Strong sheet metal fabrication for any industry

Love of metal - it could be the title of a Flemish hit or a television program. However, it is the slogan that has suited Slabinck for two centuries and six generations. This family business has built a strong reputation in the world of metal and sheet metal working. An in-house study service, modern machinery, a team of technically skilled employees and its own transport service are the cornerstones of its success. Meanwhile, the management continues to expand the company with an eye on automation and digitalization, the environment and an optimal working environment for the staff.

Demand for expertly machined metal is high. Slabinck has been offering customers in a wide variety of industries a total package for decades: from sheet to finished product, all in-house. "Actually, it starts right from the drawing. After all, we have our own engineering department, which professionally puts customers' plans on paper. Our warehouse holds a large stock of plates in steel, stainless steel and aluminum, as well as steel pipes," says Anthony Slabinck, who, together with his right-hand man Maïlys Dhondt, continues to expand the family business. "We offer everything in terms of metalworking: laser cutting, bending, punching, machining, painting, finishing and assembly. At our headquarters in Bruges, with a total area of about 12,000 m², we produce small and medium-sized series of sheet metal, welding and lacquering work. Meanwhile, we also have our own 5,000 m² production facility in Skopje (Northern Macedonia). There we manufacture all medium and large series including cutting, sawing, rolling and bending work. The production of more complex series is still done in Bruges, as is all post-processing, as we also have an automatic powder coating plant here."

Quality in product and service

To guarantee customers the highest quality, accuracy and the very best service from A to Z, Slabinck counts on modern machinery and a team of enthusiastic, technically skilled employees. "We spare no expense to improve internal business processes. We continue to invest continuously to keep our machinery up-to-date. We recently purchased a 4m laser cutting machine, which will be linked to a plate warehouse with 40 pallet spaces and a 4m press brake. In this way we also continue to focus on automation. We always apply the strictest quality standards and constantly refine our know-how. We therefore deliver high-quality semi-finished products within minimum deadlines," explains the manager. "Our employees are also an important asset. This is why we provide a healthy, optimal working environment and continue to train them internally on a continuous basis. New workers can follow a personalized training program." 

Investing in digitization and sustainability

All this has made Slabinck a leading player in the supply of sheet metal over the past decades. Yet they are not resting on their laurels and in addition to the investments in automation, steps were also taken in the field of digitalization. "We are currently fully promoting our user-friendly online platform, which allows customers to request quotes and place orders 24/7. They can also request technical support from their regular salesperson through this tool," concludes Anthony Slabinck. "In everything we do, however, we also pay attention to the environment. We encourage our employees to do their jobs as sustainably as possible. Through lower energy consumption and limiting waste production, everyone can contribute to a cleaner environment. We have switched to electric forklift trucks, installed energy-saving LED lighting and fully opted for green electricity. On the roof of our Bruges site there are solar panels with a total capacity of 815 kW, in Skopje for 615 kW. Of course, it is also a bonus that these measures significantly reduce energy bills." ■