Three Key Facts:
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- A $100 million investment increases Cressona’s recycling capacity by over 50,000 tons annually, supporting more than 1,100 jobs.
- Cuts Hydro’s carbon footprint by 5% while modernizing and streamlining operations.
- Strengthens Pennsylvania’s $116 billion manufacturing sector, employing over 500,000 residents.
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Norwegian aluminum producer Norsk Hydro ASA is investing nearly $100 million in its Cressona, Pennsylvania, plant to expand operations and meet rising market demand. This investment will support over 1,100 local jobs, solidify Hydro Cressona’s position as North America’s largest aluminum extrusion site, and help Pennsylvania meet growing demand for sustainably-made aluminum in construction and building trades.
Increased consumer interest, combined with incentives in the Biden-Harris Inflation Reduction Act, is accelerating the shift toward low-carbon materials. Hydro’s investments capitalize on this opportunity.
“These investments strengthen our ability to produce innovative alloys and offer customers products with a high recycled content and lower carbon footprint. We anticipate strong demand for these locally supplied, greener products and are excited to help drive the circular economy in North America,” said Paul Warton, Executive Vice President of Hydro Extrusions.
The Cressona plant recently unveiled a state-of-the-art indirect extrusion press, a $50 million investment that replaces equipment dating back to the 1930s and significantly boosts productivity. The plant is now equipped to process over 64,000 tons of post-consumer aluminum scrap annually. An additional $49 million was invested to build a full-scale recycling operation inside the plant, streamlining processes.
Economic and Environmental Benefits
As the largest aluminum extrusion facility in North America, Hydro Cressona produces more than 250 million pounds of aluminum extrusions each year for the automotive, commercial transportation, distribution, and infrastructure industries. The process involves shaping aluminum by pushing it through a die with a specific opening.
Aluminum’s infinite recyclability and lower environmental impact make it a key player in the shift toward a circular economy. Increasing recycling capacity will allow Hydro to cut its carbon footprint by 5%.
At a recent ribbon-cutting ceremony, Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro highlighted the project’s significance. “This investment underscores why Pennsylvania is a leader in advanced manufacturing, creating long-term opportunities for families and businesses,” he said.
The expansion strengthens Hydro’s ability to support Pennsylvania’s $116 billion manufacturing industry, which employs over half a million Pennsylvanians.
Historical Context and Future Outlook
The Cressona facility has been a key part of Schuylkill County for nearly 80 years. Originally built during World War II, it has evolved into one of the nation’s most critical aluminum production sites.
Hydro acquired the facility in 2017 and has since invested tens of millions to modernize operations, boosting the region’s manufacturing sector. This latest expansion secures the plant’s role in the industry and helps preserve American jobs.
Hydro’s Cressona project follows other recent U.S. expansions in Henderson, Kentucky, and Cassopolis, Michigan. Norsk Hydro also operates three additional facilities in Pennsylvania: in MountFINAL ain Top (Luzerne County), Moon Township (Allegheny County), and Bensalem Township (Bucks County).
