BENTELER inaugurates energy-efficient paint line at its Schwandorf site

Schwandorf, June 7, 2024. BENTELER has today officially inaugurated a new paint line at its plant in Schwandorf. The cathodic dip coating system strengthens sustainable production at the site. Thanks to the intelligent use of resources, energy and water consumption is reduced and the waste heat for the entire process is reused. In future, the plant can be operated entirely CO2-neutrally by using biogas. 

Helmut Ascher, Plant Manager at the Schwandorf site stated: “With the new paint line in Schwandorf, we are combining climate and resource protection with our high quality standards. In this way, we are supporting our customers in making the mobility of tomorrow safer and more sustainable. I am delighted to be able to celebrate the inauguration of this innovative facility today with our employees on site.”  

In Schwandorf, BENTELER produces battery trays as well as structural and chassis components for German automobile manufacturers. The 2,000 m² facility is capable of treating a surface area of up to 7.8 million m² annually, equivalent to around 1,000 soccer fields. 

Quality and sustainability go hand in hand

As part of the new process, components made of steel, galvanized steel and aluminum are dipped in an aqueous, electrically conductive epoxy-based paint. A voltage field is then applied and the paint is deposited on the workpiece. This enables a continuous and uniform thickness, even in cavities and at edges. 

Helmut Ascher added: “We have introduced a separate pre-treatment line for aluminum with the new system and are thereby 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.”