Our Development – Innovation and Growth since 1990

Company Historie

Our success story began in 1990 in Chemnitz as Schlick Chemnitz Engineering GmbH, a contract blasting and coating company. In 1993, we relocated to Mühlau, where we established our own production facility equipped with state-of-the-art technology, laying the foundation for our current expertise in corrosion protection.

Over the years, we have grown from a small team into a medium-sized company with over 130 employees. Today, our service portfolio includes not only corrosion protection but also the development, design, and manufacturing of compressed air blasting systems, painting lines, and conveyor technology—especially for large-volume workpieces.

Key Milestones and Continuous Growth

  • 2000: Rebranding to SLF Surface Technology GmbH – reaffirming our independence.
  • 2003: Opening a branch in Emsdetten to expand our presence in Western Germany.
  • 2006: Moving our headquarters to Emsdetten into the former Schlick building.
  • 2016: Constructing a modern facility on a 22,000 m² site in Emsdetten with spacious production, storage, and office areas.
  • 2022: Expanding with an additional warehouse to handle larger projects more efficiently.
  • 2024: Building our first system in North America –

Looking Ahead

With flexible expansion options at our Emsdetten location and a combination of experience and innovation, we are well-positioned to continue our success story in surface technology.

Successful in Surface Technology since 1990

History

1990 - Founded as Schlick Chemnitz GmbH
1993 - Opened contract blasting and coating operations in Mühlau
2000 - Renamed to SLF Oberflächentechnik GmbH
2003 - Established a branch in Emsdetten, West Germany
2006 - Moved into former Schlick building in Greven
2008 - First system installed in South American market
2009 - First system installed in China & plant expansion in Mühlau
2016 - Moved to new headquarters in Emsdetten & launched the new SLF logo
2024 - First system installed in North America
Certified Quality Management

Quality Policy

Our quality policy is a core part of our corporate philosophy. It is based on our expertise, experience, and commitment to the highest standards. Our goal is to ensure top quality across all processes, systems, and services through continuous improvement.

We are certified according to DIN EN ISO 9001:2015 (TÜV Rheinland). From system development, procurement, sales and installation to customer acceptance and after-sales service, all our processes are regularly analyzed, reviewed and optimized using the PDCA (Plan-Do-Check-Act) cycle. 

This ensures consistent efficiency and high quality of our systems and services.

Our guiding Principles

Corporate Values

Our values form the foundation of our work in surface technology. They guide every decision we make, ensuring the highest standards of quality, innovation, and responsibility. Together with our partners and customers, we aim to shape a successful and sustainable future.

Innovation

We continuously develop our products, components and processes to provide our customers with the best possible solutions.

Partnership

We strive to build long-term relationships with our clients, evolving these into successful partnerships. Our customer relationships extend beyond system commissioning, through ongoing support and after-sales services. Many clients repeatedly commission systems from us, which affirms our approach.

Flexibility

We manufacture systems such as open-area coating lines, telescopic dryers, robotic blasting systems and automatic blasting machines that enhance our customers' production flexibility.

Our employees also operate with flexibility in their processes to best meet the needs of our customers and partners.

Expertise

Ein Großteil unserer Mitarbeiter verfügt über eine langjährige Erfahrung im Bereich der Oberflächentechnik. Wir investieren kontinuierlich in die Fort- und Weiterbildung unserer Mitarbeiter um sicherzustellen, dass diese in ihrem Fachgebiet stets up-to-date und in der Lage sind, unseren Kunden exzellente Produkte und Dienstleistungen zu bieten.

Independence

As a family-owned medium-sized company, we are independent and able to operate with a long-term perspective and a focus on sustainable growth.

Tomorrow and in the coming years, we will remain your reliable and competent partner for all questions related to surface technology.

Get to know us

SLF Corporate Film

SLF image movie short version - English, SLF Oberflächentechnik GmbH
SLF image movie short version - English