In the midst of the global trend where the livestock breeding industry is transforming towards intelligence and high efficiency, China’s salt block machine sector has swiftly emerged through technological breakthroughs and industrial chain integration. As a benchmark enterprise in this field, Shandong Zhongyou Heavy Industry Machinery Co., Ltd. (hereinafter referred to as “Zhongyou Heavy Industry”) has not only secured a dominant position in the domestic market with its independently developed series of salt block machines but also become a core supplier in the global livestock equipment realm through international patent certifications and a well-planned global layout.
Patent Technologies: Breakthroughs from Hydraulic Control to Intelligent Systems
With a deep-rooted presence in the hydraulic press domain for two decades, Zhongyou Heavy Industry offers a comprehensive range of salt block machines spanning tonnages from 315 tons to 1,200 tons, capable of producing salt blocks in various specifications from 2.5 kg to 20 kg. The company’s core technology, the “Cattle and Sheep Licking Block Hydraulic Press,” has garnered international patent recognition. By integrating a high-precision hydraulic control system with modular design, it has achieved an industry-leading salt block density uniformity error of ≤ ±1.5%.
Take the YQ32-800T four-column hydraulic press as an example. This model features a three-beam four-column structure. The main cylinder’s piston rod is treated with hard chrome plating, enhancing its wear resistance and extending its lifespan by three times. The columns, after undergoing quenching and tempering processes, attain a surface hardness of HRC50-55. Combined with carbon dioxide gas shielded welding technology, the frame rigidity is significantly improved by 40% compared to traditional models. More impressively, its equipped PLC control system can monitor 12 parameters in real-time, including oil temperature and pressure, with a fault warning accuracy rate of 98% and an overall equipment effectiveness (OEE) boosted to 89%.
Global Layout: A Market Network Spanning Over 60 Countries
Zhongyou Heavy Industry’s internationalization strategy has yielded remarkable results. As of October 2025, its salt block machines have been exported to more than 30 countries and regions across Southeast Asia, the Middle East, and Africa, with a market share exceeding 35% in Kenya and Indonesia. Specifically tailored for arid regions in Africa, the company has introduced models crafted from 316L stainless steel, which, due to their superior corrosion resistance, extend the equipment’s lifespan to over a decade.
In Nakuru County, Kenya, a large-scale ranch that introduced Zhongyou Heavy Industry’s 500-ton salt block production line achieved rapid commissioning within just 15 days thanks to its modular design. The selenium-enriched salt blocks produced by this line have led to an 18% increase in the local cattle reproduction rate and a rise in calf survival rate from 72% to 85%. The project manager commented, “Zhongyou Heavy Industry’s equipment stability far surpasses that of similar products. Its three-year zero-fault operation record has set a new benchmark for ranch equipment usage in Africa.”
Full Industrial Chain Services: From Standalone Equipment to System Solutions
Zhongyou Heavy Industry’s innovation extends beyond hardware, as it has redefined industry service standards through its “turnkey project” approach. Its services encompass raw material formula optimization, production line layout design, operator training, and a three-year warranty. On average, the delivery cycle for overseas projects is 35% shorter than the industry average. In Indonesia, the company’s deployed digital management system can monitor the operational status of over 200 salt block machines in real-time, predicting equipment maintenance cycles through big data analysis and reducing spare parts inventory costs by 22%.
For high-end markets such as equestrian clubs, Zhongyou Heavy Industry offers customized irregular-shaped salt block mold services. A Beijing-based international equestrian center adopted its LOGO casting mold, which increased brand exposure by 60% and added $1.8 to the value of each salt block. The company’s technical director revealed, “We are currently developing 3D printing mold technology. In the future, customers will be able to upload design drawings directly via an app, and mold manufacturing will be completed within 72 hours.”
Industry Benchmark: From Made in China to Setting China’s Standards
Zhongyou Heavy Industry’s rise epitomizes the transformation and upgrading of China’s equipment manufacturing sector. Its salt block machines have obtained ISO9001 quality management system certification, EU CE certification, and SGS environmental certification. The “Technical Specification for Livestock Salt Block Machines,” which it led in formulating, has become an industry standard. Under the “Belt and Road” Initiative, the company participated in the construction of the China-Africa Livestock Industrial Park, which now boasts an annual production capacity of 500,000 salt block machines and has created over 2,000 local jobs.
As the chairman of the International Livestock Machinery Association remarked, “Zhongyou Heavy Industry has redefined the technological boundaries of salt block machines. Its patented technologies and full industrial chain service model provide a replicable template for the modernization of livestock equipment in developing countries.” From hydraulic control to AI empowerment, and from standalone manufacturing to system integration, this Chinese enterprise is propelling the global livestock industry towards a new era of intelligence with its innovative prowess
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