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Hydro Invests $53.5M in Pennsylvania Aluminum Extrusion Upgrade
Hydro has begun a $53.5 million modernization project at its Cressona, Pennsylvania, plant, replacing decades-old extrusion equipment with an advanced press line. The investment will improve manufacturing efficiency and support demand from automotive, transportation and electrical customers.
By Paul Ploumis
Published: October 29, 2026
Key Points
- Investment: $53.5 million for a new 5,900-tonne indirect aluminum extrusion press.
- Startup: Commercial operations expected in Q1 2028.
- Modernization: New automation and energy-efficient technology will replace equipment dating to the 1950s.
- U.S. expansion: Hydro plans more than $800 million in American manufacturing investments over five years.
MONTREAL (Scrap Monster): Norwegian aluminum producer Hydro broke ground on a $53.5 million modernization project at its Cressona, Pennsylvania, facility on October 27, 2026.
The project includes a new 5,900-tonne indirect aluminum extrusion press line, with commercial operations expected to begin in the first quarter of 2028.
Replacing equipment dating to the 1950s, the new line will incorporate Industry 4.0 technology, advanced automation and improved energy efficiency. Hydro expects the upgrade to enhance productivity, product consistency and workplace safety.
The expanded capabilities will support demand for precision-engineered aluminum profiles used in commercial transportation, automotive manufacturing and electrical applications.
Hydro Expands U.S. Manufacturing Investment
Mike Hammer, Vice President and General Manager of Hydro Extrusion North America's Industrial and Distribution Region, said the investment will improve efficiency, expand production capabilities and enhance product quality.
The Cressona project forms part of Hydro's plan to invest more than $800 million in U.S. manufacturing operations over the next five years. The company has already invested over $150 million at the Pennsylvania facility during the past three years.
However, Hydro cautioned that changing U.S. tariffs on specialized manufacturing equipment imported from Europe could increase capital costs and complicate future investment decisions.
ScrapMonster Edge: Press Capacity Is Not Annual Aluminum Output
The new press's 5,900-tonne rating describes its extrusion force, not the quantity of aluminum it will produce annually.
Industry significance: The upgrade will expand Hydro's ability to manufacture demanding aluminum profiles, but the company has not disclosed the line's expected annual production tonnage. That distinction matters when assessing future supply capacity.
