Wienerberger's ROI story
In recent years, several MT members have been hired at Wienerberger through Velde. Miranda Aarnoudse as CD (2022), Jasper Vos as TD (2016) and Remco Reinstra as OD (2024).
ROI is very important to our services, which is why we are curious what their influence has been on Wienerberger’s ambition: to be the most sustainable and prestigious manufacturer of building materials and infrastructure solutions.
Miranda Aarnoudse updates us.
Well on track
That’s an ambitious ambition!
With that ambition in mind, we were all selected as well. To build on the foundations of the organization that are already there. And also make a piece of change in it.
I think we are pretty well on track in terms of making our portfolio more sustainable, reducing our footprint and carbon emissions. And, of course, that’s not just because of me or Jasper or Remco. We all do it together. We work in a cyclical sector, and that includes ups and downs. It is a long-term ambition, and all three of us got into it for the longer term. You can see that in our policy.
Curing layers
What have you accomplished in recent years?
That’s quite a list. We have achieved some substantial layers of sustainability at our plants.
- We have invested in solar.
- Anyway, we try to be as efficient as possible with raw materials we use.
- We are increasingly working with systems that use residual heat from the kilns to dry the bricks.
- We have invested in a heat pump and probably will in other places.
- We have scaled back considerably in the fabrics to get certain color effects, where the fabrics are somewhat less good for the environment.
And then we also keep close track of what it produces. This shows that we are significantly reducing our carbon footprint.
– Miranda Aarnoudse
And your own assignment?
When you applied, you indicated that you were looking for a commercial role with a clear change assignment. To what extent could you work with that at Wienerberger?
I could certainly work on that. We restructured the commercial organization. By putting the customer more central in our working method and target group approach. We also adapted our product portfolio much more to sustainability. Such as narrower bricks, roof tiles that use less gas than before. Our pavers that are better for water drainage. Also in-roof solar panels and a flat roof covering material.
We’ve added that to our portfolio so that our field sales and marketing can market that. So yes, we are moving on a lot of fronts, including commercially.
Future plans
What can you tell about Wienerberger’s future plans?
As of January 1 this year, we have a new board composition. In addition to our Finance Director and myself as Commercial Director, Jasper has advanced to Managing Director. And Remco started as Director of Operations in January. Our ambition is to continue what we are doing, which is to make our company more sustainable. And doing it better and better for our customers and our employees as well.
So the course I have just outlined, we are pursuing it full steam ahead. Sustainability, broadening portfolio, customer focus, being a good employer, those are our ambitions. Yes, we are fully committed to achieving that.
The best employer in the industry
You indicate that you are a good employer. Wienerberger even wants to become the best employer in the industry. What are you doing to achieve this?
I think we have traditionally been an organization that is very social. We continue to do that. Most importantly, we provide a physically safe working environment. For the men and the factories. So there is a lot of investment in that, a lot of attention to that.
And in addition, a lot is invested in training, education, giving people opportunities to grow internally. We are a large organization, so there are a lot of opportunities within the organization.
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