News and press releases

Hydro, FP&L project featured in New York Times

In an agreement with FP&L, Hydro will supply custom extrusions to Florida’s newest thermal solar facility.

Hydro closes aluminum tubing plant in Michigan

Hydro has discontinued production and closed the doors at its aluminum tubing plant in Michigan, ending 70 years of manufacturing operations at its Adrian site.

Hydro recycles 200 million pounds of aluminum in 2009

Hydro’s Extrusion Americas unit reported recycling more than 207 million pounds of scrap aluminum in 2009. Of this, nearly 20 percent was post-consumer waste. The balance was post-industrial waste.

Fourth quarter 2009: Upstream results weak, downstream and energy activities improve

Hydro had an underlying loss before financial items and tax of NOK 651 million in the fourth quarter of 2009, compared with a loss of NOK 793 million in the previous quarter, firming slightly on higher realized aluminium prices. Hydro reached a major milestone in December with the start-up of the first cell at Qatalum, and production from all 704 cells at the world-leading aluminium plant in Qatar is expected by fourth quarter 2010.

Hydro, Abengoa: Harnessing the sun's power

Hydro is partnering with Abengoa Solar, Inc to install a solar thermal system in Colorado.

Hydro releases Extrusion Academy schedule for 2010

Hydro’s Extrusion Americas unit will expand its educational program to include nearly 20 complimentary seminars in 2010 throughout North America. Hydro’s Extrusion Academies are half-day technical workshops specifically targeted to industrial product designers and engineers, but also appropriate for anyone concerned with extrusion fabrication and manufacturing.

Aiming for global lead on reducing climate emissions from primary aluminum production

After having already reduced direct emissions from primary production by 70 percent since 1990 – equal to a staggering three tonnes CO2-equivalents per tonne metal produced – Hydro aims to curb emissions even further and take global lead in the aluminum industry within the global fight against climate change.

Hydro aluminium on award-winning building

The Tornado Tower in Doha, Qatar, which features aluminium building systems from Hydro's brand Wicona, has won a major international architectural award,

Hydro opens recycling center at Alunorf plant

Hydro, Europe's leading aluminium company, today opened a new 50,000-tonne remelting facility at the Alunorf plant in Neuss, Germany. This brings Hydro's total recycling capacity in Germany to 150,000 tonnes of high-quality aluminium and helps to reduce carbon emissions.

Hydro releases updated manual for designers working with extruded aluminum

Authoritative guide now available on interactive CD

Third quarter 2009: Results reflect continued weak markets, volumes rise on restocking

Hydro had an underlying loss before financial items and tax of NOK 793 million (138.9 million USD) in the third quarter, compared with a loss of NOK 618 million (108.4 million USD) in the previous quarter, reflecting the frail global economy, low aluminum prices and a weakening US dollar. Downstream results continued to improve, supported by higher volumes and cost saving measures.

Hydro divests automotive structures activities

Norsk Hydro ASA has today entered into an agreement to divest its automotive structures business to Benteler Automobiltechnik GmbH, the automotive division of the large German industrial enterprise Benteler Group with headquarters in Paderborn, Germany. The agreement represents a solid, long-term industrial solution for Hydro`s automotive structures activities, and is in line with Hydro’s strategy to focus its extruded activities on profiles solutions and building systems.

Hydro steps up aluminum recycling

Hydro is currently stepping up its activities in aluminium recycling.

Hydro joins aluminum research in Japan

Hydro and several of Norway’s leading research organizations have agreed to collaborate with a Japanese university and technology institute in investigating some of the most demanding challenges related to aluminum alloys.

New Hydro investment in Ascent Solar

Hydro has entered into a securities purchase agreement with U.S. solar energy company Ascent Solar Technologies, Inc. Hydro's investment in common stock of Ascent Solar will be USD 5 million.

Aluminum in front at IAA 2009

Most of the world's leading automobile manufacturers are unveiling their newest models at the International Motor Show 2009 in Frankfurt. Hydro is right in front, delivering lightweight aluminum components and systems to many of these models.

Solar power getting its place in the sun

A large-scale solar energy farm that uses aluminum structures from Hydro is featured in the September issue of National Geographic magazine.

Hydro tops Dow Jones Sustainability Index rankings

Hydro scores highest among aluminum companies in this year’s Dow Jones Sustainability Index (DJSI) rankings. It’s the fourth year in a row.

Once again, Audi chooses Hydro's aluminum structures

Hydro has been asked to deliver the front crash management systems for one of Audi's future high-volume models, underlining the company's position as the leading global supplier of lightweight crash management components.

Hydro offers white paper for solar support systems

A new White Paper on aluminum extrusion for solar support structures is now available from Hydro Extrusion Americas.

Hydro CEO: Aluminum prices flattening, no turn yet

Aluminum demand is showing signs of flattening out after a long downturn, but there's no plan yet to restart curtailed production capacity, the chief executive of Norsk Hydro said.

Hydro lands Bohn order for aluminum tubing

Bohn Mexico, one of the best-known suppliers of refrigeration components in North America, has elected to replace its copper tubes with aluminum tubing from Hydro. The substitution of materials will affect about one-third of Bohn's production of evaporators in the heating, ventilation, air-conditioning and refrigeration market.

Hydro Aluminum extruded frames selected for world’s first hybrid solar facility

Regional production will supply Florida generating station with sophisticated support structures for 180,000 collecting mirrors.

Second quarter 2009: Solid cash flow and cost savings, markets remain weak

Hydro had an underlying loss before financial items of NOK 618 million in the second quarter, compared with a NOK 493 million loss in the first quarter, as the weak global economy continued to weigh on historically low aluminium markets. Results in downstream operations improved due to seasonally stronger demand and swift adjustments made early in the downturn.

Hydro presents second quarter results

Hydro's second quarter results 2009 will be released at 07:30 CET (01:30 AM EST, 06:30 UK time), on Wednesday July 22, 2009. The quarterly report and presentation slides will be made available on the company's website at the same time.

Hydro increases range of energy-efficient building systems

Hydro has added key competence to support its ambition to help with the development of more energy-efficient buildings, following the acquisition of the business of the French company Solarys Système.

New test center for intelligent building solutions

The new "Wicona Test Center" – one of the most advanced of its kind – opens a window to an energy-efficient future for buildings. Centrally localized in Germany, the center is a showcase for Hydro's advanced building systems of aluminum.

Hydro's value chain

Experience how aluminum touches on the various aspects of our lives.

Aluminium use at all-time high

More than ever, aluminum is being used in North America-produced passenger cars and trucks. The light metal accounts for 8.6 percent of average vechicle curb weight this year, compared to 2 percent in 1970 and 5.1 percent in 1990.

GM, Chrysler announcements sting Hydro

Hydro does not rule out further reductions in its production of extruded aluminum automotive components and systems as result of the announcements that automakers General Motors and Chrysler are suspending vehicle production at most of their assembly plants in North America.

Economic downturn leads to first-quarter losses

Hydro had an underlying loss before financial items of NOK 493 million in the first quarter of 2009, down from an underlying EBIT of NOK 868 million in the previous quarter. The results reflect the deepening global economic downturn, with historically low aluminum prices and a further fall in already weak downstream markets.

Hydro, leading in corporate governance, financial disclosure procedures and investor relations

For the second year in a row Hydro has been named the best company in terms of corporate governance, financial disclosure procedures and investor relations in the category "Basic materials industry" of the widely recognized IR Global Rankings.

Bentley chooses coated aluminum tube from Hydro for flex-fuel vehicle

The compatibility of aluminum with alternative fuels is an important topic for automotive applications. Hydro has already passed one test: It is delivering coated aluminum tubes for Bentley's dazzling new flexible-fuel vehicle.

Toyota gives top honor to Hydro innovation

Toyota has just presented its Global Technology & Development Award to Hydro – the No. 1 supplier of aluminum bumper beams.

Hydro to close precision tubing plant in Michigan

Hydro has decided to consolidate its aluminium precision tubing operations in North America as result of the extremely challenging situation in the automotive industry, and will consequently close its aluminium tubing plant in Michigan.

Hydro delists from Euronext Paris

March 24 will be the last trading day for the Hydro share on Euronext Paris. Hydro was originally listed on the Paris stock exchange in 1909.

Annual reporting 2008: Up to the challenge

"Record sales and historic high prices for aluminum gave way to a free fall in demand and an aluminum price at the lowest point in decades. We experience how quickly and how deeply everything can change – and how vital it is to act upon what is happening, not what you hope will happen,” Hydro President and CEO Eivind Reiten and Executive Vice President and incoming CEO Svein Richard Brandtzaeg say in the company’s annual reporting, published on Hydro’s internet site www.hydro.com.

Results fall on write-downs, weak markets

Hydro's underlying EBIT was NOK 868 million in the fourth quarter, including inventory write-downs of about NOK 700 million. Underlying EBIT amounted to NOK 1,490 million in the third quarter and 1,699 million in the fourth quarter of 2007. Hydro's results for the quarter reflect the ongoing financial crisis, which has led to a dramatic drop in aluminum prices as a result of a sharp fall in global demand.

Svein Richard Brandtzaeg new chief executive of Hydro

Svein Richard Brandtzaeg has been named chief executive of Norsk Hydro ASA, following the resignation of Eivind Reiten, effective March 30, 2009. Reiten has informed the Board of Directors that he wishes to step down after nearly eight years heading the company.

Third quarter 2008: Result hit by falling markets and input cost pressures

Hydro's underlying income from continuing operations was NOK 968 million in the third quarter of 2008, down from NOK 1,335 million in the previous quarter and NOK 2,114 million in the same quarter last year, mainly due to seasonally lower demand in weakening markets and continued pressure on upstream input costs.

Hydro tops sustainability index – again

Hydro scored highest among aluminum companies in this year’s Dow Jones Sustainability Index ranking, for the third year in a row.

Closer to the power of the sun

A Hydro team headed by President and CEO Eivind Reiten rubbed shoulders with more than 20,000 visitors at the world’s largest solar conference held in Valencia, Spain, where 715 companies from across the solar value chain were showcasing their latest products and technologies to harvest the power of the sun.

Hydro Aluminum North America Contributes Engineering and Fabrication to Award-Winning GO Camping Trailer

Hydro Aluminum Unit Announces Energy Surcharge Option

Strong Aluminum price offset by rising input costs

Hydro Aluminum's next solar project

Hydro Aluminum Adds Capacity, Sees Growth Potential at Guaymas, Mexico, Plant

Hydro continues cooperation with Save the Children

A new cooperation agreement with the Norwegian branch of Save the Children continues Hydro’s position as one of the most important supporters of the children’s rights organization.

Hydro's train film wins in Cannes

Hydro's train film went all the way to the top Saturday night during Cannes Lions 2008 International Advertising Festival. The film was awarded "Silver Lion", the top award in the category "Corporate" - considered to be a tough and prestigious category.

Sweet sound of aluminum

The good vibrations of Marimba One and Hydro: Making beautiful music together.

More awards for train film

Hydro recruiting film wins Clio.

Winning Hydro entry in 'Alufoil Trophy 2008'

Hydro’s aluminium customer ProTechT Solutions was among the winners of this years’ Alufoil Trophy, presented by The European Aluminium Foil Association.

Hydro Aluminum Adds New Equipment, Fabrication Services to Ohio plant

Strong operational performance, weak US dollar weighs down

Key financial information

Hydro invests in Taiwan remelt plant

Hydro has signed an agreement to acquire 45% ownership in Famco, a remelt plant, under construction, in Taiwan. Famco will have an initial annual production of about 75,000 tons of extrusion ingot.

Hydro expands extrusion activity with acquisition in Spain

Hydro has moved to the top level of the extrusion business in Spain following its acquisition of Expral s.a., a privately owned operation located near Madrid. The plant has two extrusion presses, more than 90 employees, and annual turnover of about €34 million. Further, the company is well established locally, having celebrated its 20th year of operations in 2007

Hydro aiding children in Tajikistan

Hydro is funding USD 150,000 of UNICEF’s aid program in Tajikistan. The money will be spent on helping the local population, especially children and mothers, survive the extreme winter conditions with severe sub-zero temperatures.

International Aluminum Extrusion Design Competition nears

The deadline for the ET Foundation’s International Aluminum Extrusion Design Competition is March 28, 2008.

Nevada Solar One dedicated

Nevada Solar One, the world's largest concentrating solar power plant to be built in 17 years, was dedicated on Friday, February 22, 2008, just outside Las Vegas. 

Strong 2007, Q4 hit by lower prices and weaker markets

Key Financial information
NOK million, except per share data	Fourth quarter 2007	Third quarter 2007	% change prior quarter	Fourth quarter 2006	% change prior year	Year 2007	Year 2006
Revenue	21,651	21,966	-1%	23,234	-7%	94,316	98,752
EBIT	338	2,013	-83%	(664)	151%	9,025	7,200
Items excluded	1,393	494		2,899		905	2,965
Underlying EBIT	1,731	2,507	-31%	2,235	-23%	9,930	10,165
Underlying EBIT
Aluminium Metal	1,364	1,945	-30%	1,755	-22%	8,041	8,127
Aluminium Products	74	288	-74%	260	-71%	1,353	1,294
Energy	341	207	65%	294	16%	1,184	1,464
Corporate and other	(49)	67	-174%	(75)	34%	(648)	(721)
Underlying EBIT	1,731	2,507	-31%	2,235	-23%	9,930	10,165
Income from continuing operations	527	2,792	-81%	324	63%	9,158	5,966
Underlying income from continuing operations	1,425	1,981	-28%	1,960	-27%	7,847	7,811
Earnings per share from continuing operations 1)	0.40	2.20	-82%	0.30	33%	7.20	4.60
Underlying earnings per share from continuing operations 1)	1.10	1.50	-27%	1.60	-31%	6.10	6.10
Financial data:
Investments	2,173	1,305	67%	1,855	17%	5,206	4,526
Adjusted net debt (net cash) 2)						(0.05)	0.10
1) Earnings per share from continuing operations and Underlying earnings per share from continuing operations are computed using the weighted average number of ordinary shares outstanding. There were no diluting elements. 2) Net interest-bearing debt adjusted for pension obligation (after tax) and present value of future obligations on operating leases

NEW Hydro Q3 results

Income lifted by currency gains, EBIT weaker

Preliminary results 2006: Record results, Q4 hit by write-downs

Hydro achieved record results for 2006, despite a weak fourth quarter due to asset write-downs and other special items. Continued high oil and gas prices, aluminum prices at historic levels and solid operational performance contributed to the annual result, providing a strong foundation for Hydro going forward.

Contest deadline extended! Enter now!

Hydro & ET Foundation Invite Student Entries for 2007 Design Competition: Students from around the globe will compete for recognition and money at the 2007 International Aluminum Extrusion Design Competition. Deadline for entries has been extened to February 23.

Hydro maintains leading role in automotive bumper beams market

Hydro has increased its share of the global market for automotive crash management systems. Product development capacity and complete value-chain management are two reasons why.

Environmental benefits in Hydro brazing technology

Hydro's new aluminum coating process is simplifying the brazing of heat exchangers for automotive applications, and achieving significant environmental benefits at the same time.

Focus on Rolled Products, Extrusion and Building Systems

Hydro will build on its leading position in Europe in rolled products, extruded aluminum and building systems. Along with increased production of aluminum and alumina - the raw material for making aluminum - this will be the main foundation for realizing the global ambitions of this focused aluminum company.

Stepping up global aluminum business development

Hydro is working on an extensive number of projects globally to expand its aluminum metal business. A top priority for Hydro's Aluminum Metal sector in 2007 is delivering new profitable bauxite, alumina and smelter opportunities.

Oil and gas activities to merge with Statoil

The Board of Directors of Hydro and Statoil have agreed to recommend to their shareholders a merger of Hydro's oil and gas activities with Statoil, creating the worlds largest offshore operator with a strengthened platform for future growth.

Capital Markets Day: The annual meeting point

A number of invited analysts and journalists met with President and CEO Eivind Reiten and members of Hydro's corporate management on Wednesday to be briefed on the company's operational and strategic situation.

Hydro Names Rhonda Wright Vice President Business Controller for Metals

Hydro has appointed Rhonda Wright as Vice President, Business Controller for its North American Aluminum Metal business unit. Wright has been with the company for seven years in various management roles. In this new position, she will be responsible for the financial and accounting functions of the business unit while developing and promoting further improvements within the organization.

Hydro & ET Foundation Invite Student Entries for 2007 Design Competition

Students from around the globe will compete for recognition and money at the 2007 International Aluminum Extrusion Design Competition. Deadline for entries is February 12.

Strong third quarter for Hydro

Hydro's net income for the third quarter of 2006 was NOK 4,804 million (NOK 3.90 per share), up from NOK 4,183 million (NOK 3.30 per share) in the third quarter of 2005.

Hydro Aluminum has recently made some key staff appoints

Hydro Aluminum has recently made some key staff appoints to its Ellenville, New York and St. Augustine, Florida Extruded Products Opertions:

Hydro tops Dow Jones Sustainability Index

Hydro has been named supersector leader in the Basic Materials sector of the 2006 Dow Jones Sustainability Index, which includes the aluminium sector.

Increased ownership in Slovalco to 55 percent

Hydro has acquired a majority position in the Slovakian aluminum company Slovalco. The investment confirms the long-standing relations between Hydro and Slovalco and the important role Slovalco plays for Hydro.

Leaner organization in Aluminum Products

Hydro is restructuring its Aluminum Products business area to support the new strategy and make it more flexible and market driven.

Strong second quarter from Hydro

Hydro's net income for the second quarter of 2006 amounted to NOK 5,394 million (NOK 4.30 per share), compared with NOK 3,577 million (NOK 2.90 per share) in the second quarter of 2005.

Hydro to sell Ellenville extrusion operations

Hydro announced today plans to divest its extrusion plant in Ellenville, N.Y., which produces drawn aluminum tubing used in the construction, consumer durables and other industries. Hydro has 360 employees in Ellenville, including those at the adjacent casthouse.

First quarter 2006: Another record result

Hydro's net income for the first quarter of 2006 amounted to NOK 5,869 million. Per share the result was NOK 23.50. "Hydro is enjoying record prices for both our energy and aluminum operations," says President and CEO Eivind Reiten.

Martin Carter addresses AEC

Martin Carter, President of Extrusion North America, was the industry keynote speaker at the Aluminum Extrusion Councils recent Annual Meeting.

Hydro at SAE

This week the business units most active in serving the North America transportation market joined to showcase Hydros capabilities at the SAE 2006 World Congress in Detroit. Hydro joined top suppliers like Behr, Motorola, Lear, and Webasto in SAEs Supplier Village along with OEMs GM, DaimlerChrysler, Ford, Toyota and Congress sponsor BMW.

Qatar Petroleum and Hydro sign joint venture agreement for world-class aluminum plant

Qatar Petroleum and Hydro have signed an agreement to form a joint venture for the development, construction and operation of a world-class aluminum plant in Qatar. The agreement marks an important step forward to build one of the worlds largest and most competitive primary aluminum plants.

Hydro Aluminum Releases Updated Extrusion Design Manual

 (Baltimore, MD - January 18, 2006) Hydro Aluminum has launched a revised and updated North American edition of its Extrusion Design Manual, a practical engineering and application guide to aluminum extrusions. This unique publication gives designers, engineers and product developers the technical guidelines they need to develop new uses for extruded aluminum.

Hydro Aluminum & ET Foundation Invite Entries for 2006 Design Competition

Baltimore, MD) Professionals and students from around the globe will compete for recognition - and money - at the 2006 International Aluminum Extrusion Design Competition. Deadline for entries is February 17, with winners announced in late March 2006 at the Annual Meeting & Leadership Conference of the Aluminum Extruders Council.

Hydro to continue operation of Hamburg aluminum casthouse

Hydro will take full ownership of the casthouse at Hamburger Aluminium-Werk (HAW). Today, the company signed a contract with representatives of the other HAW co-owners, Alcoa and AMAG, valid as of 1st January 2006.

Hydro strengthens aluminum position through Czech acquisition

Today Hydro agreed to acquire the business of Alulift, a Czech company offering aluminum fabricated products to the Czech and eastern European markets. Alulift adds value to aluminum extrusions through mechanical fabrication, specializing in robot welding and CNC milling. It also has a niche market in ready-made radar antennae.

New Head of Hydro Magnesium

Derrick Webb has been named as Head of Hydro Magnesium, part of Hydro Aluminum Automotive, effective November 15th 2005.

Hydro to participate in Alunorte alumina expansion

Hydro will participate in the investment to increase alumina capacity at the highly competitive Alunorte refinery in Brazil. The expansion will raise annual capacity by more than 40 percent to approximately 14.3 billion pounds, making the refinery the largest and most modern in the world.

Third quarter 2005: Best quarterly results ever

Hydro's income from continuing operations for the third quarter of 2005 amounted to NOK 4,183 million (NOK 16.60 per share), compared to NOK 2,480 million (NOK 9.80 per share) for the third quarter of 2004. "Hydro's third-quarter results are the company's best quarterly results ever," says President and CEO Eivind Reiten.

More strong results from Hydro in second quarter 2005

Consolidated results (US GAAP)

Hydro Aluminum's Metal Products Unit Names Sanna Frew, Vice President of Operations, Metal

 (Baltimore, MD - July 18, 2005) Sanna Frew joins Hydro Aluminum's North America Metal Products organization as the new Vice President of Operations. In her role, Frew will have bottom line responsibilities for all six North American casthouses. She will be focusing on safety initiatives and production efficiencies and will report directly to Ketil Heggestad, Senior Vice President, Metal Products.

Hydro to expand casting capacity in Sunndal

To support its continuing growth in North America, Hydro AluminumMetal Products has made the following organizational appointments:

New appointments to better support the Metal Products organization

To support its continuing growth in North America, Hydro AluminumMetal Products has made the following organizational appointments:

Visteon honors Hydro as "Best in Class"

Hydro Aluminium's precision tubing plant in Tønder, Denmark, has been named as a Visteon Important Partner exemplifying "Best in Class" performance, going above-and-beyond to meet Visteon's needs and expectations.

Hydro to organize Aluminium business area for global growth

Oslo, December 20: Hydro will streamline its aluminium organization to better support its global growth ambitions in the aluminium industry.

Plans for world-class aluminium project in Qatar

Hydro and Qatar Petroleum have signed an agreement to develop one of the world's largest aluminium plants in Qatar. Planned capacity will be 570,000 tonnes of primary aluminium in the first phase. Total project costs are estimated to USD 3 billion. Hydro's share of the investment will be around USD 1.5 billion.

New Architectural Sales Manager to Expand Patio Doors Market

Edward Woods has joined Hydro Aluminum North America as Architectural Sales Manager. He will head up sales and marketing for Hydros patio door program at the companys Cassville, Missouri facility, where the doors are manufactured.

Recognition for sustainability

Hydro has again this year been included in the FTSE4Good index of companies.