Aluminum manufacturer announces $100M expansion; 60 jobs could be added

Hydro, a global supplier of extruded aluminum for the construction, transportation, infrastructure and energy industries, said it is investing $100 million to build a 96,000-square-foot facility next to its existing factory in Cressona.

According to a press release, a new building is needed because the existing facility is limited by its World War Two-era design. Commissioned by the U.S. government during the war, the factory incorporates hardened features intended to protect it from attack.

The addition will provide new manufacturing capabilities that Hydro needs to compete in the automotive market.

The company also plans improve infrastructure at the existing facility, as well as add and modernize equipment, in an effort to increase reliability and efficiency.

“Our growth in the automotive segment is something Hydro is very proud of, and we are pleased to invest additional assets here in Pennsylvania,” Charles Straface, business area president for Extrusion North America at Hydro, said in a statement.

The 60 new jobs that Hydro said it plans to add over the next three years will add to its current roster of 1,307 jobs.

Some of the money for the expansion is coming from the state.

Hydro received a $950,000 Pennsylvania First Grant from the Department of Community and Economic Development, as well as $120,000 in tax credits that will be allocated after the new jobs are created.

The company also secured $40,000 in WEDnetPA funding to support incumbent worker training.

In addition, Gov. Tom Wolf’s office said Hydro may be eligible for the Manufacturing Tax Credit Program, the Research and Development Tax Credit, and the Qualified Manufacturing Innovation and Reinvestment Deduction.

The project was coordinated by the Governor’s Action Team.