“Helping build Aurubis Richmond is a unique opportunity to grow.”
Beerse/Richmond | Wednesday, February 25, 2026
Jonas Walbers and Ben Leysen worked for years at Aurubis Beerse. In the summer of 2024, they were assigned to Aurubis Richmond, our new secondary smelter in the United States. There, they are putting their knowledge and expertise from Beerse into practice, actively contributing to the development of the production facility, and growing professionally within an international Aurubis context.
- Jonas Walbers
- 35 years old
- SCM – Quality Supervisor Pre-Processing
- Working at Aurubis Richmond since August 2024
- Working at Aurubis Beerse since February 2011
- Ben Leysen
- 38 years old
- SCM - Laboratory Supervisor
- Working at Aurubis Richmond since July 2024
- Working at Aurubis Beerse since July 2013
> Tell us, Jonas & Ben. How did you get started at Aurubis Richmond?
Jonas: When colleagues were being sought to support the start-up in Richmond, I immediately applied. Working abroad had always been a dream of mine. The fact that I can do this within Aurubis is definitely an added bonus.
Ben: For me, it was mainly the opportunity to learn and grow. Being involved in the start-up of an entirely new production facility is something you don’t experience very often.
> What was your role in Beerse and what is your job in Richmond?
Jonas: In Beerse, I worked in Materials Handling as an Assistant Shift Supervisor. In Richmond, I started as SCM – Quality Supervisor Pre-Processing. Here, I’m much more closely involved in production and I lead a growing team in the shredder hall.
Ben: In Beerse, I worked for almost eleven years as a Quality Control Lab Technician. In Richmond, I started as Laboratory Team Lead and have since grown into the role of SCM – Laboratory Supervisor. I lead a lab team of six technicians, oversee the commissioning of lab equipment, and serve as the local key user of the LIMS (Laboratory Information Management System), which connects the lab and production.
> Which knowledge from Beerse is most valuable in your job in Richmond?
Jonas: My experience with machinery and heavy equipment is a major asset here. That knowledge helps optimize processes more quickly and train colleagues.
Ben: Mainly my process knowledge. Knowing which analysis is performed on which equipment - and why - is essential for quality and efficiency. I was able to immediately apply that expertise here to further develop the lab and train colleagues.
> What have you learned professionally so far?
Jonas: I’ve gained much deeper insight into production processes and team coordination. I am given responsibility and the trust to make decisions, which helps me grow faster.
Ben: Professionally, I’ve developed strongly in leading teams and coordinating with other departments and sites. I’ve strengthened my leadership skills by taking responsibility for achieving shared goals.
> What has been the highlight of your career at Aurubis Richmond?
Jonas: For me, it was the first melt. That moment made everything very tangible - you see that the processes you helped build actually work. It gives me tremendous satisfaction to contribute to building an entirely new Aurubis site and shaping how production will be done here in the future.
Ben: I’m especially proud of how quickly this site was built. Since construction began in 2022, an incredible amount has been accomplished in just a few years. Especially considering that Aurubis Richmond is the first secondary smelter in the United States and much of the expertise had to be built from scratch, it’s an impressive achievement by the entire team.
> How do you experience collaboration within Aurubis?
Jonas: Collaboration with colleagues in Richmond and exchanges with other Aurubis sites are very valuable. You truly feel part of an international network where knowledge is shared and best practices are adopted.
Ben: It’s inspiring to work with colleagues from different sites. Everyone is focused on progress and improvement. That motivates me to give my best every day.
> How are you experiencing life in the United States?
Jonas: In our free time, we occasionally explore the area together with our Belgian colleagues. We work out, play golf, or take trips nearby. That also strengthens our bond.
Ben: On weekends, I sometimes visit a nearby city. I also take online German classes so I can communicate even better with our German colleagues.
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