Norsk Hydro: Hydro to close five European extrusion plants
Rhea-AI Summary
Hydro (OTC:NHYDY) proposes to close five European extrusion plants — Cheltenham and Bedwas (UK), Lüdenscheid (Germany), Feltre (Italy) and Drunen (Netherlands) — with a formal consultation starting immediately and potential closures during 2026.
The proposal affects 730 employees, involves eight extrusion presses and three recycling units, and aims to strengthen long‑term competitiveness by optimizing the European extrusion footprint.
Financial impacts for Q4 2025 include an estimated NOK 1.9 billion total restructuring cost (including NOK 460 million impairment and NOK 1.25 billion provisions), an NOK 50–100 million hit to Adjusted EBITDA, and expected run‑rate improvements in excess of NOK 0.5 billion per year.
Positive
- Run‑rate savings expected to exceed NOK 0.5 billion per year
- Consolidated footprint will retain 28 extrusion plants and 5 recycling facilities in Europe
- Continued market presence with commitments to serve customers from other Hydro locations
Negative
- Total restructuring cost estimated at NOK 1.9 billion
- Impairment charges of NOK 460 million and provisions of NOK 1.25 billion in Q4 2025
- Adjusted EBITDA impact of around NOK 50–100 million in Q4 2025
- Jobs affected: 730 employees at five plants
News Market Reaction
On the day this news was published, NHYDY declined 0.46%, reflecting a mild negative market reaction.
Data tracked by StockTitan Argus on the day of publication.
Key Figures
Market Reality Check
Peers on Argus
NHYDY gained 1.84% while peers were mixed: IVPAF up 6.41%, FQVLF up slightly, NDEKY slightly down, and others flat, suggesting a stock-specific move rather than a broad aluminum-sector trend.
Historical Context
| Date | Event | Sentiment | Move | Catalyst |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nov 26 | Plant closures plan | Negative | -0.5% | Proposed closure of five European extrusion plants and major restructuring costs. |
| Nov 18 | New credit lines | Positive | -1.5% | Signed USD 1,600m and USD 800m sustainability-linked revolving credit facilities. |
| Nov 14 | Power plant investment | Positive | -1.9% | Final investment decision for Illvatn pumped storage power plant supporting aluminium operations. |
| Oct 24 | Q3 2025 results | Positive | -3.2% | Solid Q3 2025 results with strong cash flow and cost reduction program announcement. |
| Oct 17 | Earnings reminder | Neutral | +0.1% | Reminder of upcoming Q3 2025 results release and investor webinar details. |
Recent history shows several positive or strategic announcements followed by negative price reactions, suggesting a tendency for shares to trade lower on good news.
Over recent months, Hydro has combined cost discipline with strategic investment. Q3 2025 results showed NOK 5,996m adjusted EBITDA and a workforce and cost reduction program targeting NOK 1bn annual savings from 2026. The company approved a NOK 2.5bn Illvatn power investment and signed new sustainability-linked credit facilities totaling USD 2.4bn. Today’s extrusion plant closure proposal, with NOK 1.9bn restructuring costs and >NOK 0.5bn annual run-rate improvements, continues this focus on long-term competitiveness and efficiency.
Market Pulse Summary
This announcement outlines a major restructuring of Hydro’s European extrusion footprint, with five plants proposed for closure in 2026, affecting 730 employees. The plan implies a NOK 1.9 billion restructuring cost and a NOK 50–100 million Adjusted EBITDA impact in Q4 2025, but expected run-rate improvements above NOK 0.5 billion per year. Investors may track progress on consultation outcomes, timing of closures, actual cost realization, and whether projected efficiency gains materialize.
Key Terms
adjusted EBITDA financial
run rate financial
AI-generated analysis. Not financial advice.
Hydro has decided to consolidate the Extrusions operations in Europe with a proposal to close five of its European plants. This move is made to optimize the extrusion footprint in Europe and strengthen competitiveness.
The decision will affect Hydro Extrusions’ production plants in Cheltenham and Bedwas in the UK, Lüdenscheid in Germany, Feltre in Italy, and Drunen in the Netherlands. A formal consultation process with employee representatives at the affected plants will begin immediately. If confirmed, the sites will be closed during 2026.
The decision to optimize the European extrusion footprint is based on a detailed review and analysis of the performance and market situation, with the aim to strengthen the long-term competitiveness of Hydro Extrusions’ business in Europe.
“The reality in the European market requires decisive action. Decisions like this never come easy, but they are necessary. We will carry out the process with full focus on safety, and with a commitment to treat everyone affected fairly and with respect,” says President and CEO, Eivind Kallevik.
The proposed closure affects 730 employees across the five plants. The plants have a combined total of eight extrusion presses, various added value processes and three recycling units.
“We will continue to have a strong presence in the European markets, and we are determined to serve our customers with dedication and a high service level,” says Kallevik.
Hydro remains fully committed to the European extrusion markets, and the proposed changes will not affect the commitments and service levels to customers. If the decision to close is confirmed, customers that are currently being served by the affected locations will receive their products from other Hydro locations.
Hydro Pole Products, currently consolidated with the Drunen plant, will not be affected by the restructuring.
After the proposed changes, Hydro will have 28 extrusion plants and five recycling facilities in the Extrusion Europe business unit and a total of 7,000 employees.
The total restructuring cost is estimated to NOK 1.9 billion, with NOK 460 million of impairment charges and NOK 1.25 billion of provisions expected to be taken in Q4 2025. Costs of around NOK 50-100 million will impact the Adjusted EBITDA in Q4 2025. The expected run rate improvements from the restructuring are in excess of NOK 0.5 billion per year.
Investor contact:
Elitsa Blessi
+47 91775472
Elitsa.Blessi@hydro.com
Media contact:
Anders Vindegg
+47 93864271
Anders.Vindegg@hydro.com
This information is subject to the disclosure requirements pursuant to Section 5-12 the Norwegian Securities Trading Act
FAQ
Which five Hydro extrusion plants are proposed for closure and when will they close (NHYDY)?
How many employees will be affected by Hydro's proposed closures (NHYDY)?
What is the estimated cost and accounting impact of Hydro's restructuring (NHYDY) in Q4 2025?
What annual savings does Hydro expect from the European extrusion consolidation (NHYDY)?
Will Hydro stop serving customers in affected regions after the plant closures (NHYDY)?
Does the restructuring affect Hydro Pole Products or total workforce (NHYDY)?
