It's not going too far to describe the restructuring of Herøya after 2001 as exemplary,” says Mayor of Porsgrunn Øystein Beyer, a participant at Hydro’s seminar for the political community in Oslo on Thursday.
“Many were saddened and angry when the decision was made to close down the magnesium production plant – Hydro was for most people synonymous with safe jobs. Even though a fragmentation has taken place in subsequent years, we’ve also gained greater diversity, and industry in the Grenland region has emerged stronger than it was before,” he states.
Beyer was one of many local politicians that followed Hydro’s seminar with great interest.
“We’ve seen old and polluting plants replaced, with new industries and activities moving in. Hydro has played an active part in this development,” he comments.
Beyer goes on to say that Hydro, in his opinion, has also done a good job, both in informing and involving all parties throughout the restructuring process, and as host of the Herøya Industrial and Business Park.
“Of course, last month’s announcement regarding a new magnesium initiative is excellent news. Even after all that has happened in recent years, in Porsgrunn we have never written off an industrial future for Hydro at Herøya. That’s still the case – all the more so, actually,” adds Beyer.
During Thursday’s seminar in Oslo he called for closer cooperation with Hydro regarding the development of energy efficient buildings. “It’s also important for municipalities to build for the future, and we have considerable investments underway.”
