“Here, there’s always something new to learn.”
Beerse | Monday, July 27, 2026
Axel works as a Lead Tin Operator at Aurubis Beerse, where he is responsible for recycling and refining metals from the foundry into high-purity lead and tin. In the production hall, he monitors the entire process alongside his teammates and steps in when needed.
- Axel Pollet
- 32 years old
- Lead Tin Operator
- Working at Aurubis Beerse since April 2021
> Tell us Axel, what made Aurubis Beerse the right choice for you?
I was working in the automotive industry, but due to the impact of COVID-19, I ended up on temporary unemployment. That prompted me to start looking for a new challenge.
I searched online for operator positions and quickly came across Aurubis Beerse. The role matched my experience well, and the location was ideal too. After the initial interviews, I was given a tour of the site and immediately felt that it was a place where I could see myself working. Everything moved very smoothly: within two to three weeks, the application process was completed and I was able to start.
> What exactly does your role as Lead Tin Operator involve?
As a Lead Tin Operator, my job revolves around the recycling and purification of metals coming from our foundry. We process these materials to produce lead and tin with the highest possible level of purity. In short, that is the core of the job.
> How is the work in the production hall organized?
We work in a team of five operators and use a rotation system in the production hall, where you move between different departments every two weeks. This allows you to gain experience in various stages of the process.
Throughout the day, you take on different tasks, support your colleagues, and have the opportunity to deepen your knowledge of other processes. As a result, no two days are the same, and you are constantly learning new things.
> What does a typical workday look like for you? You just mentioned the production process. How exactly does it work.
Everything starts in the soldering hall. This is where the material arrives from our foundry. We carefully separate the usable metal streams and prepare them for the next stages of the process.
The material is then sent to various furnaces, where it undergoes further purification step by step. Eventually, the lead and tin are separated from each other. After that, both metals go through their own refining process until they reach a purity level of 99.9 percent.
> Which skills are most important in your role?
Working safely and paying close attention to detail always comes first. We work with molten metal and extremely high temperatures, so it is crucial to stay alert and approach every task carefully and thoughtfully.
In addition, you need to be physically fit. You are constantly on the move and can easily walk ten kilometers a day across the site. It is a job that requires both mental focus and physical effort.
> Which skills are most important in your role? Safety and heat play an important role. How do you deal with that?
Safety is without a doubt the most important aspect of our job. It is always better to work a little slower and do things correctly than to take unnecessary risks.
We wear extensive personal protective equipment, including protective clothing, gloves, safety shoes, hearing protection, and a helmet with integrated respiratory protection that supplies filtered air.
We also work in a hot environment, which takes some getting used to at first. Individual needs are taken into account, and during warmer periods, employees are provided with things like ice creams and energy drinks to help them cope with the heat.
> What gives you the most satisfaction in your job? When do you go home feeling satisfied after a day's work?
When I know that I’ve given it my all, completed my work properly, and set things up so that my colleagues on the next shift can get started smoothly. That’s when I know it has been a productive day.
> What makes Aurubis Beerse an attractive employer?
I enjoy working at Aurubis Beerse because of the combination of variety, challenge, and growth opportunities. This is definitely not repetitive assembly-line work. I would find it difficult to do exactly the same thing every day.
Here, you are constantly learning new things. Even after five years, I’m still discovering new aspects of the production hall. That’s what keeps the job interesting. On top of that, there are plenty of opportunities for career growth and continuous personal development.
Looking for a new challenge?
- Apply quickly and easily online.
- We would be happy to welcome you for an introductory interview. See you soon?
