Associate Spotlight – Murali Lalagiri

Division: PDI Corporate. Department: Research & Development. October 7, 2021
PDI Associate Spotlight, Murali-Lalagir

Learn more about Murali Lalagiri, Manager, Nonwovens Engineering, and his experiences as part of the Research and Development Team

 

Q. Can you tell us a little about your role at PDI?  

Lalagiri: I am the Manager of Nonwovens Engineering (NE) function at PDI. The NE function was created in January of 2020 and the team is integrated into project core teams to support product development and life cycle management at PDI. In addition, I represent PDI on the Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) committee to support our sustainability strategy.

Q. What does “Be the Difference” mean to you?

Lalagiri: “Be the Difference” is more than a three-word phrase. During the pandemic, watching our products making this world a safer place by preventing infections defines “Be the Difference”. I feel proud be part of a vision that makes this world a safer place, one wipe at a time.

Q. What impact do you feel your function has had on the industry, particularly during COVID?

Lalagiri: One of the biggest challenges faced during COVID was supply chain and quality issues that impacted production. The team partnered with procurement, quality, and other business units to solve issues that resulted in timely production of our products.

Q. Do you have any interesting hobbies or fun facts you could share? (personal or work related) 

Lalagiri: I am passionate about photography. Outside work I capture moments with my camera most of the time.

Q. What made you decide to join PDI?

Lalagiri: The mission and vision of the company is what made me join PDI. The products we develop have a positive impact in day-to-day life by preventing infections. And the R&D team, whom I met during my interview process, confirmed my decision.

Q. How has your perspective of PDI changed since you joined the company? 

Lalagiri: When I joined PDI, my perspective of PDI was that the company was a wet wipe manufacturer. Overtime, I realized PDI is much more than a wipe manufacturer. The company is expanding the portfolio beyond wipes and providing versatile solutions in both the healthcare and food service industries.