Zuidnatie builds state-of-the-art steel slitting center

Wednesday, Feb. 28, 2024 – This summer, Zuidnatie will start the construction of a brand-new warehouse at one of its terminals (Terminal Zuid – Q118). The warehouse will become the Zuidnatie Slitting Center (ZSC), a steel service center where coils up to 32 tons can be slit. The new project is a unique concept in the ports of Europe and involves a significant investment of 13.5 million euros.

From A to Zuidnatie
For decades, Zuidnatie has been handling coils from all over the world coming to the Port of Antwerp-Bruges. The new warehouse expands these services, offering the total package to the customer, from vessel to slitting at the terminal. After the slitting process, the steel is ready for its final consumer.

The warehouse will have a total area of 5,500 square meters and next to storage area, there will be a cutting machine and overhead crane. The new state-of-the-art machine, designed by a machine builder from Italy, can handle coils up to 32 tons with a width up to 1650 mm. The transport of such heavy coils is only possible by sea transport, making the ZSC the first steel service center in Europe at a terminal where these weights can be handled. The machine can cut steel coils with a thickness up to 3 mm.

Sustainable story
The ZSC continues the sustainable character of Zuidnatie, where Zuidnatie can offer customers the total package (transport to handling steel). For example, steel coils are finished on terminal to the desired end product and transportation is minimized which benefits carbon emissions. Moreover, the warehouse will be equipped with solar panels on the roof and the generated energy will be used in the warehouse (among other things).

Paul Feys, CEO Zuidnatie: “After three years of preparatory work, we are delighted to finally announce this project. ZSC will strengthen our position in the market and also adds value to the Port of Antwerp-Bruges. This investment emphasizes our commitment to sustainability and growth, and we look forward to starting the construction.”

“This new investment will add significant value within the Port of Antwerp-Bruges breakbulk segment. With their explicit sustainability ambitions, Zuidnatie’s strategy is fully in line with our own long-term vision. The family-owned company thus contributes to expanding the range of breakbulk services available at our port.” – William Demoor, Chief Customer Relations Officer, Port of Antwerp-Bruges.

ZSC is one of Zuidnatie’s largest investments of the past five years. It marks an important milestone in Zuidnatie’s ongoing efforts to grow as a company and expand its sustainable operations.

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Zuidnatie builds state-of-the-art steel slitting center

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