Hydro Aluminum adds fabrication equipment, expands services at South Carolina plant

Hydro Aluminum's Extrusion Americas unit, Linthicum, Md., is in the midst of a project that increases capacity and upgrades products and services at its manufacturing facility in Belton, S.C. The plant currently produces aluminum extrusions for windows and doors, electrical parts such as busbars, leisure products such as swimming pools, and a variety of industrial parts.

The 18-month program has included the installation of a digitally controlled double miter saw that increases fabrication capacity and capabilities. Changes to the site's paint line are intended to improve finish quality and consistency. Upgrades to three extrusion presses include a new die slide for the facility's 3,600-ton press. The slide helps reduce die changeover time.

The project also includes streamlining maintenance and service to help reduce equipment downtime, improve work flow, and increase productivity. Hydro expects to complete the work by December.

According to Hydro, the enhancements open up opportunities for the company to pursue new regional business in industrial markets it has not traditionally served.

The Belton facility covers more than 150,000 sq. ft. and employs 155 people.

Hydro is a supplier of aluminum and aluminum products.