Aurubis relies on industrial cleaning by Piepenbrock

For Aurubis AG at the Lünen site, Piepenbrock is responsible for the processing of respiratory protective equipment as well as other cleaning tasks. (Image: Aurubis AG)

Piepenbrock wins new contract with Aurubis AG: The Dortmund branch has been responsible since October 1, 2022, for the processing of respiratory protection equipment as well as other cleaning tasks at the Lünen site. The building service provider impressed with its expertise in industrial cleaning and is already looking forward to follow-up contracts.

Aurubis is a globally leading supplier of non-ferrous metals and one of the largest copper recyclers in the world, based in Hamburg. At the recycling center in Lünen near Dortmund, around 650 employees produce complex materials such as anodes, cathodes, iron silicate sand, and accompanying products. Occupational health and safety play a crucial role in this process. All year round, 365 days a year, around the clock, a total of nine Piepenbrock employees work in shifts to issue, clean, and process respiratory protection equipment as well as machines and operational materials. When planned shutdowns or repairs are carried out at the site, the demand for respiratory protection increases – and Piepenbrock deploys additional personnel. "We are very pleased that Aurubis trusts us with this responsible and demanding task, and that we were able to convince the customer with our expertise in industrial cleaning," says Thorsten Seewöster, Regional Manager North-West at Piepenbrock.

Responsible task

As needed, the Piepenbrock team prepares around 150 ventilated respiratory protection devices daily. Special washing machines thoroughly and specifically clean the helmets, battery-powered breathing units, air hoses, as well as various attachment materials, removing all particles. The service also includes disassembling and reassembling the devices. Precision is required, explains Heiko Kalis, Branch Manager of Piepenbrock Dortmund: "We carry great responsibility and are primarily responsible for work safety. If a mask leaks, it can be life-threatening. With our training as 'Respiratory Protection Device Supervisor,' we have prepared our employees as best as possible for deployment – and meet all the requirements." In addition to processing the respiratory protection devices, Piepenbrock also keeps machines, furniture, and operational materials clean. Both Aurubis and Piepenbrock value sustainability. The partners have already set a joint sustainable sign: "For the new contract, Piepenbrock planted 156 trees in its own forest – and presented us with a tree certificate. A great action," says Karsten Pilarczyk, Head of Health/Security/Safety at Aurubis.

Experience in industrial cleaning convinced

To focus on its core business, Aurubis outsourced the industrial cleaning and approached Piepenbrock as a service provider. After inspections, calculations, and planning, the final approval was given. To ensure a smooth start to the contract, some Piepenbrock employees already worked in different shifts beforehand, familiarizing themselves with the processes in the workshop. To keep things running smoothly, Aurubis and Piepenbrock maintain transparent, appreciative, and honest communication. This partnership at eye level works so well that since the successful start of the contract, two follow-up contracts in waste disposal have already been awarded.