Hydro to idle European extrusions facilities

Norway-based aluminum producer Norsk Hydro has announced it will close five European extrusion plants in a move intended to optimize its extrusion footprint in Europe.

The Hydro Extrusions business unit has identified the plants to be closed as in Cheltenham and Bedwas in the United Kingdom, Lüdenscheid in Germany, Feltre in Italy and Drunen in the Netherlands.

“A formal consultation process with employee representatives at the affected plants will begin immediately,” states Hydro, saying the sites are scheduled to be closed sometime next year.

Hydro calls the decision to close those plants as “based on a detailed review and analysis of the performance and market situation, with the aim to strengthen the long-term competitiveness of Hydro Extrusions’ business in Europe.”

“The reality in the European market requires decisive action,” says Hydro president and CEO Eivind Kallevik. “Decisions like this never come easy, but they are necessary. We will carry out the process with full focus on safety, and with a commitment to treat everyone affected fairly and with respect.”

The metals producer says the proposed closure affects 730 employees at the five plants. Combined, the plants have eight extrusion presses and “various added value processes” plus what Hydro calls three recycling units (scrap-fed furnaces).

“We will continue to have a strong presence in the European markets and we are determined to serve our customers with dedication and a high service level,” says Kallevik.

Hydro says customers who currently are being served by the affected locations will receive their products from other Hydro locations.

A business entity called Hydro Pole Products, which operates as part of the Drunen, Netherlands, plant, will not be affected by the restructuring, says Hydro.

After the proposed shutdowns, Hydro will have 28 extrusion plants and five recycling facilities (melt shops) in the Extrusion Europe business unit and a total of 7,000 employees, according to the company.