Finding my calling: Hein's 31-year commitment to Barco's excellence
2 min read
"My first day at Barco felt like the first day of school. I started in September 1993 and was seated next to Piet Deprez, now the Maintenance Coordinator. The welcoming atmosphere and new colleagues made me feel at home right away,” says Hein Hanssens, Continuous Improvement Coach Operations. Initially, it was challenging and exhausting, but every day brought new lessons and experiences. I quickly learned that curiosity and sharing knowledge are crucial in finding your way in any new challenge.
I began in the CRT projector adjustment team. By 1994, I was part of the team building the LCD line. As a Bachelor in Electronics, this role allowed me to gain immense experience, both technically and personally.
One significant moment was in February 1998 when a fire in the stress zone of Kuurne halted production. We had to restart the projectors in Marke at Delabie’s building. The teamwork during that period was incredible, showing that collaboration can achieve great things.
By 2002, I advanced to Line Supervisor in the Simulation department, building various simulation projectors. The less prosperous times in 2009 saw the formation of the OPEX team with Jan Angenon and myself. This was my true calling—continuous improvement. Involving people, supporting them, and learning from each other were key. Today, our team consists of nine specialists, each with their own expertise.
Over the years, technology has evolved rapidly. The replacement of CRT tubes with LCD displays and the emergence of LED screens and laser projection have been monumental advancements. Continual layout changes have become essential for survival.
CRT projector- From left to right : Jeaninne Vancryaeyveld, Mieke De Jode, Marc Vanparijs,Carmen Reyseart, Eddy Wardenier, Daniel Vander Meiren, Walter Buyck, Raf Vercruysse, Jo Byttebier
One of the biggest challenges was the merger of Kuurne and Kortrijk, bringing two different cultures under one roof. It took years to grow together. Another was relocating Barco Norway to Kortrijk and producing the F-series devices here, which was a significant challenge. Additionally, transitioning healthcare device production to Italy and retraining staff from healthcare to entertainment were notable challenges.
A particularly proud moment was the initiation of the iGemba project in 2011 after difficult years at Barco. Now, iGemba is more than a project; it's a mindset. Through Gemba walks with CLT members, we shared experiences, knowledge, and respect for everyone involved. Since the start of iGemba, there's been a greater focus on employee involvement. People have a say in making improvements in this complex world.
Teamwork – From left to right: Stephen Depijpere, Isabel Vanhie, Marc Cattoir, Abdelrahman Abuhasanian, Osama Abusalem, Lieve Van Poucke, Valerie Verhaeghe, Sylvia Vanstechelman, Hein Hanssens
The most valuable lessons I've learned are to not fear renewal and to value people as the most important asset. Maintaining a work-life balance, recognizing that everything comes back in a different form, and respecting, listening, and supporting each other are vital. Appreciation is crucial, and sometimes it's necessary to take a step back and make time for yourself. Analyze situations before making decisions and never give up.
To newcomers, my advice is not to try to change the world immediately. Take the time to analyze things so that decisions are made correctly and no valuable time is lost. Involve employees in every implementation.
Reflecting on my 31 years at Barco, innovation and teamwork have always been priorities. Adapting to customer demands is crucial. Remaining the number one requires improving processes, shortening lead times, eliminating buffers, and automating where necessary.
Since 2012, I've been involved in networks via iGemba, sharing knowledge with other companies and exchanging experiences. This has shown me that the grass isn't greener elsewhere. Barco is a fantastic company with a unique culture that you can feel. The products are top-notch and challenging, and you have a voice in making improvements."