Talking about the Honorees Program at ME Elecmetal means talking about our people, about stories built day by day, and about an initiative that, for more than a decade, has recognized the genuine commitment of each person working in our company. This program, a living part of the DNA of our culture, reflects the best of our way of working, which seeks to adhere to our corporate values: respect for human dignity, comprehensive human development, focus on internal and external customers, responsibility, integrity, and commitment to sustainability.
Each year, between March and December, four employees per month are recognized as Monthly Honorees, an acknowledgment that undoubtedly honors them but also their work teams. From this group, 40 people apply to become Annual Honorees. After a thorough and thoughtful deliberation, the South America Management Committee selects four of them who exemplify our culture and experience a unique opportunity: traveling to the United States to get to know our facilities up close and strengthen knowledge exchange with ME Elecmetal North America teams.
This year, employees Isis González and Alejandro Gálvez from Planta Rancagua; Juan Sánchez from the Service Center; Julio Urra from the HSE area at Planta Rancagua and Annual Honoree 2023; and María José Ramírez from the Commercial area were those who lived this experience, which they will undoubtedly never forget.
This initiative has crossed borders, and this year the first delegation of Honorees traveled from the United States to Chile, further strengthening collaboration and exchange spaces between different regions globally.
Can you introduce yourself and your role in the company?
Isis González joined ME Elecmetal in 2019, in the Heavy Parts Heat Treatments area within Planta Rancagua. In a historically male environment, her perseverance, commitment, and passion for learning have made her a reference for growth and overcoming challenges.
Juan Sánchez joined the company in 2013 and currently works in the Administration area of the Rancagua Service Center, contributing a rigorous perspective to the Zero Harm culture.
María José Ramírez joined in 2020 in the Wear Monitoring area within the Commercial Management, where she has stood out for her teamwork, eagerness to do things well, and closeness to external clients.
Alejandro Gálvez has been part of ME Elecmetal since 2016, in Heat Treatments Area 700, demonstrating to be a guide for newcomers to the area, with great dedication and a strong sense of responsibility.
Julio Urra, from the HSE area at Planta Rancagua and Annual Honoree 2023, stands out for his preventive leadership and commitment to safety in our South American facilities.
What attracted you to ME Elecmetal?
Joining ME Elecmetal was a great challenge, but it represents a space for personal and professional growth for each of them, where there are real development opportunities. Isis summarizes it simply and with conviction:
“I was very surprised to receive this award. It is an incentive to keep working enthusiastically, to show that everyone can, men and women alike, always respecting our safety culture.”
Juan highlights the personal and family impact of the recognition:
“It’s a pleasant surprise; I didn’t expect it. It helps me personally and also to share it with my family.”
How would you describe the culture at ME Elecmetal?
The culture is lived daily, in mutual respect and genuine recognition. María José expresses it with emotion:
“I never imagined I would receive this award. I like feeling recognized as a woman, working in a predominantly male group. We are in a company that is always concerned about its workers, and that is very important today.”
Alejandro reinforces this idea from daily consistency:
“I come to work every day thinking about giving my best. This recognition shows that we are doing things right.”
“We are in a company that is always concerned about its workers, and that is very important today”
What benefits do you value most about working here?
This recognition highlights the pride of belonging and the possibility to grow within our company. The Honorees Program not only recognizes results but also the way work is done, aligned with our corporate values.
José Pablo Domínguez, General Manager of ME Elecmetal South America, sums it up as follows:
“This is a very powerful program full of positive energy. We seek to support and transform people's lives, and this initiative is meaningful because we recognize those who work thinking about everyone’s growth.”
Anecdotes and learnings from an unforgettable experience
During the trip to our facilities in the United States, the Annual Honorees toured our Duluth and Tempe plants. There, they shared experiences with local teams, learned about processes, exchanged best practices, and strengthened collaboration networks that cross borders.
The agenda also included recreational activities, a tour of Tempe, attending a soccer game, and, as a grand finale, a visit to the Grand Canyon National Park, an experience that combined nature, culture, and camaraderie.
Looking towards the future of ME Elecmetal
Rodrigo Ogalde, People Management Manager at ME Elecmetal South America, highlights the deep meaning of the program:
“This program has been part of our company for many years. It recognizes excellence, yes, but beyond that, it recognizes how we do our work day by day, aligned with our corporate values.”
The Honorees Program continues to be a bridge between people, cultures, and knowledge. A space where pride of belonging is strengthened and where we reaffirm that the future of ME Elecmetal is built every day by committed, diverse, and passionate people about what they do.
