OSLO, NORWAY: Elkem ASA has decided to partially curtail its production in Norway by temporarily shutting down two furnaces – one in Thamshavn and one in Rana. The decision will have no impact on customers or employees.

“We have decided to utilise a period with somewhat lower sales to bring forward planned maintenance and improvement work to position for the future. This will enable lower production costs once stronger market conditions return,” says Elkem’s senior vice president for Silicon Products, Inge A. Grubben-Strømnes.

Elkem will invest a total of around NOK 200 million in maintenance and improvement at the two smelters. As a result, Thamshavn and Rana will each have one furnace out for approximately two months. Elkem’s plant in Thamshavn mainly produces silicon while the plant in Rana mainly produces ferrosilicon.

“Elkem is well-positioned with long-term power contracts securing the company’s electricity consumption in Norway at competitive rates. The current market uncertainty underlines why it is so important for the industry to secure competitive and predictable framework conditions through changing business cycles,” Grubben-Strømnes adds.

Elkem is one of the world’s leading providers of advanced silicon-based materials shaping a better and more sustainable future. The company develops silicones, silicon products and carbon solutions by combining natural raw materials, renewable energy and human ingenuity.

Four of Elkem’s plants in Norway included in process industry strike

Elkem ASA