Stories from our people: Gilberto Pinero Balzan in the Burt’s Bees BU
Gilberto Pinero Balzan is a newcomer, not just to the Clorox team but to the United States. “I arrived in the U.S. six months ago,” says Gilberto, who is an engineering technician on our production team. “What I like most about my job is that I’m doing what I like, and what I did in my country in Venezuela. My colleagues have been very supportive and have shared their knowledge with me. And my manager speaks Spanish — now, when I have an idea or problem, I can fully explain myself. It has helped me turn my fear of speaking English into action.”
“My role is to ensure that the production lines are always working, always in use and that the products do not have any problems,” Gilberto explains. “I make an effort to communicate in person on the lines — I want my colleagues to see me available and present, so they know I’m ready to help.”
Overseeing technological solutions to help streamline the production process is a big part of Gilberto’s role. “The robotic integration on our Burt’s Bees production line has had a great impact and helped us to improve our packaging time. Now that we have our new technology in place, the packaging process is almost uninterrupted — the flow is quite continuous,” he says. “This allows us to improve packaging times and results in quicker product delivery.”
Added Gilberto: “We’re motivated to take ownership of our work. I’m always thinking about the future and outcomes. I love the plant, my colleagues and the work I do. Clorox feels like family.”