Hydro installing a new 12-inch, more advanced extrusion press at Tønder plant to boost auto components production

Hydro is reportedly investing NOK 300 million (EUR 29 million) in a new 12-inch, state-of-the-art extrusion press at its Tønder plant in Denmark to boost production capacity and capability to make extrusions with large cross-sections for automotive Tier-1 suppliers and automotive OEMs.

Hydro’s Tønder extrusion plant is an integral part of automotive network as it supplies high-end components to European carmakers.

Senior vice president of Hydro’s Extrusion Europe business unit, Bruno D’hondt, said: “We are expecting rapid growth in the automotive industry’s use of extruded aluminium components in the coming years. This is in line with our strategy of lifting profitability and driving sustainability in our automotive business.”

As per the report, the new press at Tønder plant will share the same setup as the existing 12-inch automotive press at the sister plant in Székesfehérvár, Hungary. But it will use more advanced technology and promote low energy consumption. Extruded components made by the new press at Tønder will be used for electrical vehicles and hybrids. Extruded automotive components include battery frame applications, crash management systems, side sill inserts, side beams and longitudinal beams.

At the adjacent fabrication centre, profiles from the 12-inch press will be fabricated to advanced components that meet strict requirements from automotive customers.

The Tønder plant secures low-carbon and recycled aluminium from Hydro, having direct access to Hydro RESTORE recycled aluminium produced at the Sjunnen recycling operation in Sweden.

Further expansion of production capacity at Hydro Tønder extrusion plant is expected to create 40 new jobs. Mid-2024 is the scheduled year to extrude the first billet from the new press.