Hydro to install aluminium press line in Pennsylvania to serve traditional automotive and distribution segment

On Friday, October 12, Hydro declared its plan to install a 4,500-tonne 10” aluminium press line at Cressona, Pennsylvania. The aim is to serve the traditional automotive and distribution segments. Hydro also announced to install a 7,000-tonne dual container 12”/14” press line in the West region to serve the electric vehicle, transportation, and commercial building and construction segments.

Jack Pell, Vice President of Automotive Business Development for Hydro Extrusion North America, said: “We are very excited about Hydro’s continued investments in 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.”

The company expects the presses to be operational by 2020. The equipment will utilise cutting-edge extrusion technology to achieve improved productivity and enable Hydro to serve customers in the expanding North American market. In addition, Hydro has plans to significantly invest in installing new fabrication equipment in North America over the next two years and upgrading existing cast houses, extrusion presses, and anodising and paint lines.

Mike Stier, Hydro’s V.P. of Strategy & Innovation in North America, notes: “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.”