentation, and troubleshooting guidance
• How Nathan’s team demonstrates ROI to leadership and secures buy-in by aligning reliability initiatives with cost savings, uptime, and workforce efficiency