Whirlpool continues to explore new solutions, also involving its employees in the innovation process: an example is Vessi. Less than two years ago, five Whirlpool Corporation employees pitched the idea of a new product for the home brewing: the Vessi Fermentor & Dispenser. The team of Tony Gates, Nick Koukourakis, Bridget Battistone, Anthony Mills, Jeff Williams, and Martin Blanc pitched the opportunity in a reality-show inspired challenge to spark innovative ideas from employees. The idea was a standout in the employee competition, so the concept was taken to The Garage, a Whirlpool Corporation hub for innovation. Then, the innovative idea started to become a reality. “The first prototype of the Vessi Fermentor & Dispenser was built – the company explained – and by December of 2015 the project team got a taste of success by sampling their first beer fermented and dispensed by the unit. This product is now launching in the company’s first-ever IndieGogo campaign and exemplifies the company’s entrepreneurial spirit and shows the value of listening to ideas from employees”. Vessi is a single tank that’s sealed, pressurized, and temperature-controlled for the ideal environment to craft beer.
