Berlin Metals: Capacity for Growth
Berlin Metals continues to distinguish itself through its unique light-gauge precision capabilities and expanded capacity, driven by the addition of a new 48-inch Braner slitting line.
Nearly 60 years ago, the Berlin family purchased Hokin Steel & Tinplate in Chicago and Berlin Metals began operations. In the 1980s, the company moved to Hammond, Indiana where they’re still located today. In April 2018, this ISO 9001 Certified manufacturer joined Olympic Steel, adding new products and markets to our specialty metals segment.
The processes offered at Berlin Metals are unique in the industry. Precision slitting of very light gauge specialty metals fills a niche very few can offer. Running at high speeds with tight tolerances and widths as narrow as .375 inches is what sets Berlin Metals apart.
Though direct sales slitting is the primary focus, toll slitting for end customers and mills has historically made up 20-30% of the slitting business at Berlin Metals. Current slitting operations have been running consistently near capacity at two shifts a day for years. The recent addition of a new 48-inch Braner complete line system to the four existing slitting lines will boost the ability to increase toll and direct business with customers.
The new Braner slitting line system provides backup when needed but also offers added performance and capabilities. The 48-inch coil width mirrors the size of master coils delivered from the mill. It has the ability to process ultra strength steels over 220 tensile strength and 140 KSI yield in thicknesses of .005 to .065 inches. With expanded capacity and efficiency, process times will be shortened. Automation reduces end-of-line variability with less manual operator intervention. The line features automated coil placement and precision stacking with spacer blocks, automatic strapping, turntable sorting and stretch wrapping.
To learn a bit more about the background of Berlin Metals, go to https://www.iamolympicsteel.com/being-berlin-metals. For more information about the products and services of Berlin Metals, visit berlinmetals.com.
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