Six generations of love for metal

In the world of metal and sheet metal working, Slabinck's name rings like a bell. For more than two centuries, this Bruges-based family business has nurtured its love of metal. In 2014, the sixth generation stepped on board. Anthony Slabinck explains how he, together with father Luc and right-hand man Maïlys Dhondt, wants to put the company further on the map, with attention to automation, the environment and optimal working conditions for the staff.

Machined metal has become an integral part of our businesses. Just think of assembly systems and machine parts. In every sector - from agriculture to industry - the demand for skilled machined metal is high. 

"For many decades, we have offered our customers a total package, from sheet to finished product," says Anthony Slabinck. Together with his right-hand man Maïlys Dhondt, he co-manages the family company's business. "Slabinck offers everything in terms of metalworking: laser cutting, bending, punching, machining, painting, finishing and assembly. We realize this service from A to Z with our state-of-the-art machines and tools. This allows us to guarantee extremely short delivery times. At our headquarters in Bruges, we also have our own research department, which professionally puts our customers' plans on paper. This service is another important asset of our family business."

Investing in quality and service

In order to offer customers the very best service and products, Slabinck spares no effort to continuously improve the internal company processes. Anthony Slabinck explains how the team realizes this: "Not only do we continuously invest in modern machinery, but we also apply strict quality standards and continuously refine our know-how. This enables us to deliver high-quality semi-finished products within minimum delivery times and at competitive prices. We invest heavily in the internal training of our personnel. New employees can follow a personalized training program, which can be tailored where necessary. For this we have our own in-house trainer who is a specialist in all the operations offered."

International business

As Slabinck has grown over the past decades to become a leading player in the supply of sheet metal and products for metal and sheet metal working companies, Anthony Slabinck is looking beyond borders to grow the business. "At our headquarters in Bruges, with a surface area of about 12,000 m², we produce small and medium-sized series of sheet metal, welding and paint work. A few years ago we moved to northern Macedonia to expand our production. Initially we rented premises there, but today we have our own 5,000 m² facility in the capital Skopje. There we produce regularly ordered pieces and all medium and large series of cutting, sawing, rolling and bending, among others. The production of more complex series, as well as all finishing operations, remain reserved for our Bruges facility, where we can deploy an automatic powder coating installation."

Sustainable business

In addition to a high-technology approach and maximum training opportunities for staff, environmental concerns are also high on Slabinck's agenda. 

"Under the motto 'We do it right from the first time,' we encourage every employee to perform his or her work as sustainably as possible. Through lower energy consumption and reducing waste production, everyone can contribute for a cleaner environment. In August 2021, we obtained ISO 14001 certification, which helped us switch to electric forklifts and provide energy-saving LED lighting. Generating green electricity is also a top priority: on the roof of our Bruges site there are solar panels with a total capacity of 815 kW, and in Skopje we are currently installing 615 kW of solar panels. The fact that all these measures reduce our energy bill is obviously more than welcome."

Online quotation platform

The family business has an extensive base of loyal customers from all sectors. For several years, they have been able to easily request quotes and place orders through a web portal. 

"As part of digitization, we invested in a user-friendly online quotation platform," Anthony Slabinck points out. This allows our customers to request prices and place orders 24/7. They can also use this platform to request technical support from our salespeople. These have fixed customer portfolios, so as a 'single point of contact' they know each customer inside out and provide personalized advice."