Bluco named a 'Best and Brightest' business in Chicagoland area

Bluco Corp., a Naperville, Illinois-based designer and manufacturer of modular fixturing solutions for welding, machining, robotics and positioning, was recently recognized by the National Association for Business Resources (NABR) as one of Chicago’s Best and Brightest Companies to Work For in 2021.

This award recognizes companies like Bluco that believe delivering top-notch products and services to customers starts by creating a top-notch workplace for its employees. Nominees for the awards are evaluated by an independent research firm using criteria such as compensation, employee enrichment, engagement and retention, education and development, recruitment, diversity and inclusion.

The NABR states that “Best and Brightest winners represent the most exceptional places to work. They are the companies and organizations who push operational standards forward, foster constructive environments, and display a commitment to their team members and community.” Bluco was recognized for its success in these areas based on a nomination that included details on their culture, employee benefits, HR practices and charity efforts.

“We strive to offer incentives and programs that reward the development of each individual as a whole person instead of just as an employee,” said Margy Pagone, a human resources representative for Bluco. “To support that, we place a high priority on both physical and mental health,” she said. To that end, the company offers wellness incentives and flexible scheduling options.

In addition to its forward-thinking HR practices, Bluco said it continues to offer unusual perks to motivate its team, like a game room that features a sports simulator, and an unusually entertaining quarterly all-company meeting venue – a movie theater. “We try to be creative about motivating people,” said Pagone. “The theater location came about when the pandemic forced us to find a larger space. But it turned out to be so nice that we’ve continued going there, with dinner and a movie after when we can fit it in the schedule.”

Small touches like these were just a few of the efforts called out in the employee survey administered by NABR. Bluco also scored high marks for their generous compensation and benefits packages, its charitable efforts (through the Bluco Cares Foundation), and its Supported Employment Program that offers employment opportunities for qualified individuals with special needs.

News of the award was shared with Bluco’s team at its last quarterly meeting. “There were definitely a few tears shed that night,” said Pagone. “Having the chance to share news of an award like this, with this group of people, is something I hope I’ll get to do again and again.” This was Bluco’s first time entering the Best and Brightest competition. They were one of 140 Chicago-area companies announced as winners this year.