Norwegian aluminum producer Norsk Hydro has completed the ramp-up of its B Line at Husnes, Norway, taking the plant to full capacity after more than 10 years.
In November last year, Hydro started the process of firing up 200 electrolytic cells at this smelter, reaching 100 cells in March 2021. Now, the plant has reached its full annual capacity of 195,000mt of primary aluminum after B Line was shut in 2009. Hydro noted in a statement on Wednesday that 100 new employees have been hired to overlook production and have played a role in the quick restart. The aluminum maker invested NOK1.5bn ($176mn) to complete this process.
As part of Hydro’s low carbon initiatives, the company has also produced recycled aluminum raw material under its Circal brand to supply to Vestre. The latter will now manufacture benches and tables using the recycled material. Hydro continues to accelerate development on its low-carbon aluminum products while using 100pc hydropower for all its smelters across Norway.