Zuidnatie opens doors to unique and sustainable Slitting Center

Antwerp, 24/06/2025 – As of today, steel customers can have their heavy steel coils custom-slit at Zuidnatie’s brand-new slitting center. Zuidnatie, a logistics service provider located in the Port of Antwerp, now offers slitting capabilities for coils up to 32 tonnes – a unique capacity in Europe. This innovation significantly reduces the need for steel transport. The new facility, situated opposite the Kinepolis cinema complex, was officially inaugurated yesterday evening during a celebratory opening event.

For decades, Zuidnatie has managed the import and export of steel coils at its terminals. The new slitting center was developed in response to rising customer demand and the growing steel industry across Europe. The construction process posed several technical challenges: excavating a 12-meter-deep foundation using a diver, transporting a massive overhead crane during nighttime hours, and installing a state-of-the-art machine by an Italian engineering team. With a total investment of €13.5 million, the slitting center represents Zuidnatie’s largest investment in the past five years.

A sustainable facility
Nowhere else in Europe are coils of up to 32 tonnes discharged directly from sea vessels and processed into finished products on a port terminal. By handling the entire process – from unloading to slitting – on a single terminal, Zuidnatie minimizes steel transport, significantly reducing CO₂ emissions. In addition, the facility’s roof is fitted with solar panels that generate green energy to power the operations.

Opening celebration
To mark the official launch, a festive reception was held yesterday evening for business partners and stakeholders. Guests were treated to an exclusive guided tour showcasing the slitting center’s capabilities and advanced infrastructure.

“This new facility is an investment in the future of our company. It enables more sustainable and efficient operations, creates new jobs and business opportunities, and supports economic growth in the Port of Antwerp. ZSC marks a major milestone in our 155-year history.” — Stéphanie Feys, Managing Director, Zuidnatie

“In these times of geopolitical and economic uncertainty, the resilience of our port remains more crucial than ever. Investments like Zuidnatie’s are encouraging signs for the future of a sustainable ecosystem in our port and a testament to our collective resilience.” — Jacques Vandermeiren, CEO, Port of Antwerp-Bruges

Zuidnatie Slitting Center specifications
Coil slitting capacity: up to 32 tonnes, 1650 mm width, and 3 mm thickness. For more information, please contact our Slitting Department: slitting@zuidnatie.be

Foto’s: Zuidnatie – Jonas Op de Beeck Pixio Studio ©