Hydro Invests in North America to Support Automotive, Transportation and Construction Growth

ROSEMONT, Ill., Oct. 11, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Today, Hydro announced it plans to invest over $70 million in two new aluminum extrusion presses to support the growing automotive, architectural and transportation markets in North America. 

The company plans to install a 4,500-ton 10" aluminum press line at its Cressona, Pennsylvania location to serve the traditional automotive and distribution segments while simultaneously installing a 7,000-ton dual container 12"/14" press line in the West region to serve the electric vehicle, transportation and commercial building and construction segments.

"We are very excited about Hydro's continued investments in North America," said Jack Pell, Vice President of Automotive Business Development for Hydro Extrusion North America. "This new equipment merges state-of-the-art billet heating and quench capabilities with larger billet diameters and enables us to produce larger extruded aluminum shapes with thinner walls from stronger alloys ? the 'holy grail' for our automotive customers."

Hydro expects these presses to be operational by 2020. The equipment will utilize cutting-edge extrusion technology to achieve improved productivity and enable Hydro to serve customers in the expanding North American market. In addition, Hydro plans to invest $100 million in North America over the next two years on new fabrication equipment as well as upgrades to existing cast houses, extrusion presses, anodizing and paint lines.

Mike Stier, Hydro's Vice President of Strategy & Innovation in North America, notes that "These investments are a clear sign to the market that we are committed to maintaining and growing our position as the industry leader with unmatched value-added services and press capabilities. We are positioning ourselves to serve our customers in the best way possible now and in the future."

About Hydro:

Hydro is a fully integrated aluminum company with 35,000 employees in 40 countries on all continents, combining local expertise, worldwide reach and unmatched capabilities in R&D. In North America, Hydro is a supplier of rolled aluminum, extrusions and other metal products with over 6,500 employees. Hydro's domestic operations include two dedicated aluminum re-melting facilities in Kentucky and Texas, more than 20 extruded products manufacturing locations and nine casting facilities. Hydro is committed to strengthening the viability of its customers and communities, shaping a sustainable future through innovative aluminum solutions.

CONTACT:
Joseph Tateoka
[email protected]
312-729-1710

SOURCE Hydro