Hydro Modernizes Pennsylvania Plant with New $53.5M Extrusion Press Line

Aluminum  |  2026-10-29 06:17:35   |   By

The investment will replace equipment dating back to the 1950s with advanced manufacturing technology designed to improve productivity, product consistency and workplace safety.

Summary

  • Hydro Announces $53.5 Million Modernization Project

    Hydro will invest $53.5 million in its Cressona, Pennsylvania, facility to install a new 5,900-tonne indirect aluminum extrusion press line. Commercial operations are scheduled to begin in the first quarter of 2028.

  • New Technology to Improve Productivity and Efficiency

    The project will replace equipment dating back to the 1950s with advanced manufacturing technology featuring Industry 4.0 capabilities, greater automation and improved energy efficiency. The upgrade is expected to enhance production capacity, product consistency and workplace safety.

  • Expansion Supports Broader U.S. Investment Strategy

    The Cressona project forms part of Hydro's plan to invest more than $800 million in its U.S. manufacturing operations over the next five years. The company has already invested over $150 million in the Cressona facility during the past three years, while warning that changing U.S. tariffs on specialized European equipment could increase capital costs.

SEATTLE (Scrap Monster): Hydro has launched a $53.5 million modernization project at its Cressona, Pennsylvania, facility, said an October 27 news release. The company plans to construct a new 5,900-tonne indirect aluminum extrusion press line, the commercial operations of which are scheduled to commence during the first quarter of 2028.

The investment will replace equipment dating back to the 1950s with advanced manufacturing technology designed to improve productivity, product consistency and workplace safety. The new press line will incorporate Industry 4.0 capabilities, greater automation and improved energy efficiency. Hydro expects the additional capacity to support rising demand for precision-engineered aluminum profiles across various sectors, including transportation, automotive and electrical.

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Mike Hammer, Vice President and General Manager of Hydro Extrusion North America’s Industrial and Distribution Region, said the project would expand production capabilities while improving efficiency and product quality.

The Cressona expansion forms part of Hydro’s broader commitment to its American manufacturing operations.  It plans to invest more than $800 million over the next five years. Hydro has also invested over $150 million in Cressona during the past three years.

Meanwhile, Hydro has cautioned that changing U.S. tariff policies on specialized equipment imported from Europe could increase capital expenditure and complicate industrial investment decisions.