Can you introduce yourself and your role in the company?
Hello. Hola, 你好 (Nǐ hǎo), my name is Marcelo Bravo. I’m the Quality Director for ME Elecmetal’s international regions, currently overseeing the Quality teams in China and South Africa. I’ve had the privilege of working at ME Elecmetal for nearly 12 years.
What attracted you to ME Elecmetal?
I have a background in Metallurgical Engineering, and during my studies, I developed a strong interest in materials science. Starting my career at ME Elecmetal was a natural fit for me. I also had great references about the company from colleagues who already worked here—many of them from the same university, the University of Santiago in Chile.
How would you describe the culture at ME Elecmetal?
I wasn’t mistaken in my belief. After developing my career in Santiago and Rancagua, Chile, ME Elecmetal gave me the incredible opportunity to work in Changzhou, China, where the company has a plant. This experience allowed me to connect with different continents within the organization. Despite the cultural differences in each country, the company’s core values are evident everywhere—particularly the respect for human dignity, the emphasis on listening to others’ opinions, the commitment to ensuring everyone’s safety, and the strong partnerships with local schools and universities. These elements truly reflect ME Elecmetal’s unique identity.
What benefits do you value the most about working here?
When I arrived in post-COVID China with my wife and three young children, we faced a culture that was vastly different in many ways. However, we were met with incredible kindness, and we’ve adapted well. In fact, my wife and kids have already learned Chinese, and I’m working on it too, though at work, I mostly communicate in English. Looking back, I’m grateful for this unique opportunity as a family, as it’s allowed us to meet people with different perspectives, which has broadened our view of the world and influenced the way we approach challenges.
For instance, when I first arrived, I asked a Chinese colleague for some information, expecting it to take two or three days to receive. To my surprise, he sent it over the very same day—and it wasn’t a small task. I was impressed by his dedication, and it made me realize that I needed to match that level of efficiency. This experience has provided me with valuable insights and tools, both personally and professionally.
Personal anecdotes about teamwork, achievements, or company events.
One of the achievements I’m most proud of is the team we’ve built at ME Elecmetal China. We’ve established a strong, cohesive team where each person’s role is respected, and there’s a deep trust that everyone will deliver on their responsibilities—always with a focus on the well-being of our colleagues and both internal and external customers, ensuring sustainable growth.
Over the past four years, we’ve increased production by nearly 80%, reaching full capacity last year, with a low rejection rate and consistently meeting our customer commitments. This success hasn’t come easily, but it’s been made possible through the collective effort of our team and the sales department, who worked tirelessly to bring the necessary volume to the plant during its peak growth phase. Every contribution, regardless of department, has been essential.
Now, my journey has brought me to South Africa, where we’re leveraging local expertise while ensuring we stay true to ME Elecmetal’s values. Our approach is not about overlooking what’s already in place, but rather about adding value—creating an environment where ideas can be shared openly, fostering innovation, and building a strong, collaborative team.
What excites you the most about the future of ME Elecmetal?
I’m truly excited about the future of ME Elecmetal, with so many opportunities for growth on the horizon: the expansion of our plant in China, the integration of the team in South Africa, and the growth of the CPS team through potential new business lines. These developments are incredibly inspiring and open up new avenues for career growth.
Ten years ago, I never imagined I’d be working in China, South Africa, and now collaborating with teams in the United States. Looking back, I realize how these experiences have broadened my perspective. I’ve come to understand that I’m part of a company that thrives on teamwork and our shared commitment to delivering on our promises.
Where will I be next year? I don’t know—there’s still so much to learn. And that’s what excites me the most.
