Hydro has announced that it will close the fabrication business unit in Drunen, Netherlands, due to challenging market conditions. This will affect around 40 employees and is expected to be completed by Q1 2020.

“The closure is due to the challenging European market, particularly in trailer construction, which represents a large part of the production in Drunen. Despite several measures taken recent years to improve the situation, it has not been possible to turn the negative development, according to Hydro press release.

“Employees, the Works Council, trade unions and other stakeholders have been informed and Hydro will work hard to ensure the restructuring process is carried out in a professional and respectful way for all parties involved.”

Hydro has also planned to invest €4.4 million in new machinery in the Pole Products business unit in Drunen. The investment will strengthen the competitive position in the market and ensure continued operations in Drunen.

“The Pole Products business unit will be relocated and integrated into the extrusion unit. The relocation will lead to logistical and production-technical benefits, as well as other business benefits that in total will strengthen the competitive position for Hydro in Drunen,” Hydro said.

The company also operates production facilities in Harderwijk and Hoogezand in the Netherlands. The facilities offer innovative products and solutions to aluminium extrusion customers. （From Alcircle)