Talking about the ME Elecmetal Honorees Program (Programa Destacados) means talking about our people—their daily stories, shared efforts, and the genuine commitment they bring to their work. For more than a decade, this initiative has recognized individuals across our company whose dedication reflects the best of who we are.
A living part of ME Elecmetal’s cultural DNA, the Honorees Program embodies the way we work every day—guided by our corporate values: respect for human dignity, holistic human development, a strong focus on internal and external customers, responsibility, integrity, and a commitment to sustainability.Â
Each year, between March and December, four employees per month are recognized as Monthly Honorees—a distinction that celebrates not only individual contributions, but also the teams behind them. From this group, 40 candidates are considered for Annual Honoree recognition. Following a thoughtful and rigorous evaluation, the South America Management Committee selects four individuals who best exemplify our culture. These Annual Honorees are invited to a unique experience: traveling to the United States to visit our facilities and strengthen knowledge exchange with ME Elecmetal North America teams.
Each year, between March and December, four employees per month are recognized as Monthly Honorees, a distinction that undoubtedly recognizes them, but also their teams. From this group, 40 people apply to become Annual Honorees. After a deep and thoughtful deliberation, the South America Management Committee selects four of them, who exemplify our culture and enjoy a unique experience: traveling to the United States to visit our facilities and strengthen knowledge exchange with ME Elecmetal North America teams.Â
In 2025, Isis González and Alejandro Gálvez from the Rancagua Plant; Juan Sánchez from the Service Center; Julio Urra from the HSE area at the Rancagua Plant and 2023 Annual Honoree; and MarĂa JosĂ© RamĂrez from the Commercial area were selected to live this experience—one they will undoubtedly carry with them for years to come.
The initiative continues to cross borders. In 2025, it also reached an important milestone as the first delegation of Honorees traveled from the United States to Chile, further strengthening collaboration, knowledge exchange, and connection across ME Elecmetal’s global regions.
Isis González joined ME Elecmetal in 2019 in the Heavy Parts Heat Treatment area at the Rancagua Plant. Working in a traditionally male-dominated environment, her perseverance, commitment, and passion for learning have made her a role model for growth and overcoming challenges.
Juan Sánchez joined the company in 2013 and currently works in the Administration area of the Rancagua Service Center, where he contributes a rigorous and disciplined approach that supports ME Elecmetal’s Zero Harm culture.
MarĂa JosĂ© RamĂrez joined ME Elecmetal in 2020 in the Wear Monitoring area within the Commercial Management team. She has distinguished herself through strong teamwork, a commitment to doing things right, and close collaboration with external customers.
Alejandro Gálvez has been part of ME Elecmetal since 2016 in Heat Treatments, Area 700, serving as a trusted guide for new team members through his strong dedication and sense of responsibility.
Julio Urra, from the HSE area at the Rancagua Plant and a 2023 Annual Honoree, stands out for his preventive leadership and steadfast commitment to safety across ME Elecmetal’s South America facilities.
Joining ME Elecmetal represented a meaningful challenge for each of the Honorees—one that also offers real opportunities for personal and professional growth. Isis captures this sentiment clearly:
“I was very surprised to receive this award. It’s an incentive to keep working with enthusiasm and to show that everyone—men and women—can succeed while always respecting our safety culture.”
— Isis González
Juan highlights the personal and family impact of the recognition:Â
“It was a pleasant surprise; I didn’t expect it. It’s meaningful for me personally and something I can proudly share with my family.”
— Juan Sánchez
ME Elecmetal’s culture is reflected in everyday actions—through mutual respect, teamwork, and genuine recognition. MarĂa JosĂ© shares this from her personal perspective:
“I never imagined I would receive this award. Being recognized as a woman working in a mostly male environment means a lot. We work at a company that truly cares about its people, and that matters today.”
— MarĂa JosĂ© RamĂrez
Alejandro reinforces this idea through consistency and commitment:
“I come to work every day focused on giving my best. This recognition shows that we’re doing things right.”
— Alejandro Gálvez
“We work at a company that is always concerned about its people, and today that is very important”
— MarĂa JosĂ© RamĂrez, 2024 Annual Honoree
This recognition reinforces pride in belonging and the opportunity to grow within our company. The Honorees Program recognizes not only results, but also how the work is done—always aligned with our corporate values.
JosĂ© Pablo DomĂnguez, General Manager of ME Elecmetal South America, sums it up this way:Â
“This is a very powerful program, full of positive energy. Our goal is to support and transform people’s lives, and this initiative is meaningful because it recognizes those who work with the growth of everyone in mind.”
During their trip to our facilities in the United States, the Annual Honorees toured ME Elecmetal’s plants in Duluth, MN and Tempe, AZ. There, they shared experiences with local teams, learned about processes, exchanged best practices, and strengthened collaboration networks that extend across borders.
The agenda also included cultural and recreational activities, a tour of Tempe, attending a soccer match, and, as a grand finale, a visit to Grand Canyon National Park—an experience that combined nature, culture, and camaraderie.Â
Rodrigo Ogalde, People Management Manager for ME Elecmetal South America, highlights the program’s deeper meaning:Â
“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 every day, aligned with our corporate values.”Â
The Honorees Program continues to be a bridge between people, cultures, and knowledge— an space where pride in belonging is strengthened and where we reaffirm that ME Elecmetal’s future is built every day by committed, diverse people who are passionate about what they do.Â
