Hydro has increased the manufacture of extruded medical components at its facility in Cressona, Pennsylvania. The components will be used for the manufacture of medical and other necessary equipment within the U.S.
Michael Hammer, operations manager at Cressona, stated, “I can confirm we are making and expediting orders to produce aluminum extrusions used to make components for medical equipment — ventilators, hospital bed frames, analyzer chassis for coronavirus test kits, medical gas (oxygen) carts, parts to manufacture MRIs, etc.”
In addition to extrusions for medical equipment the site also manufactures extrusions for emergency response equipment and key infrastructure components, such as electrical conductors and conduits.
Effect of Novel Corona Virus on Overall Operations
With 36,000 employees and operations in more than 40 countries, Hydro is a truly global company — with significant exposure to the coronavirus outbreak. In the face of the continually changing situation, Hydro has been reducing or halting production at some of its sites as customers reduce or call off their orders. The company notes that it has seen the automotive and building and construction segments as being the most effected — particularly in southern Europe.
Consequently, Extruded Solutions is reducing and temporarily closing some of its activities in France, Spain, and Italy, and the Primary Metal business area will temporarily idle two European recycling operations in France and Luxembourg.
Currently, the company’s rolled products business, primary aluminum smelters, bauxite and alumina operations, and energy plants are mostly running as normal.
Hydro stated that it would continue to take the necessary measures to adapt to the situation, depending on further governmental measures in various countries and regions and changes on the demand side in various segments.
In general, Hydro is working to implement firm actions to protect its people and business. “My top priority is the safety and wellbeing of all employees and contractors in Hydro,” said Hilde Merete Aasheim, president and CEO of Hydro. “As a global, responsible company, Hydro is taking part in the collective effort to help mitigate the situation, while limiting impact on our operations, to the extent possible.”