Hydro investing NOK 390 million for a new automotive extrusion press at aluminium plant in Suzhou, China

According to a recent report, Hydro is opening a new automotive extrusion press at its aluminium manufacturing plant in Suzhou, China, by investing NOK 390 million. The new P60 12-inch press will expand the extrusion capacity at Suzhou, along with the expansion of the plant.

The extrusion press will manufacture automotive components, including crash management systems, such as bumper beams and crash boxes, as well as side sill inserts, side beams, and longitudinal beams.

Besides, the new press will support other customer needs ranging from mill-finished extrusions to fabricated assemblies. 

Executive vice president Paul Warton, who leads Hydro’s Extrusions business, said: “We’ve succeeded in building a platform in China toward the e-vehicle market, but we need more capacity to satisfy the market’s demand for high-end and safety-critical components. This is directly in line with our strategy and it is why we are making this investment now.”

Hydro expects the investment to create 75 new jobs in Suzhou as it comes into operation in mid-2023.

Senior vice president Erik Fossum, who is responsible for the Chinese operation as head of the Precision Tubing business unit, said: “The new press will play an important role in helping us secure long-term customer business and will support our global product offering with a strong presence in China. We are very excited about the decision to continue investing in China.”

Hydro Extrusions supplies tailored aluminium components and solutions to all industries, catering automotive, building and construction, electronics, offshore and maritime industries. The company employs 21,000 people in 40 countries.