Norsk Hydro's Sapa reopens UK plant to supply Geely's electric vehicle production

By Johan De Mulder

Norsk Hydro's alumunium components producer Sapa is reopening one of its UK plants to supply Geely's factory for electric vehicles.

Sapa closed a number of its units, including the soon-to-be rejuvenated site in Bedwas, Wales, back in 2014 but growth in the auto sector has led to its reversal.

Chinese manufacturer Geely opened the UK's first electric vehicle factory in March with the aim of producing 10,000 electric black cabs a year for both domestic and international markets.

See also:


It has been working closely with Sapa since 2015, when the pair partnered to develop aluminium prototypes and components for the vehicles.

The reopening of the Bedwas plant is expected to cost Sapa £9.6mn, with a target workforce of 130 employees. 

"This was the first plant we had to sacrifice, but it is also the first one to be reopened," said John Thuestad, Sapa’s head of extrusions for Europe, to Reuters.

"The auto sector is only 15 percent of our (global) business, but it is currently driving the majority of our growth."

Share

Featured Articles

Abu Dhabi Airports prepares for Terminal A opening

A decade in the making, Abu Dhabi International Airport welcomes 6,000 volunteers to test operational readiness of stunning new Terminal A building

Business Chief expands portfolio with new look and coverage

Business Chief Middle East & Africa launches with fresh new look and extended coverage of the region, with exclusive executive interviews and insights

How Octopus Energy grew to become an industry giant

Octopus Energy continues to grow after a deal was agreed to acquire Shell Energy in the UK and Germany, taking its customer base to almost seven million

Perkbox CEO: How to support employees through tough times

Human Capital

How Middle East is embracing the future of digital finance

Corporate Finance

UAE Lulu Group shifts business for global growth and IPO

Corporate Finance