Case Study: Eastman Chemical achieves enterprise-wide rapid crisis alerts and personnel accountability with BlackBerry AtHoc

Eastman Chemical Implements AtHoc Networked Crisis Communication

Eastman Chemical, a global maker of advanced materials based in Kingsport, Tennessee, needed to modernize emergency communications across its 900‑acre, 550‑building headquarters to protect 6,500 employees and 3,000 contractors. The company required a redundant, multi‑modal system that would support legacy devices, deliver targeted and bi‑directional alerts (for events from severe weather to chemical spills and active shooters), provide fast personnel accountability, and scale for future growth.

After an 18‑month vendor search Eastman selected BlackBerry’s AtHoc Connect and deployed an on‑premise “Eastman Alert” system in phased rollout. The solution added computer popups, phone/SMS, email, pagers and radio integrations, branded messages, and two‑way acknowledgements with high‑availability infrastructure. The result: reliable, real‑time, targeted notifications that improved situational awareness and personnel accountability, reduced downtime risk, and provided a scalable platform for broader rollout and future technologies.

Eastman

Keith Bennett

Area Supervisor for Plant Protection Services