Powering growth through digital transformation in manufacturing
Manufacturing plays a critical part in powering business growth. At Clorox, it’s more than just making products — it’s about delivering value to our consumers every day.
Behind every product we make is a team driving digital transformation and innovation in manufacturing. Two of our Burt’s Bees and Food business unit leaders, Christy Morton, director of manufacturing, and Ezequiel de la Riva, director of supply chain services, are central to that work. We spoke with them about their roles and why the work they do is a key component of driving performance.
Tell us about your role and what you do.
Christy
I’m responsible for internal manufacturing, external manufacturing, materials planning, and plant scheduling.
In our structure, I own the “make” of our products (other steps within supply chain include “plan,” buy,” and “ship”) for the Food and Burt’s Bees businesses and the tactical execution of the supply chain strategy.
EZ
My responsibilities involve driving projects for innovation, digital transformation, and operational excellence across our supply chain and manufacturing operations.
I focus on improving supply chain resiliency and optimization while leveraging advanced technologies and data-driven strategies to optimize planning and execution.
How does your work on our digital transformation support our commitment to operational excellence in manufacturing and, in turn, drive company growth?
Christy
In my role, digital transformation is foundational to achieving operational excellence.
- Efficiency and productivity are improved through robotics and machine learning.
- Costs are lowered through waste reduction and inventory optimization.
- Quality is enhanced through standard processes and tighter quality control.
- All of this allows us to produce products faster and cheaper, which, in turn, fuels growth.
EZ
My work helps us better respond to market dynamics and deliver superior value to consumers.
- I help foster continuous improvement and drive strategic projects that support our commitment to innovation, efficiency, and profitable growth.
- I leverage digital tools that help our teams streamline supply chain processes and reduce waste while enhancing performance.
- “Clorox Downtime Detective” and our new ERP system give us access to real-time data across manufacturing, Supply Chain, and Finance — streamlining planning, reducing waste, and improving output.
- Integrated business planning platforms boost agility and resiliency with accurate forecasting and flexible scheduling, helping us adapt quickly to market shifts.
- This work directly supports efficient manufacturing operations, enabling better decision-making, improved product flow, and resilient manufacturing, all core to our operational excellence.
Do you have any advice for those interested in a career in manufacturing, specifically in the area of technology?
Christy
We would love to have people join us in manufacturing!
- We need more diverse perspectives as we continue to advance our digital agenda in profound ways.
- Clorox has internal manufacturing sites located around the country and around the world with so many opportunities for you to help us.
EZ
My advice is to build a strong technical foundation in areas such as automation, data analytics, data storytelling, problem-solving, and ERP systems.
- Seek hands-on experience through internships or cross-functional projects to understand how digital tools drive operational excellence.
- Stay adaptable and open to continuous learning as the industry is rapidly evolving.