Tata Steel is to install a new line to double the slitting capacity of its service center in Gelsenkrichen, in Germany.

Service Center Gelsenkrichen GmbH currently operates one slitter and one cut-to length line and the output is largely destined for the automotive industry. The second slitting line, together with the associated expansion of the Gelsenkirchen site, will cost 8.6 million Euros.

The new line will have a capacity of 140,000 tonnes per annum, almost double the site's existing slitting capacity. The new slitter will be able to process coil in the thicknesses of 0.4-4mm and widths upto 1,650mm, with a maximum yield strength of 1400N/mm2.

It is slated to come onstream in early 2012. This will take the total capacity of Service Center Gelsenkrirchen GmbH from 225,000 to 365,000 tpa