Living the Electrolux core values: Marco Rebuli

Sometimes big changes are brought about by seemingly “little” ideas. For instance: How can you cut down on the number of scratches and dents on appliances coming off the factory floor? Silicon strips on employee ID badges, of course!

As a Change Agent working within Electrolux Manufacturing System in Latin America, Marco Rebuli’s job is to combat inefficiency in all operations and processes related to manufacturing. When Rebuli saw that the metal clips on employee ID badges caused damage to products during fabrication, he set out to change it: “I suggested eliminating the metal in exchange for silicon. After we implemented the change, we measured a significant reduction in product damage in just 30 days.”

The idea caught on outside of the Electrolux Guabirotuba plant too, extending to factories at Manaus and São Carlos. Ultimately, the new silicon strip translates into more consumer products that are right the first time.

Rebuli explains that he was encouraged to step out and act because of the creative spirit he feels Electrolux actively cultivates: “Electrolux is a company that fosters innovation by affirming and encouraging employees to take ownership of their own ideas. This means not only coming up with an idea, but being involved in seeing it through.”

In order to pass the innovative spirit along, Rebuli tries to support others who may be timid about turning their ideas into a reality. “Sometimes innovation can come out of very simple ideas, and I try to relate this to employees when I run change projects—that innovation doesn’t have to be intimidating. When employees can then see their ideas are taken seriously and implemented, they are inspired to innovate even more.”