Episode 309. Marcia Brey – Vice President of Distribution at GE Appliances, A Haier Company

***At the time of our MoxieTalk, Marcia held the role of Executive Director of Lean Enterprise at GE Appliances, A Haier Company***

GE Appliances, a Haier company, is headquartered in Louisville, Kentucky. Marcia Brey leads the business’s Lean strategy, focusing on delivering winning products and services for customers & consumers while minimizing waste throughout ALL functions.

Known as the Lean Enterprise, Marcia is responsible for implementing transformational, cross-functional processes, growing the capability of employees, and improving management systems at GE Appliances. Marcia earned her Master’s degrees from the University of Louisville in Mechanical Engineering & the University of Arizona in Quality & Reliability Engineering.

Marcia began her 26-year career at Appliances on GE’s Edison Engineering Program & has worked across multiple product lines in Design Engineering, Customer Service, Sales, Marketing, Distribution, Quality, and manufacturing.

She most recently was the plant manager for the Bottom-Freezer Refrigeration factory. She managed a $100M budget and led a team of 1,000 employees, significantly improving safety, quality, delivery, cost & employee satisfaction. She assumed her current role in Jan. 2017.

Marcia has volunteered with the American Red Cross for 10 years as the GE Appliance representative on the Board of Directors. She has led several Red Cross service projects and committees AND assumed the Chair of the Board for the Kentucky Region of the American Red Cross in July 2019. Marcia also volunteers at her church, St. Gabriel, leading several committees.

Today’s Woman has recognized her Business First’s “Top 40 under 40” as a Manufacturing Institute “STEP Ahead leader.”

Marcia & her husband, Greg, raise their three children in Louisville.

GE Appliances is a major home appliance manufacturing company based in Louisville, Kentucky. It has a significant history and presence in the appliance industry in the United States and globally. Here are some key points about GE Appliances:

1. History: GE Appliances has roots dating back to the early 20th century. Originally part of General Electric (GE), the appliance division has been known for innovating and producing a wide range of domestic appliances.
2. Products: The company manufactures a variety of home appliances, including refrigerators, freezers, cooking products (such as ranges, ovens, and cooktops), dishwashers, washing machines, dryers, air conditioners, and water filtration systems.
3. Innovation and Development: GE Appliances has been recognized for its commitment to innovation. The company has historically invested in developing new product technologies and features to enhance efficiency, convenience, and user experience.
4. Economic Impact and Employment: As a major employer in Louisville, GE Appliances plays a significant role in the local economy. The company’s Appliance Park, a large manufacturing complex, has been a landmark in Louisville since it was established in the 1950s.
5. Ownership Changes: Over the years, GE Appliances has experienced changes in ownership. In 2016, the company was sold by General Electric to Haier, a sizeable China-based appliance manufacturer. Despite the change in ownership, GE Appliances has continued to operate under its brand and maintain its headquarters in Louisville.
6. Community Engagement: GE Appliances is known for its community involvement in Louisville and surrounding areas, contributing to various local initiatives and charitable causes.
7. Sustainability Efforts: The company has also engaged in sustainability efforts, focusing on reducing the environmental impact of its manufacturing processes and products.