Hydro sees “deteriorating” aluminum situation in Europe

Norway-based Hydro has announced the closing or scaling back of operations at some of its aluminum extrusion plants, citing a “fast-deteriorating market situation [that] is affecting both customers’ and Hydro’s operations.”

The company produces primary aluminum and hydro energy in Norway but operates scrap-fed aluminum extrusion plants in Europe and other parts of the world.

In reaction to the COVID-19 coronavirus and decisions made by manufacturers globally, Hydro says it is “reducing or halting production at some sites to meet change in demand, while implementing firm actions to protect people and business.”

In a March 19 news release, the company states, “The impact is currently most visible in the automotive segment and in building and construction, and more broadly in southern Europe. Consequently, Extruded Solutions is reducing and temporarily closing some activities in France, Spain and Italy. “

Hydro says its Rolled Products division is “running at normal levels, but impact [is] expected in the coming days due to customers closing production in Europe.”

In its Extruded Solutions business unit, it says operations are “mostly running as normal;” but, with some end markets being affected, circumstances are “impacting production levels, especially in southern Europe,” where the company is “reducing or halting production at some sites, due to customers halting their production.”