Benteler inaugurates energy-efficient paint shop in Schwandorf

Thanks to the intelligent use of resources, Benteler's new paint shop reduces energy and water consumption and the waste heat for the entire process is reused. In future, the plant can be operated completely CO2-neutrally by using biogas. Helmut Ascher, Plant Manager at the Schwandorf site: "With the new paint shop in Schwandorf, we are combining climate and resource protection with our high quality standards. In this way, we are helping our customers to make the mobility of tomorrow safer and more sustainable. I am delighted to be able to celebrate the inauguration of this innovative plant today with our employees on site."

In Schwandorf, Benteler produces battery trays as well as structural and chassis components for German car manufacturers. Each year, a surface area of up to 7.8 million m² can be treated on the 2,000 m² plant area, equivalent to around 1,000 soccer pitches. As part of the new process, components made of steel, galvanized steel and aluminium are dipped in an aqueous, electrically conductive paint based on epoxides. A voltage field is then applied and the paint is deposited on the workpiece. This enables a uniform, closed layer thickness, even in cavities and edges. Helmut Ascher: "With the new system, we have introduced a separate pre-treatment line for aluminum and are thus achieving new quality benchmarks for our customers, particularly in the premium segment. At the same time, we are further optimizing and stabilizing the already excellent corrosion protection of the steel material."