“Continuous improvement is in my DNA. I get a real boost from working with my colleagues to improve processes.”
Beerse | Thursday, April 9, 2026
Meet Onno! As Continuous Improvement Coordinator, he helps teams improve processes and find sustainable solutions. It’s a role that brings him into contact with various departments within the company.
- Onno Van Der Putten
- 53 years old
- Continuous Improvement Coordinator
- Working at Aurubis Beerse since April 2022
> Tell us, Onno, how did you end up at Aurubis Beerse?
I have been working at Aurubis Beerse since April 2022. When I saw the vacancy online, I was immediately interested. They were looking for someone to help set up the operating system, and that was exactly the kind of challenge I was looking for.
The role of Continuous Improvement Coordinator can actually be applied in any sector. I myself come from the food industry, so it seemed interesting to apply these principles in a completely different sector.
> What does a Continuous Improvement Coordinator do exactly?
In my role, I am responsible for monitoring the Aurubis Operating System (AOS). This program is being rolled out across all Aurubis sites to improve processes and bring more structure to the organization. The system consists of seven pillars, each with its own pillar leader. Together, we work to make the company step by step more efficient and more sustainable.
> What does a typical workday look like?
In fact, every day is different. What I enjoy about my job is that I get to work with almost all departments within the company. Together with colleagues, we launch improvement projects, guide processes, and I coach teams in their approach. As a result, I’m often in contact with many different colleagues.
> When did you realize that continuous improvement was really your thing?
That was about 23 years ago, when I first came into contact with Lean Manufacturing – an improvement methodology focused on reducing waste in production processes, such as unnecessary time, resources, or overproduction. I followed a training course and started applying it right away. Ever since then, continuous improvement has truly been in my DNA. Even after all these years, I still get a lot of energy from optimizing processes and working together with colleagues to find solutions.
> Which AOS pillar appeals to you the most?
There are seven AOS pillars in total: Autonomous Management, Focus Improvement, Planned Maintenance, Health & Safety, Performance Control System, Training & Education, and Progressive Quality.
My favorite pillar is Autonomous Management. Within this pillar, people take initiative themselves to improve their workplace. They organize their work environment more efficiently and use creative tools. You work closely with people on the shop floor and can see the results immediately.
> Change isn't always easy. How do you get people on board?
The most important thing is that colleagues actively participate and think along. For example, in a project at the smelter, operators were allowed to design their own work cart. They first made a sketch, and it was then built based on that design. This creates much greater involvement. Personal contact also plays a role: simply asking how someone is doing, building a good relationship, and staying positive all make a big difference.
> Which project are you most proud of?
One project I’m particularly proud of is a 5S project in which we tackled around 35 zones across the site. The goal was to provide everyone with a neat and pleasant workplace. I’m also working on a project focused on workplace instructions. In this project, we make sure that the right information reaches the right person at the right time. Within Aurubis, we call this Training Within Aurubis.
> What gives you the most satisfaction in your job?
The positive reactions from colleagues. When someone says that a small improvement really helps them in their day-to-day work, you know that you’ve truly made an impact.
> What advice would you give to new colleagues?
Don’t be afraid to ask for help. Problems are not setbacks, but often opportunities for improvement.
> Finally, what makes Aurubis Beerse a pleasant employer?
Above all, the variety makes the work interesting. You collaborate with different departments and processes, which means no two days are the same. The location also matters to me: it’s close to home, and I try to cycle to work as often as possible. Another strong point of Aurubis Beerse is the human connection and openness between colleagues. People genuinely want to move forward together. Sometimes, they just need the right tools or methods—and that’s where I try to support them (laughs).
Ready to help drive improvements at Aurubis Beerse? There’s still a spot available for you in one of our departments!
- Apply quickly and easily online.
- We would be happy to welcome you for an introductory interview. See you soon?
