NEWS

12.10.2024

Neapco Notables | Burkhard Halfenberg, Safety Engineer and Supervisor

Since its earliest days, safety has always been a top priority at Neapco. Through the collaboration of our dedicated leaders and thousands of hard-working individuals, we are able to improve our operations — ensuring that our team members feel comfortable at work every day.

In this edition of Neapco Notables, we highlight Burkhard Halfenberg, Safety Engineer and Supervisor at our Düren plant. Being in the industry for more than 35 years, Burkhard knows the importance clear communication and effective collaboration can have on creating a safe workplace.

Burkhard sat down with us to share more about his career journey, how he fosters a safe work environment at Neapco and more.

Tell us about yourself and what led you to Neapco.

I was born in Düren-Birkesdorf in 1969. I live with my family (my wife Claudia and 24 year old son, Fabio) in Langerwehe-Pier, about 12 km away from our plant. I completed secondary school in the 80s, and after that I started working as a fitter in an opencast mine as part of a three-year apprenticeship and continued in a similar role in Hambach for a few more months after that.

I later moved to what is now the Neapco Düren plant, and have been working there as an assembly worker and welder in transit rear axle production. Within my 35-year career at Neapco, I have taken part in several internal and external initiatives that have helped me become the skilled engineer I am today — such as serving in the military and several evening school trainee programs from master craftsman to engineer, where I learned about topics ranging from occupational safety to technical business administration.

What are your current roles and responsibilities at Neapco?

I am a Safety Engineer and Supervisor for the safety, environment, facility fluid management, layout and flex pool divisions. I serve as the main point of contact for these teams and for any matters relating to overall workplace safety and environmental protection — including topics such as hazardous substances, forklift truck training, procurement of personal protective equipment (PPE) and more. I’m currently part of an exciting project on the electrification transformation team that is responsible for switching from component production to electric vehicle assembly.

What is the most important thing you’ve learned at Neapco?

Safety is non-negotiable. In order to create a safe work environment for yourself and your teammates, you have to actively listen to one another to ensure clear communication. I always like to say that health and safety are understood in all languages.

Communication with your coworkers is not only crucial to safety but also to fostering collaboration and building strong relationships. When everyone gets along, you are able to lean on one another — and learn from each other too. Having built those relationships myself, I know that I can rely on my colleagues to support me and help me when a new or challenging task arises.

Are you involved in any programs or initiatives in or outside of work?

As a safety engineer, I promote the “stop before start” program. Employees carry out a brief assessment of the activities immediately before starting work. The order of priority of measures relevant to occupational safety is systematically scrutinized using the STOP card.

I am a member of the Düren Global Belonging Council. As a part of this group, I am able to help create a positive and welcoming work environment for our entire team. I love being able to contribute to improving the relationships and bonds within the company by letting everyone know that they are supported and heard at work. I know that the closer our teams are, the better we can collaborate and help reach organizational goals.

Outside of work, I have served as an honorary examiner for the training occupation of industrial mechanics at the Aachen Chamber of Industry since 1995. I teach and help strengthen the skills of future industry professionals, and am able to connect with many companies in the industry to build up my network as well.

How do you spend your time outside of work?

As a lover of the outdoors, I have gone on plenty of camping trips — whether that’s in a tent, caravan or since 2021, a camper van — across Europe over the past 25 years. Spending time outdoors has always been great for my physical and mental health. Plus, I can partake in some of my favorite hobbies like hiking, swimming, cycling, stand up paddle surfing, kayaking and even skiing in the wintertime.

Interested in joining the Neapco team? Click here to take a look at our open positions.