EnerBLU produces electric vehicles for the transportation of people and goods. Because the company converts commercial petroleum-fuelled vehicles into electric ones, managers prefer to call the business transformation rather than production. Based in Modena, the second ranked Italian automotive district, the company has expanded its business to three other European countries. Conducted in January–February 2012, the case study illustrates how the electrification of the automotive industry brings about change in workers’ profile, the work environment and career perspectives. Introduction

Volvo Penta is the Swedish manufacturer of engines and power systems for industrial and marine applications. Its new inboard propulsion system (IPS), allowing up to 30% lower fuel consumption and 30% lower CO2 emissions, helped the company maintain a more or less stable number of jobs during the global financial crisis. This practice had an effect (by being highly technologically advanced) on the skills development of at least 100 of its 1400 employees (7.1%). The company collaborates with Swedish universities by taking interns and participating in joint research work to manage green change

Marchi & Fildi is a leading international textile company. It produces both traditional and modern yarns made from materials such as wool, cotton, flax and silk. A modern ecology-sensitive approach characterises Marchi & Fildi innovation, particularly in the production of ecological yarns. The subject of this case study is Marchi and Fildi’s ecological line of products made under the Ecotec label. In line with company’s vision ‘to generate yarns for the future’, Ecotec yarns are drivers of textile industry greening. Reduced environmental impact goes together with benefits for

Kinnarps is a Swedish furniture manufacturer which has adopted the practice of sustainable sourcing of wood. The practice has not had a significant impact on employment numbers, but has transformed more than 500 existing jobs mainly through provision of additional training because of new skill needs for purchasers, sales persons and blue-collar workers. The company is notable for its extensive and unique collaboration with the Swedish Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) board in anticipating and managing the green change and its impact on employees. The case study was carried out in October–