Salico equips new Zuidnatie steel slitting center with advanced line

Salico S.p.A., founded in 1978 in Italy, designs and manufactures high-performance coil processing lines for ferrous and non-ferrous metals. With a strong international presence, the company delivers tailor-made slitting and cut-to-length systems, combining in-house mechanical production and advanced automation through its global network of subsidiaries.

Salico is thrilled to announce the successful startup of a fully automated slitting and packaging line at the new Zuidnatie Slitting Center (ZSC) in Antwerp, Belgium. The installation reflects its continued growth in the European market for advanced coil processing systems.

Located at Terminal Zuid – Q118 in the Port of Antwerp-Bruges, the ZSC is designed to handle heavy-duty steel coils of up to 32 tons, with widths up to 1650 mm and thicknesses reaching 3 mm. With these capabilities, it stands among the most advanced slitting centers in Europe.

Advanced automation for efficient, sustainable coil processing

The new line, engineered and installed by Salico, includes several high-performance features aimed at maximizing quality and operational efficiency:

- high-precision slitter head designed to minimize axial gaps and shaft deflection, ensuring accurate, clean cuts;
- driven-roller back tensioning system maintains consistent tension during recoiling, protecting surface quality without the use of felt pads;
- automated tooling changeover system allows for fast, precise setup changes, featuring automatic separator shafts to reduce downtime;
- fully integrated packaging line handles slit coils up to 6 tons, with automated down ending, stacking, and strapping.

By enabling slitting services directly at the port, Zuidnatie eliminates unnecessary inland transportation and significantly reduces CO₂ emissions. This aligns with the increasing demand for more sustainable supply chains in the steel processing sector.

This installation not only expands Zuidnatie’s service capabilities but also confirms Salico’s role as a trusted provider of advanced coil processing solutions for the European metalworking industry. For more information, make sure you visit the recently opened Online Stand on Expometals >>