By thoroughly modernizing the electrical features, automation and process control of the hot mill at Holmestrand, Hydro is further developing the facility further and securing a high long-term performance.

The Holmestrand plant, employing a workforce of more than 300, is one of Hydro's two aluminium rolling mills in Norway among a global network of seven rolled products plants.

"The investment is good news for Holmestrand. Our engineers and craftsmen on site are constantly adjusting their facilities for optimum performance. Together with this expenditure, we strengthen a good, longer-term perspective for the Holmestrand plant," says Manfred Mertens, head of the Packaging & Building business unit in Hydro's Rolled Products business area.

"We are pleased with this measure and will directly start realizing it," says Martin Sagen, managing director of the aluminium rolling mill in Holmestrand. "It will help us to fulfill our strategic goals of safe, productive operations and jobs, satisfying our customers with high-quality products, delivered on time."

The Holmestrand plant also offers excellent local lacquering operations, supplying European customers with painted strip for building applications, tea-light cups and for packaging, e.g. food cans.

The casthouse of the Holmestrand plant ranks among the most experienced aluminium recyclers in Norway. Currently, it supports a campaign with IKEA to collect and remelt used tea-light cups. The campaign aims to strengthen a potentially infinite loop of recycling and re-use, as aluminium can be recycled forever and again with no loss in quality.