The Albion Vibe: Repurposing with Purpose
For Mike Kugler, it’s all about making a difference in many big and small ways.
In terms of big, there’s keeping approximately 380 million pounds of used carpet out of landfills and putting them to good use.
For more than 20 years the Bosch facility in Albion, Indiana where Mike works has taken nylon resin pellets recycled from used carpet to make vehicle engine cooling fan assemblies. Millions of these cooling fans have been put into vehicles such as the Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Yukon.
That means the carpet you walked on may be in the vehicle you’re driving today.
The Albion plant is also making an environmental impact by being a part of Bosch’s climate neutrality achievement and striving to be a zero-waste operation.
Kubler says, "making a difference is a part of the Bosch Albion vibe."
“For me the amount of effort, energy, and resources we give to the community, the environment, and to each other is amazing. It’s about having an impact.”
That “Albion vibe” has had a large impact on his life.
When his freshman year of college didn’t work out, Mike got a job as an operator at the plant. His hard work and willingness to learn paid off when Bosch bought the plant. Mike entered a skills trade apprenticeship program, earned an associate degree, and became an electrical technician.
He recently earned a bachelor’s degree in business management and is now an Engineering Technical Supervisor.
“Bosch encourages growth, learning, and solving big problems. I’ve been encouraged to set goals and get out of my comfort zone. I’ve also had mentors along the way to help me. Now I’m paying it forward by helping others do the same.”
“Bosch Albion is not just a place to work”, says Plant Manager Dan Gallo (pictured below). “We want a place where you’re proud to work; where people are involved and engaged in what we’re doing, which includes making a difference.”
In that true Albion vibe, you will find Dan on his tractor this Spring, converting a field on the plant’s property into a pollinator garden. With other plant volunteers, they will create an environment to support pollinating bees which in turn supports farm fields that stretch out as far as the eye can see.
“We care about each other. We want to help each other succeed. We have each other’s back.”
Whether it’s in big or small ways, the impact we can make is often greater than we realize.
Their efforts also stretch to the community. The Albion plant has supported STEM education (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) and a First Robotics program at the high school. They’ve sponsored little league teams, funded a splash playground in the city park, shared Covid safety protocols, held fundraisers, and supported local families in need.
“It’s all a part of a bigger picture of wanting to make a difference."